ACORB POOLS

09/02/2026

💧 Why Is My Pool Using So Much Chlorine? 7 Possible Causes

Are you adding chlorine to your pool over and over, but the level keeps dropping?

If your pool is using much more chlorine than normal, simply adding more may not solve the real problem.

Here are 7 common reasons:

1. ☀️ Intense sunlight

Houston-area sun can destroy chlorine quickly, especially when the pool does not have the proper level of stabilizer (CYA).

Too little CYA means chlorine disappears rapidly. Too much CYA can also create problems by making chlorine less effective.

2. 🌡️ High water temperatures

Warm water increases chlorine demand and creates better conditions for algae and bacteria to grow.

That is why pools often require more chlorine during the hottest months of the year.

3. 🦠 Algae may already be growing

Your pool does not have to be green to have algae.

Microscopic algae can begin developing while the water still looks clear. One of the first warning signs can be chlorine levels that keep dropping.

Watch for slippery walls, slight cloudiness, algae in corners, or chlorine repeatedly falling close to zero.

4. ⛈️ Rain and organic debris

Heavy rain can dilute your pool water and bring in dirt, leaves, pollen, insects, and other contaminants.

Chlorine gets consumed while oxidizing all that organic material, which can cause your chlorine level to drop quickly after a storm.

5. 🏊 Heavy swimmer use

Pool parties and increased swimming can significantly increase chlorine demand.

Sweat, sunscreen, body oils, cosmetics, and other contaminants all have to be handled by your sanitizer.

6. 🔄 Poor circulation or filtration

Sometimes the problem is not the amount of chlorine you are adding.

A dirty filter, clogged basket, inadequate pump runtime, circulation problem, or equipment issue can create areas where algae begins to grow.

Good pool maintenance requires chemistry, circulation, and filtration to work together.

7. 🧪 Your water chemistry is out of balance

pH, CYA, alkalinity, calcium, and other factors can affect how well chlorine works.

Elevated phosphates can also contribute to persistent algae problems. Phosphates do not directly consume chlorine, but they can provide nutrients that help algae grow, increasing the pool's chlorine demand.

⚠️ Adding more chlorine isn't always the answer.

If your chlorine keeps disappearing, the important question is WHY.

Finding the cause early can prevent cloudy water, algae growth, expensive chemical treatments, and eventually a completely green pool.

At ACORB POOLS, we provide professional weekly pool service including water testing and balancing, vacuuming, skimming, basket cleaning, equipment checks, and digital service reports with chemistry readings and photos after every visit.

📞 Is your pool consuming too much chlorine?

Contact us today and let us help identify the cause before your pool turns green.

ACORB POOLS
📞 832-818-8584
📧 [[email protected]
🌐 acorbpools.com

Serving Katy, Sugar Land, Missouri City, and surrounding Houston communities.

08/28/2026

💧 IS YOUR POOL LEAKING—OR IS IT JUST EVAPORATION?

You fill your pool, and a few days later the water level is down again. Is that normal—or is water escaping somewhere?

For homeowners in Houston, Katy, Sugar Land, and Richmond, some pool water loss is expected. But constantly adding water should not become a substitute for finding out where it is going.

The important question is: Is your pool losing more water than ev***ration alone would explain? 🔎

☀️ WHY POOLS LOSE WATER NATURALLY

Ev***ration happens when water turns into v***r and leaves the pool. How quickly this happens depends on several factors:

• Water temperature and sun exposure.
• Humidity and wind.
• Whether your pool is heated.
• The use of fountains, waterfalls, and other water features.

Even cooler weather does not necessarily stop ev***ration, especially when warm pool water meets dry, moving air.

There is no single daily water-loss number that proves every pool is normal—or leaking. Splashing, filter backwashing, and vacuuming to waste can also lower the water level.

That is why comparing your pool with your neighbor’s pool—or relying on a general rule—is not always enough.

