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PoolCo's Algae Free Guarantee Sale!

Why! Why! Why! No Chlorine Reading on my Test Strips!

Here's the situation:

"Why when lots of shock was added to the pool and I know it's there, I get no reading on 3 different test kits.  I tested immediately after adding the shock, I got a reading of 10 (extreme high). In 5 hours no reading at all (extreme low). I used shock from two different sources. Also, I never had this problem in 30 years." 

It's not the product.

It's not the test kits. 

You simply have not added enough chlorine!

You must add enough chlorine to react with all of the organic matter, algae (live and dead) and wastes in the pool, pipes and filters. 

Green pool. Cloudy pool.

Obviously, if the pool is cloudy or green with algae, you will need to add large doses of chlorine shock. It's easier to understand why you can't establish a chlorine reading if a pool is in that type of condition and obviously needs extreme chemical treatment.

Clear pool.

However, you can have a clear pool and not be able to establish a free chlorine reading.  The pool appears clear. Yet no reading on your testing equipment. That's because what you can't see is microscopic in size (bacteria and particles). By the way, if I looked at your "clear" pool, I would probably not consider it clear, but dull looking. An officially clear pool is CRYSTAL clear and sparkling!

So then, how do you know how much is enough?

ANSWER: Until you get a free chlorine level to last through an overnight period, you will probably not have added enough. 

For the best results bring a sample of your pool water to PoolCo for a complete computerized water analysis. We will customize a plan and diagnose proper dosages for helping overcome this chlorine demand situation. Best of all, the test is free!

As for why this has never happened to you before: 

There could be many explanations for why you never had the problem before. Closing too early in the fall or opening too late in the spring. Winterizing chemicals only last for a very short time once the water under the cover begins to heat up. Older pool cover with pin holes?

SAFETY NOTE: NEVER Add shock through the skimmer! Always add pool shock to water, either directly to the pool or add to a large bucket filled with water.

Pool equipment and chemical manufacturers advise not to do this, as it may damage equipment or cause a dangerous chemical reaction.

2011 Pool School Newsletter Spring Sale

PoolCo's 33rd Anniversary Pool Sale!

Older Winter Pool Covers That May Have a Pinholes

Do you have a solid winter pool cover that has developed small pin holes?


Small holes in a solid cover can allow you to pump out pool water.


How do you avoid pumping out water from under the pool cover? 


1. Place your Cover Saver non electric pump 3' to 5' from the side of the pool where you plan to pump off the water. Now put a Frisbee or similar object under the Cover Saver.   Only water that collects in the Frisbee will be pumped.


2. Wrap a large brick or patio block in duct tape (nothing larger than 8" x 8" x 2") and place on top the pump to help weight it and the cover down.


3. Using a vacuum pole with a pool brush attached, start by pushing or pooling the water on top of the cover to to the pump. More...


Once you get the cover off seriously consider discarding this cover and plan to purchase a new winter cover in the fall.

Consider the following helpful tips to avoid pin holes in your new winter cover:

If excessive weight is allowed to collect on the cover:

     The water under the cover will become displaced, resulting in the loss of the chemically treated  water in the pool.

     Water is very heavy and allowing over 6 inches of water, ice or snow may damage to your cover by streching it.

     Extreme amounts of water on top of the cover can pull the sides of the pool in, causing permanent damage to the pool.

     If the cover tears, debris from the cover will fall into the pool water and cost you time and money to clean.