BHP

Pool School Blog

Local advice for Central Texas pool owners. We've compiled the most common questions about pool maintenance in the Austin, Leander, and Cedar Park areas.

Maintenance & Chemistry

Austin specific advice on balancing your water.

Equipment & Operation

How to keep your pool running smoothly in the Texas heat.

Seasonal & Extreme Weather

Preparing for freezes and heatwaves.

Why is my pool equipment making a humming noise during a freeze?

That humming sound is a warning. Expert advice on saving your pump motor during an Austin freeze.

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Freeze Protection: What to do when the Big Freeze is coming to Austin

Expert guide on protecting your Austin pool during extreme winter freezes. Learn how to prevent equipment damage and pipe bursts.

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Why are my pool tiles covered in white crusty buildup? (Calcium Scaling)

Understanding calcium scaling in Austin pools. Learn how liquid limestone in our tap water affects your pool and how to manage it.

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When is it time to resurface my pool? Signs of Austin plaster wear.

How the Central Texas climate affects the lifespan of your pool's finish.

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Do I really need to winterize my pool in Central Texas?

Why 'closing' your pool like they do up north is a mistake for Austin homeowners. How to handle the Texas 'winter'.

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My heater isn't kicking on: Common Austin troubleshoot steps

Why your pool heater might be failing and how to fix common issues before the first cold snap.

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Best Pool Cleaners for Catching Live Oak Leaves and Acorns

Why traditional suction cleaners fail against Austin's Live Oaks and what you should use instead.

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Removing stubborn 'Texas Tan' stains from pool plaster

How to handle organic and metallic stains common in Austin pools.

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Salt vs Chlorine: Which is better for the Austin climate?

Comparing salt systems and traditional chlorine for Central Texas pools. Expert advice on maintenance, costs, and equipment longevity.

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How to use the Bucket Test to check for leaks in Texas soil

Is your pool leaking or just thirsty? A step-by-step guide to the most reliable DIY leak test.

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How do I prime my pump after a power flicker?

A step-by-step expert guide to getting your pool circulation back after a Texas thunderstorm.

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How much water should I expect to lose to evaporation in July?

Is it a leak or just the Austin heat? Expert advice on normal evaporation rates in Central Texas.

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Why does my pool turn green overnight during an Austin heatwave?

Why your chlorine isn't keeping up with the Texas sun. Tips for preventing algae during Austin's 100-degree summer weeks.

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How long should I run my pump to keep water moving in the heat?

Expert advice on pump run times during Austin's triple-digit summer weeks.

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Is it safe to refill my pool during Austin Stage 2 water restrictions?

Navigating Austin's drought rules. What you can and can't do with your pool water.

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Can I use a pool cover to stop evaporation without overheating the water?

The pros and cons of using pool covers during Austin's extreme heat. How to balance water conservation with temperature control.

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How do I manage chlorine loss from the intense Texas sun?

Expert advice on using stabilizers and timing to keep your pool sanitized during Austin's high-UV summers.

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How often should I test my water during 100-degree summer days?

Why weekly testing isn't enough when the Austin heat dome is in full effect.

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How does Austin's hard water affect my pool's calcium levels?

Why your 'Calcium Hardness' is always rising in Central Texas and what you can do about it.

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How do I backwash my filter without wasting thousands of gallons?

Expert tips for efficient filter cleaning during Austin's Stage 2 water restrictions.

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Does the City of Leander have specific pool drainage rules?

Navigating local ordinances for pool drainage in Leander and Cedar Park. How to stay compliant and avoid fines.

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How to quickly clear a pool after a flash flood or heavy rainstorm

Austin's spring storms can turn your pool into a mud pit. Here's the expert recovery plan.

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What is the ideal pH for pools in Central Texas?

Why 'liquid limestone' makes pH management a daily battle for Austin homeowners.

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Protecting your pool computer & automation from Texas lightning storms

Why power surges are the biggest threat to your pool's electronics in Austin.

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Essential Pool Safety for Austin Families with Kids & Pets

Going beyond the fence. Expert safety layers for Austin backyards to protect your most precious assets.

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How do I handle heavy Oak Pollen in the spring?

A survival guide for Austin's 'Yellow Season'. How to keep your pool from turning into a pollen pond.

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Should I upgrade to a Variable Speed Pump to save on Austin energy bills?

Why the upfront cost of a VSP is the smartest investment for any Austin homeowner.

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Dealing with Cedar Fever and Oak Pollen in your Pool

How to handle the yellow dust and debris that plagues Austin pools every spring. Expert tips on skimmer socks and phosphate removal.

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When to replace cartridge filters vs just cleaning them

Expert advice on filter maintenance for Austin's high-pollen and high-calcium environment.

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How often should the Matts come out for professional service?

Choosing the right service frequency for your Austin pool's needs.

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Don't see your question?

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