🚩 WARNING SIGNS YOU SHOULD NOT IGNORE

Pay attention if:

• You are adding water noticeably more often than usual under similar weather conditions.
• The water level keeps dropping when nobody is swimming and no water has been discharged for cleaning.
• There are persistent wet spots around the equipment or nearby ground that rain and irrigation do not explain.
• You notice dripping from pipes, valves, or equipment.
• Your water bill rises without an obvious explanation.

These signs do not automatically confirm a pool leak, but they deserve investigation.

🪣 TRY THE BUCKET TEST

A simple bucket test helps compare ev***ration with the total water loss from your pool.

1️⃣ Start with your pool at its normal operating water level. Turn off the automatic filler, if you have one.

2️⃣ Place a clean, watertight bucket securely on a pool step. The bucket should be partially submerged, with its rim above the pool surface, and unable to tip or float away.

3️⃣ Add pool water to the bucket. Mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool water level outside it.

4️⃣ Leave it for 24 hours. Keep your normal filtration schedule, but turn off decorative water features. Do not swim, add water, backwash, or vacuum to waste during the test. If rain or splashing interferes, start again.

5️⃣ Compare how far each water level dropped from its own starting mark.

✅ If both drops are approximately equal, ev***ration likely explains most of the water loss during that test.

⚠️ If the pool drops noticeably more than the bucket, a leak or another unaccounted-for discharge needs investigation.

The bucket test is a useful first step, but it does not locate a leak or rule out every small or intermittent problem.

Safety reminder: Keep children away from the bucket and secure pool access. Monitor the water level, and stop the test if it becomes too low for safe pump operation. Never let the pump run dry.

💡 AN AUTOMATIC FILLER CAN HIDE A LEAK

An automatic filler replaces lost water, so your pool may look perfectly full while using much more water than it should.

A steady water level does not necessarily mean everything is fine. Unusually frequent filling or an unexplained increase in your water bill can be important clues.

🔧 WHY EARLY ATTENTION MATTERS

A leak can waste more than water. It also carries away dissolved pool chemicals, while replacement water can change your pool’s chemical balance.

If the water level falls too far, the skimmer may draw air, circulation can suffer, and the pump may lose prime or become damaged.

Some leaks are visible around the equipment. Others require specialized testing of underground plumbing or the pool structure. Do not drain your pool yourself to look for the source.

If water is dropping rapidly, equipment is spraying water, or the pump is drawing air, contact a professional promptly instead of waiting to finish a bucket test.

💙 HOW ACORB POOLS CAN HELP

Our weekly service includes equipment checks that can help identify visible problems early. If you are adding water more often than usual, tell us—even if your pool still looks clear.

We can inspect the visible equipment, discuss what you have observed, and recommend the appropriate next step, including specialized leak detection when needed.

📲 Don’t keep guessing—or just keep adding water. Call or text ACORB POOLS at 832-818-8584 to schedule an equipment check and discuss your pool’s needs.

📧 [email protected]
🌐 acorbpools.com

A little ev***ration is normal. Unexplained water loss deserves attention. 💧

08/22/2026

🔊 Why Is Your Pool Pump Making a Strange Noise?

Your pool pump should run with a steady, relatively quiet sound. If it suddenly starts grinding, screeching, rattling, humming, or sounding louder than usual, don’t ignore it. That noise may be an early warning that something is wrong.

Common causes include:

🔹 Clogged impeller: Leaves, hair, or debris can restrict water flow and make the pump work harder.

🔹 Worn motor bearings: A high-pitched squealing or grinding sound often indicates deteriorating bearings. If addressed early, the motor may be repairable.

🔹 Cavitation: When the pump isn’t receiving enough water, air bubbles can form and collapse inside it. The pump may sound like it is moving rocks or gravel.

🔹 Air leaks: A loose pump lid, damaged O-ring, low water level, or suction-side plumbing leak can pull air into the system.

🔹 Failing motor: Humming, overheating, or repeated shutdowns may indicate electrical problems or a motor approaching the end of its life.

Continuing to operate a noisy pump can damage the impeller, seals, motor, or other components—turning a manageable repair into a costly replacement.

If your pool pump doesn’t sound normal, early inspection can save you money and prevent your circulation system from failing completely.

