In this episode of Pool School Podcast, host Roy "Al G." Free takes a deep dive into one of the most crucial, yet often overlooked, aspects of pool care: the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI). If you've ever wondered why your pool water sometimes feels off, or why scale builds up in your pool equipment, this episode is for you.

Roy breaks down the science of LSI in an easy-to-understand way, explaining how it helps you maintain the perfect balance in your pool water. He’ll cover how LSI can prevent scaling and corrosion, ensuring your pool and equipment stay in top condition.

But LSI isn’t just another pool chemistry term—it’s a game changer when it comes to keeping your water crystal clear and your maintenance costs low. Roy will also discuss how LSI fits into your overall pool care routine, along with the vital roles of pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness.

Whether you're a seasoned pool owner or just getting started, this episode will give you the knowledge to fine-tune your pool chemistry and keep your backyard oasis running smoothly. Tune in for an engaging mix of chemistry, practical tips, and a touch of humor to keep things light. You’ll leave this episode feeling more confident in managing your pool and understanding exactly what makes your water tick.

In this episode of the Pool School Podcast, your host Roy "Al. G." Free dives deep into the often-overlooked yet crucial aspect of pool maintenance: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Its Effect on Swimming Pool Maintenance.

Al. G. begins by explaining what TDS is—basically, everything dissolved in your pool water that isn’t water, from salts and minerals to sunscreens, oils, and even sweat. It's a combination of all the substances in the water that can directly affect the overall water quality.

As TDS builds up, it can lead to a series of headaches for pool owners, such as reduced effectiveness of chlorine, scaling on pool tiles and equipment, and even cloudy water. Al. G. explains how these issues arise when TDS levels go above the ideal range of 500 to 1,500 ppm and what that means for your pool. He also shares some practical tips for controlling and managing TDS, including regular testing, proper chemical use, filtration maintenance, and the ultimate fix—water replacement (yes, sometimes you’ll need to dilute your pool!).

And of course, what would a Pool School Podcast episode be without some dad jokes? Al. G. drops one or two zingers to keep the mood light, including one about a pool with a “bad attitude” due to “too many dissolved issues” (you’ll get it when you hear it!).

Tune in to get all the essential info you need to keep your pool TDS in check and ensure a sparkling, healthy swimming environment.

In this episode of the Pool School Podcast, host Roy "Al. G." Free takes a deep dive into the critical yet often misunderstood aspect of pool care: Calcium Hardness in Pool Care. While many pool owners focus on pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels, maintaining proper calcium hardness is just as essential to ensure the longevity of your pool and its equipment.

Al. G. breaks down what calcium hardness is, why it’s important, and how it directly affects pool water chemistry. Learn how proper calcium hardness levels can prevent both scaling and corrosion, two common issues that can cause long-term damage to your pool surfaces, tiles, equipment, and plumbing. Al. G. also explains how to test for calcium hardness, interpret the results, and adjust it when necessary to keep your pool in top condition.

The episode covers practical advice on how to raise or lower calcium hardness, including the best methods and chemicals for making adjustments. Al. G. also discusses how different types of pools—concrete, plaster, vinyl, and fiberglass—can be affected differently by calcium hardness levels and why it’s crucial to manage it properly.

Whether you're a pool service professional or a first-time pool owner, this episode will equip you with the knowledge needed to manage calcium hardness effectively. Tune in to learn how maintaining the right balance of calcium hardness ensures a clean, safe, and efficient pool while protecting your investment in the long run!