--- title: "The High Dive" date: 2022-07-06 author: "Dan" --- # The High Dive # The High Dive Welcome to *The High Dive Blog*. Here, you will be provided additional tips and helpful guidelines about keeping your pool clean, safe, and enjoyable. ## Pool Maintenance Tips [See All Tips](https://www.testyourownpool.com/category/maintenance-tips) Maintaining the health of the pool’s water and equipment is key to a trouble-free swimming experience. We want to provide additional tips and guidelines on pool maintenance tasks, whether it is maintaining the pool in the offseason or getting ready to open it up in the spring. [![filling a pool with a garden hose](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/fill-hose-hero-1024x501.webp)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/maintenance-tips/fill-pool-with-hose) ### [How Long Does it Take to Fill Up Your Pool With a Garden Hose](https://www.testyourownpool.com/maintenance-tips/fill-pool-with-hose) Depending on the size, filling up an empty pool with a hose can take anywhere between 10 hours to a couple… [![](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pump-run-time-hero-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/maintenance-tips/pump-run-time) ### [How Long Should You Run Your Pool Pump Each Day?](https://www.testyourownpool.com/maintenance-tips/pump-run-time) This is one of those questions that truly has no correct answer. While there are some general guidelines to follow, the… [![pool pump capacitor](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pump-capacitor-hero-1024x501.webp)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/maintenance-tips/change-pool-pump-capacitor) ### [How to Change and Replace a Pool Pump Capacitor: Step-by-Step Guide](https://www.testyourownpool.com/maintenance-tips/change-pool-pump-capacitor) If you notice your pool pump making a faint humming or buzzing sound, don’t panic! This doesn’t mean you necessarily need… [![pump losing prime](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/pump-losing-prime-hero-1024x501.webp)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/maintenance-tips/pump-wont-prime) ### [Diagnosing Reasons Why Your Pool Pump Won’t Prime and How to Fix It](https://www.testyourownpool.com/maintenance-tips/pump-wont-prime) Priming your pump is purging air from the pipes and creating a vacuum to pull water from the pool. Staring at… [![](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/vsp-save-hero-1024x501.webp)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/maintenance-tips/vsp-saves-money) ### [Yes, A Variable-Speed Pump Really Saves You Money](https://www.testyourownpool.com/maintenance-tips/vsp-saves-money) It isn’t some big secret that owning a pool is expensive, so owners have been looking at ways to save for… [![boxes of liquid chlorine](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/12/liquid-chlorine-strength-1024x501.webp)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/maintenance-tips/liquid-chlorine-lose-strength) ### [Does Chlorine Go Bad? Explaining Liquid Chlorine’s Strength Degradation](https://www.testyourownpool.com/maintenance-tips/liquid-chlorine-lose-strength) Of all the different types of chlorine, liquid chlorine, or bleach, is (in my opinion) the best form to use. It’s… ## Pool Testing Tips [See All Tips](https://www.testyourownpool.com/category/testing-tips) Regular pool testing is a vital part of keeping it safe and clean for your family and friends. Here is some relevant information on interpreting test results, providing troubleshooting tips for when the test results are out of balance, and ways to make testing faster. [![CYA pool test showing a reading of zero](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/05/CYA-is-zero-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/testing-tips/cya-is-zero) ### [CYA is 0 Even After Adding Stabilizer. Here Are Reasons Why That Can Happen](https://www.testyourownpool.com/testing-tips/cya-is-zero) If you’ve recently added CYA to the pool, but your CYA readings are still 0, here are some reasons why that might be the case. [![ph test is purple](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/09/ph-purple-test-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/testing-tips/purple-ph-test) ### [Why is My Pool pH Test Purple? You Might Have Too Much Chlorine!](https://www.testyourownpool.com/testing-tips/purple-ph-test) When testing for pH levels in a pool, you may get a reading beyond what’s indicated on the color comparator tube… [![Pool chlorine test is orange](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/pool-chlorine-test-orange-1024x614.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/testing-tips/orange-chlorine-test) ### [Why is My Pool Chlorine Test Orange? Diagnosing Potential Reasons](https://www.testyourownpool.com/testing-tips/orange-chlorine-test) When testing chlorine levels, pool test kits usually have one of these three types of chlorine testing. When using the OTO… [![taylor k2006 test kit](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/taylor-k-2006-testing-kit-e1658534090859-1024x509.