📞 Call or text ACORB POOLS: 832-818-8584
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://acorbpools.com/

Contact us today to schedule a professional pool equipment inspection.

Comprehensive Weekly Service
Our services are designed to take the hassle out of pool ownership. Our comprehensive service includes cleaning, inspection, and necessary chemicals adjustments to keep your pool running smoothly.

08/12/2026

🏊‍♂️ Why Does Your Pool Smell So Strongly Like Chlorine?

Many people assume that a strong chlorine smell means there is too much chlorine in the pool. Surprisingly, it often means the opposite.

That familiar odor is usually caused by chloramines—compounds formed when chlorine reacts with sweat, body oils, sunscreen, and other contaminants in the water. When chloramines accumulate, the chlorine becomes less effective at sanitizing the pool.

Other warning signs may include:

💧 Burning or irritated eyes
💧 Itchy skin after swimming
💧 Cloudy or dull-looking water
💧 Algae beginning to form
💧 A strong chemical smell around the pool

A properly balanced and sanitized pool should have very little noticeable chlorine odor. Correcting the problem may require testing the water, adjusting its chemistry, improving circulation, and applying the appropriate treatment to eliminate the chloramines.

Don’t simply add chemicals without first identifying the cause. Incorrect treatment can waste money and make the water even more difficult to balance.

If your pool smells strongly of chlorine or the water does not feel comfortable, let ACORB POOLS inspect it and determine what it needs.

📞 Call or text: 832-818-8584
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Visit: https://acorbpools.com/

Contact us today to schedule a free onsite evaluation and enjoy cleaner, safer, and more comfortable pool water.

08/05/2026

☀️ Is Your Pool Pump Running Long Enough During a Houston Summer?

Houston’s extreme heat, intense sunlight, heavy rain, and frequent pool use can make summer especially challenging for swimming pools. Your pump and filtration system must run long enough each day to circulate the water, distribute chemicals, remove debris, and help prevent cloudy water and algae.

During the Houston summer, many residential pools need approximately 10–12 hours of circulation per day. However, the ideal runtime depends on several factors:

• Pool size and water volume
• Pump size and flow rate
• Single-speed or variable-speed pump
• Filter type and condition
• Amount of sunlight and surrounding vegetation
• Number of swimmers
• Saltwater or traditional chlorine system

A variable-speed pump may run longer at a lower speed while using considerably less electricity. A single-speed pump may require a different schedule. Saltwater pools also need sufficient runtime because the salt cell produces chlorine only while the system is operating.

Signs your pump may not be running long enough include:

• Cloudy or dull-looking water
• Algae developing in corners or on steps
• Debris remaining on the surface
• Weak or inconsistent circulation
• Chlorine levels that are difficult to maintain

Before increasing the runtime, make sure the filter is clean, baskets are clear, the water level is correct, and the equipment is operating properly. Running a system longer will not solve a clogged filter, blocked line, damaged pump, or incorrect chemical balance.

At ACORB POOLS, we inspect the equipment and water chemistry during every weekly visit. Proper circulation, filtration, and chemical balance work together to keep your pool clean, clear, and ready to enjoy throughout the Houston summer.

Not sure whether your pool pump is running long enough? Contact us and we’ll be happy to help.

📞 832-818-8584
🌐 https://acorbpools.com/
✉️ [email protected]

ACORB POOLS — Professional Pool Services

07/24/2026

Phosphates in Swimming Pools: When Treatment Is Actually Necessary

Phosphates are a common concern for pool owners, especially during Houston’s hot summer months. They are nutrients that algae can use to grow, and they may enter a swimming pool through rainwater, lawn fertilizer, leaves, soil, swimmers, fill water, and certain pool chemicals.

A phosphate reading does not automatically mean that your pool has a serious problem. However, when phosphate levels become elevated, they can make algae more difficult to control and increase the amount of chlorine needed to keep the water clean.

What Are Phosphates?

Phosphates are compounds containing phosphorus. They are usually invisible in pool water and do not directly make the water unsafe. The concern is that they can serve as a food source for algae.

