A freeform, kidney-shaped swimming pool with bright blue water is surrounded by a plain concrete deck. The pool is located within a residential development, with several two-story houses and construction sites visible in the background. A black metal fence separates the pool area from the houses. A large, open gazebo with white columns is visible on the left.

Concrete, Vinyl, or Fiberglass: Which Pool Type is Right for You?

Choosing a pool type is a big decision—and not just for summer fun. It’s a long-term investment in your home and lifestyle. The three most common inground pool types are concrete (including gunite and shotcrete), vinyl, and fiberglass. Each comes with its own strengths and challenges. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the key differences, but since Carlton Pools …

A person wearing a dark blue polo shirt, a matching baseball cap, and khaki shorts is cleaning a swimming pool with a handheld pool skimmer. The person is holding the skimmer with both hands and is focused on the task. The pool water is sparkling blue, and the surrounding area includes stone coping and lush green foliage in the background.

Why DIY Pool Maintenance Can Cost You More in the Long Run

Pool owners often think DIY maintenance will save them money. But this choice can lead to bigger costs down the road. This blog will show you why hiring pros can be cheaper in the long run. Ready to learn more? Key Takeaways Hidden Costs of DIY Pool Maintenance DIY pool maintenance can hide some hefty costs. You might not see …

A poolside view of a modern swimming pool and patio area. The pool has a dark interior and features a shallow sun shelf with an in-pool lounge chair and a large blue patio umbrella. The pool area is surrounded by a light-colored patio and a retaining wall made of stacked stone, which supports a landscaped garden bed. A wooden fence and a dense line of trees are visible in the background, with another blue umbrella and four white lounge chairs on the patio. In the foreground, a large white flowering bush and other green foliage frame the shot from the right.

How to Keep Your Pool Water Clear After a Big Party

Keeping your pool clean after a big holiday party is key to clear water. Start with these basic steps to remove debris and prevent algae growth. Key Takeaways Test and Balance Water Chemistry Testing and balancing your pool’s water chemistry is key after a big party. Grab a test kit and check the chlorine levels, which should stay between one …

A wide shot of a rectangular swimming pool with a white pool house behind it. The pool house has a dark gray metal roof, black barn doors, and dark shutters. Four lounge chairs sit in front of it. A stone wall with a waterfall feature is on the left side of the pool. The entire scene is surrounded by lush green grass and tall trees.

How to Quickly Clean a Pool Before a Party

Planning a pool party but just realized your water’s not ready? Don’t panic—you’ve got time. With a little hustle and the right steps, you can get your pool clean, safe, and sparkling in just a few days. Here’s how to do it fast. Start with a Professional Pool Water Test Before anything else, take a water sample to a local …

A person wearing a blue polo shirt and khaki shorts uses a long, light blue pool pole to clean the water in a swimming pool. The pool is surrounded by a stone deck and a grassy area with a fence in the background.

Should You Pour Pool Shock Directly Into the Water?

Many pool owners wonder if they can pour pool shock straight into the water. Pool shock is a strong chemical that kills bacteria and algae in pools. This article will explain the right way to use pool shock safely. Key Takeaways What is Pool Shock? Pool shock is a powerful chemical treatment used to clean and sanitize swimming pools. It’s …

A five-gallon bucket of pool shock and a green hose lie on the concrete deck next to a swimming pool. The water is a bright blue, and two white lounge chairs sit at the opposite end.

Can You Add Pool Shock Without the Filter Running?

Pool owners often face a tricky situation when their filter stops working. They wonder if they can still add shock to keep their pool clean. Pool shock is a strong chemical that kills bacteria and algae in the water. This article will explain how to add pool shock without a running filter. Ready to learn more? Key Takeaways Can You …

A wide shot of a rectangular swimming pool with a white pool house behind it. The pool house has a dark gray metal roof, black barn doors, and dark shutters. Four lounge chairs sit in front of it. A stone wall with a waterfall feature is on the left side of the pool. The entire scene is surrounded by lush green grass and tall trees.

Can You Run Your Pool Pump 24 Hours a Day?

Factors to Consider for Pool Pump Run Time Pool pump run time depends on several key factors. These factors affect how long you should run your pump each day. Pool size and turnover rate Pool size plays a big role in how long a pump should run. Larger pools need more time to filter all their water. The turnover rate …

An aerial shot of a large backyard with a bean-shaped swimming pool. The pool has a curved set of steps and is surrounded by a light-colored concrete deck. The deck has a connected circular hot tub area.

Step-by-Step Guide: How to Clean Your Pool Filters

Pool maintenance is crucial for keeping your pool water clean, clear, and ready for swimming all season long. Properly cleaned filters play a significant role in maintaining water quality and extending the life of your pool equipment. But how exactly do you clean your pool filters? As experts in pool installation, renovation, and maintenance, Carlton Pools specializes in cleaning pool …

A lush, landscaped backyard featuring a swimming pool with a connected circular hot tub. The hot tub has a stone-tiled exterior and a small waterfall. The pool area has an elaborate, multi-tiered waterfall made of stone tiles and a textured wall. The waterfalls cascade into the pool. The surrounding patio is paved with light-colored bricks, and the landscaping includes various green plants and a large potted plant in the foreground. An outdoor umbrella and patio chairs are visible on a higher patio level behind the waterfall.

Which Chemicals Are Used in Pools, and Why?

While everyone loves swimming in pools to cool off and relax during the summer, their maintenance should never be neglected. Adding the right chemicals to the water is an integral part of pool maintenance, and while those unfamiliar with swimming pools might find the process strange, it nevertheless makes the water safe to swim in. Let’s take a look at …

An aerial shot of a large backyard with a bean-shaped swimming pool. The pool has a curved set of steps and is surrounded by a light-colored concrete deck. The deck has a connected circular hot tub area.

Beginners Guide to Pool Maintenance

While owning a pool in your backyard is great for entertainment, exercise, parties, and cooling down, maintaining it is another story. There are many components that must be kept clean and functional in order for a swimming pool to be safe to use. However, if it is your first time owning one, it may be difficult to know where to …