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/testing-tips/taylor-test-kit) ### [Instructions For Using Taylor Pool Test](https://www.testyourownpool.com/testing-tips/taylor-test-kit) Taylor is almost synonymous with pool testing. Because of this, they have set the standard with their line of testing kits, combining accuracy and convenience all in one. [![Taylor Technologies SpeedStir Magnetic Stirrer](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/taylor-speedstir-e1659985507988-1024x550.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/testing-tips/speedstir-magnetic-stirrer) ### [Using the Taylor SpeedStir Magnetic Stirrer Cuts Testing Time in Half](https://www.testyourownpool.com/testing-tips/speedstir-magnetic-stirrer) Taylor’s SpeedStir cuts testing time in half. Learn how it works and how to use it. [![test strips vs drop-based testing kit](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/test-strips-vs-testing-kit-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/testing-tips/test-strips-vs-drop-testing-kit) ### [Pool Water Test Strips Vs. Liquid Drops (Testing Kit): Which Is Better?](https://www.testyourownpool.com/testing-tips/test-strips-vs-drop-testing-kit) Which is better for swimming pool testing: test strips or a drop-based testing kit. Learn about the pros and cons of each testing method. ## Pool Chemistry Tips [See All Tips](https://www.testyourownpool.com/category/chemistry-tips) Understanding pool chemistry and water balance is an important piece of the overall pool maintenance puzzle. Here is additional information on the relationships between chemistry parameters. [![total alkalinity test](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/09/total-alkalinity-test-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemistry-tips/lower-total-alkalinity) ### [Here’s How to Lower Total Alkalinity In Your Swimming Pool](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemistry-tips/lower-total-alkalinity) Total alkalinity (TA) is a buffer that helps prevent pH from bouncing wildly in a pool. The relationship between alkalinity and… [![](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/fc-test-using-pool-testing-kit-e1658749020326-1024x509.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemistry-tips/total-chlorine-free-chlorine) ### [Total Chlorine vs Free Chlorine: What is the Difference?](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemistry-tips/total-chlorine-free-chlorine) Knowing the difference between total chlorine and free chlorine is important when maintaining proper pool chemistry. [![high levels of calcium causing pool surface to scale](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/high-calcium-deposits-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemistry-tips/ch-high-in-pool) ### [Too Much Calcium in the Pool: How to Lower Calcium Hardness Levels](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemistry-tips/ch-high-in-pool) Calcium hardness (CH) is often the most overlooked aspect of pool chemistry. However, too much calcium in a pool can impact… [![low ph in swimming pool](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/high-ph-in-pool-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemistry-tips/ph-low-in-pool) ### [How to Raise pH in Your Pool Quickly When it is Low](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemistry-tips/ph-low-in-pool) A low pH over a long period of time can wreak havoc on pool equipment and cause discomfort for swimmer. Diagnose why pH is low and how to increase it. [![scale between pH and total alkalinity](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/ta-ph-scale-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemistry-tips/total-alkalinity-ph-relationship) ### [Understanding the Total Alkalinity (TA) and pH Relationship & How They Work Together](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemistry-tips/total-alkalinity-ph-relationship) Better understand the relationship between pH and total alkalinity (TA). Learn how they work together to keep your pool water balanced. [![cartoon illustration of chlorine lock showing CYA higher than Chlorine](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/chlorine-lock-hero-1-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemistry-tips/chlorine-lock) ### [What is Chlorine Lock? Know the Signs and How To Fix it](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemistry-tips/chlorine-lock) Chlorine lock usually revolves around a lack of chlorine or an abundance of CYA in the water. Learn how to fix any chlorine issues. ## Pool Chemical Tips [See All Tips](https://www.testyourownpool.com/category/chemical-tips) Pool chemicals ensure that the water is not only clear but healthy to swim. Here is additional information on how to use certain chemicals. [![Pool start-up kit box](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/Pool-Start-Up-Kit-1024x538.