Chlorine is still the pool’s primary defense against algae. A properly sanitized pool may remain clear even when phosphates are present. However, high phosphate levels can reduce the margin for error. When chlorine drops because of heavy rain, intense sunlight, equipment problems, or increased swimmer use, algae may develop more quickly.

When Is Phosphate Treatment Necessary?

Phosphate treatment should be considered when:

The phosphate level is significantly elevated.
The pool repeatedly develops algae despite proper cleaning and chemical maintenance.
Chlorine demand is unusually high.
The water becomes cloudy or develops green areas soon after treatment.
The pool has recently received fertilizer runoff, excessive organic debris, or contaminated fill water.
The pool is entering the warmest part of the year, when algae growth is more aggressive.

As a general target, phosphate levels below approximately 100 parts per billion are considered very low. Once readings rise above several hundred parts per billion, phosphate control may become beneficial, particularly in pools with recurring algae or chlorine-demand problems.

The phosphate reading should always be evaluated together with the pool’s chlorine, pH, alkalinity, cyanuric acid, circulation, filtration, and overall condition.

High Phosphates Are Not the Only Cause of Algae

It is important not to treat phosphates as the explanation for every pool problem. Algae can also result from:

Insufficient free chlorine
Excessively high cyanuric acid
Poor circulation
Inadequate pump runtime
A dirty or damaged filter
Areas of the pool that are not brushed regularly
Equipment or plumbing problems

Adding phosphate remover without correcting these underlying conditions may provide only temporary improvement.

What Happens During Phosphate Treatment?

Phosphate remover reacts with the phosphates in the water and forms very small particles. These particles are then captured by the pool filter.

Because of this process, the water may appear cloudy or hazy for up to approximately 24 to 48 hours after treatment. This is often a normal part of the removal process rather than a sign that the treatment has failed.

The pump must run long enough to circulate the product throughout the pool, and the filter should be monitored carefully because it may collect a significant amount of material.

Why Filter Cleaning Is an Important Part of the Process

Phosphate remover does not simply make phosphates disappear. It transfers them from the water into the filter.

If the filter is not cleaned after treatment, the captured material remains inside the filtration system. This can restrict water flow, increase filter pressure, reduce circulation, and interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment.

For this reason, professional phosphate removal often includes:

Testing the phosphate level.
Calculating and applying the correct treatment amount.
Circulating the water.
Monitoring filter pressure and water clarity.
Cleaning the filter.
Retesting the water after treatment.

Very high phosphate levels may require more than one treatment cycle. The first treatment may significantly reduce the concentration without immediately bringing it to the lowest possible level.

Should Every Pool Be Treated?

No. A clear, properly sanitized pool with stable chemistry may not require phosphate removal simply because phosphates are detected.

Treatment becomes more valuable when phosphate levels are high and the pool is experiencing algae, excessive chlorine demand, cloudy water, or repeated chemical instability. The decision should be based on the complete condition of the pool rather than one number alone.

Professional Phosphate Testing and Treatment

At ACORB POOLS, we evaluate phosphate readings together with the pool’s sanitation, circulation, filtration, and water chemistry. When treatment is appropriate, we use the correct amount of phosphate remover, monitor the pool during the process, and clean the filter to remove the material captured from the water.

Concerned about high phosphates, recurring algae, or unusually high chlorine use? Contact ACORB POOLS for a professional pool evaluation.

ACORB POOLS LLC
Phone: 832-818-8584
Email: [email protected]
Website: acorbpools.com

07/21/2026

5 Signs Your Pool Has a Circulation Problem

Good circulation is essential for keeping your pool clean, clear, and properly sanitized. When water is not moving correctly, chemicals cannot distribute evenly, debris may remain trapped, and algae can begin to grow.

Here are five common warning signs:

1. Weak Water Flow from the Return Jets
Place your hand near the return jets. If the water flow feels weaker than usual, the filter may be dirty, a basket may be clogged, the water level may be too low, or there may be a problem with the pump.

2. Dead Spots in the Pool
Corners, steps, benches, and areas behind ladders often receive less water movement. Dirt, debris, and algae can quickly accumulate in these areas.

3. Cloudy Water That Keeps Returning
Cloudy water is not always caused by poor chemistry. When the chemicals are balanced but the water remains cloudy, the circulation or filtration system may not be working effectively.

4. Algae Growing Near Steps or Corners
Algae often begins in areas with weak circulation. Green or yellow patches around steps, walls, corners, or behind ladders may indicate that treated water is not reaching those areas properly.

5. Poor Skimmer Action
Your skimmer should pull leaves and surface debris toward the basket. If debris continues floating around the pool, the skimmer may be clogged, the water level may be incorrect, or the circulation system may need adjustment.

Ignoring circulation problems can lead to algae, cloudy water, higher chemical use, and costly damage to your pool equipment.

Do not wait until a small circulation issue becomes an expensive repair. Contact ACORB Pools today to schedule a free onsite estimate and let our team inspect your water flow, pump, filter, baskets, equipment, and pool chemistry.

📞 Call or text: 832-818-8584
📧 Email: [email protected]
🌐 Website: acorbpools.com
🕘 Business hours: Monday–Friday, 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m. Central Time

Professional weekly pool service, detailed digital reports, equipment inspections, and dependable care for your pool.

Comprehensive Weekly Service
Our services are designed to take the hassle out of pool ownership. Our comprehensive service includes cleaning, inspection, and necessary chemicals adjustments to keep your pool running smoothly.

07/10/2026

The 7 Warning Signs Your Pool Is About to Have a Major Problem

Most major pool repairs do not happen overnight. They usually begin with small warning signs that are easy to miss or ignore.

If you notice any of these issues, it is a good idea to have your pool checked before a minor problem becomes an expensive repair.

1. Your Pump Is Getting Louder

A pump that starts making unusual noises may have worn bearings, air entering the system, or another mechanical problem. Catching it early can help prevent a complete pump failure.

2. The Filter Pressure Keeps Climbing

If your filter pressure stays higher than normal, the filter may need cleaning or water flow may be restricted. Running the system this way can place unnecessary strain on your equipment.

3. The Water Is Turning Cloudy

Cloudy water is often one of the first signs that something is wrong. It may point to poor filtration, unbalanced water chemistry, or the beginning of an algae problem.

4. You Are Adding More Chlorine Than Usual

If your pool suddenly seems to use up chlorine very quickly, there may be an underlying issue such as high cyanuric acid, phosphates, algae growth, or heavy organic contamination.

5. The Water Level Keeps Dropping

Some ev***ration is normal, especially during the summer. But if you are adding water more often than usual, you may have a leak in the plumbing, equipment, or pool structure.

6. Air Bubbles Are Coming From the Return Jets

Bubbles in the return lines or air inside the pump basket may mean the system is drawing air through a suction-side leak. This reduces circulation and can damage the pump over time.

7. Green Spots Are Starting to Appear

A few small green spots on the walls or steps may seem minor, but they can be the first sign of algae growth. Acting early is much easier than recovering a completely green pool.

Do Not Wait for a Small Problem to Become a Major Repair

At ACORB POOLS, every weekly service includes more than skimming and adding chemicals. We monitor water chemistry, inspect the equipment, check circulation, and look for early warning signs that could lead to expensive problems.

If your pool is showing any of these signs, call or message us today to schedule an inspection or request a free estimate for weekly Pool Maintenance Service.

📞 832-818-8584
📧 [email protected]
🌐 https://acorbpools.com

Protect your pool, your equipment, and your investment with reliable professional care.

Acorb Pools delivers expert pool cleaning, maintenance & repairs across Katy, Sugar Land & Houston. Reliable, no-skipped-service care you can trust.

06/02/2026

Calcium Hypochlorite Shock vs. Chlorine Tablets vs. Liquid Chlorine: What Should You Use in Your Pool?