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemical-tips/pool-start-up-kit) ### [Using a Pool Opening Kit: Are They Necessary to a Pool Opening?](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemical-tips/pool-start-up-kit) When it comes time to open the pool for the season, you might notice a pool start-up kit at your local… [![cal hypo vs liquid chlorine](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/cal-hypo-chlorine-header-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemical-tips/liquid-chlorine-vs-cal-hypo) ### [Cal Hypo (Shock) vs Liquid Chlorine: Should You Use Granules Or Liquid?](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemical-tips/liquid-chlorine-vs-cal-hypo) Liquid chlorine and cal hypo have a lot of similarities. But which is better for daily chlorination? [![liquid chlorine vs tablets image](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/04/liquid-chlorine-vs-tablets-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemical-tips/liquid-chlorine-vs-tablets) ### [Liquid Chlorine Vs. Tablets: Should You Make the Switch to Liquid?](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemical-tips/liquid-chlorine-vs-tablets) Should you be using liquid chlorine or tablets for daily use? Learn about the pros and cons of each form of chlorine. [![how long to wait between adding chemicals](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/how-long-to-wait-between-adding-chemicals-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemical-tips/wait-between-adding-chemicals) ### [How Long Do You Need to Wait Between Adding Pool Chemicals?](https://www.testyourownpool.com/chemical-tips/wait-between-adding-chemicals) Pool chemicals should never be added or mixed at the same time. Learn how long to wait between adding each chemical here. ## Party & Fun Part of owning a pool is having fun with it! Here are some tips and guides on how to elevate the pool experience with various accessories and pool party decorations. Go wild with your friends and family! [![Jalen Hurts and Patrick Mahomes in a pool. This is AI generated](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/02/hurts-mahomes-in-pool-1024x501.webp)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/fun/chiefs-eagles-pool) ### [Super Bowl Preview: Chiefs and Eagles Players as Pool Parameters](https://www.testyourownpool.com/fun/chiefs-eagles-pool) As we gear up for the Super Bowl, it’s not just about touchdowns, tackles, and halftime shows. This year, we’re bringing… [![picture of an olympic pool](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/07/olympic-pool-hero-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/fun/olympic-swimming-pools) ### [What You Need to Know About Olympic Swimming Pools](https://www.testyourownpool.com/fun/olympic-swimming-pools) Swimming has become a staple and sometimes the main event at the Summer Olympics. Whether the pools are brand new, decades… [![Backyard pool shaped like United States](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/03/pool-shaped-like-united-states-1024x538.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/fun/state-open-pools) ### [Here’s When Your State Opens Up Their Pools For The Season \[Updated: 2026\]](https://www.testyourownpool.com/fun/state-open-pools) It’s that time of the year again when colder climate pool owners nationwide begin to think about opening their pools for… [![taylor k2006 test kit](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/07/taylor-k-2006-testing-kit-e1658534090859-1024x509.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/fun/pool-gifts) ### [Here are 6 of the Best Gift Ideas Every Pool Owner Will Appreciate](https://www.testyourownpool.com/fun/pool-gifts) Here are some gift ideas for that special pool owner in your life! From pool maintenance to fun enhancements, there is a gift they’ll love! [![Pool accessories every pool owner should have](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/pool-accessories-hero-1024x538.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/fun/best-pool-accessories) ### [We Found 10 Pool Accessories That Every Pool Owner Should Have](https://www.testyourownpool.com/fun/best-pool-accessories) From safety essentials to fun gadgets, we’ve chosen the 10 must-have pool accessories and supplies that will elevate your pool time and make your swim season unforgettable. [![assortment of halloween costume](https://www.testyourownpool.com/wp-content/uploads/2022/10/costume-hero-1024x501.jpg)](https://www.testyourownpool.com/fun/halloween-pool-costumes) ### [5 Cheap Swimming Pool Party Costume Ideas That Guests Will Love!](https://www.testyourownpool.com/fun/halloween-pool-costumes) We have listed out some fun and creative swimming pool costume ideas for pool owners and & that will undoubtedly be a hit on Halloween night.