Keeping a pool clear and healthy is not only about “adding chlorine.” The type of chlorine you use matters. Different chlorine products affect your pool water in different ways, and using the wrong product too often can lead to cloudy water, algae, scaling, high stabilizer, low pH, equipment problems, or unnecessary chemical expenses.

At ACORB POOLS, we believe good pool care starts with proper testing, proper chemistry, and choosing the right product for the condition of the water.

Here is a simple comparison of three common chlorine options: calcium hypochlorite shock, chlorine tablets, and liquid chlorine.

Calcium Hypochlorite Shock

Calcium hypochlorite is a strong chlorine product commonly used to quickly raise chlorine levels, fight algae, and help recover pools after heavy use, storms, or contamination.

Pros:
It is powerful and fast-acting.
It is very effective for algae treatment and pool recovery.
It does not add cyanuric acid, also called stabilizer.
It is easier to store and transport than liquid chlorine.
It has a good shelf life when stored properly.

Cons:
It adds calcium to the water, which can increase calcium hardness over time.
If calcium hardness gets too high, the pool can become more prone to scaling and cloudy water.
It should be added carefully, and in some cases pre-dissolved, to avoid bleaching or damaging certain pool surfaces.
It can temporarily cloud the water if not added properly or if the water chemistry is already unbalanced.
It should never be mixed directly with other chemicals.

Best use:
Calcium hypochlorite shock is excellent for raising chlorine quickly and treating algae, especially when stabilizer is already high. However, calcium hardness should be monitored, especially in areas with hard water.

Chlorine Tablets

Chlorine tablets are popular because they are convenient and dissolve slowly. They are often placed in a floater or an automatic chlorinator.

Pros:
They are easy to use.
They provide a slow and steady release of chlorine.
They are convenient between service visits.
They can be helpful during hot weather when chlorine demand is high.

Cons:
Most tablets add stabilizer to the water.
Over time, stabilizer can get too high and make chlorine less effective.
Tablets are acidic and can lower pH and alkalinity.
If placed incorrectly, they can damage pool surfaces or equipment.
Using tablets as the only chlorine source all year can create long-term water balance problems.

Best use:
Chlorine tablets can be useful, but they should not be used blindly all year without checking stabilizer levels.

Liquid Chlorine

Liquid chlorine is one of the fastest ways to raise free chlorine. From a chemistry standpoint, one of its biggest advantages is that it does not add stabilizer or calcium to the water.

Pros:
It works fast.
It does not increase cyanuric acid.
It does not add calcium hardness.
It is good for regular chlorination and algae prevention.
It can be a good option for pools that already have enough stabilizer and calcium.

Cons:
It loses strength over time, especially when stored in heat or sunlight.
It usually needs to be added more often.
It has a high pH, so acid adjustments may be needed.
It can be inconvenient to store, carry, and transport.
Handling liquid chlorine can be messy and risky.
Splashing can stain clothes, irritate skin or eyes, and damage nearby surfaces if not handled carefully.

Best use:
Liquid chlorine is excellent for regular maintenance when the water is being tested and balanced properly, but it should be handled with care.

So, which one is better?

There is no single answer for every pool.

Calcium hypochlorite shock is powerful and useful for algae treatment and quick chlorine increases, but it adds calcium.

Chlorine tablets are convenient, but they add stabilizer and can create problems if used too much.

Liquid chlorine works fast and does not add stabilizer or calcium, but it can be harder to handle, store, and transport safely.

The best solution is to test the water, understand what the pool actually needs, and choose the right product at the right time.

At ACORB POOLS, we help homeowners keep their pools clean, clear, balanced, and protected. Proper water chemistry helps prevent algae, protects your pool equipment, and makes your pool safer and more enjoyable.

Need reliable pool maintenance or pool equipment repair?

Contact ACORB POOLS today. Send us a text with your name, address, email, and a short description of what you need. We will review your request and get back to you with the next steps.

ACORB POOLS
Phone/Text: 832-818-8584
Email: [email protected]
Website: https://acorbpools.com

Professional pool maintenance and equipment repair for homeowners who want their pool clean, clear, and properly cared for.

05/20/2026

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