ACORB POOLS

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 evaporation 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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05/12/2026

3 Expensive Pool Mistakes Homeowners Make

A swimming pool is a major investment, and small mistakes can quickly turn into costly repairs. Here are 3 of the most common mistakes we see:

1️⃣ Waiting too long to clean the filter
A dirty filter reduces circulation, makes your equipment work harder, and can lead to cloudy water or algae growth. Regular filter maintenance helps extend the life of your entire system.

2️⃣ Turning off the pool system for long periods during summer
Houston heat is extremely hard on pool water. Without proper circulation and chlorination, algae can begin growing very quickly — sometimes in just a couple of days.

3️⃣ Adding chemicals without proper testing
More chemicals does not always mean better water. Incorrect chemical dosing can damage plaster, equipment, and create water balance problems that become expensive to fix.

Professional weekly maintenance helps catch small problems before they become major repairs.

At ACORB POOLS we go beyond “skim and go” service. We carefully monitor your water chemistry, equipment performance, filtration, and overall pool health every week.

⚠️ Don’t wait until your pool turns green or your equipment breaks down. Prevent expensive problems before they happen.

📞 Call or text ACORB POOLS today and let our experienced team keep your pool clean, safe, and operating at its best all year long.

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

Serving Sugar Land, Katy, Richmond, Fulshear, and Southwest Houston.

04/22/2026

🧪 Did you know your pool can look clean… and still be unsafe?

Most pool problems don’t start with dirt—they start with water chemistry.

Even clear water can have:
❌ Low chlorine (which allows bacteria to grow)
❌ High phosphates (the main food source for algae)
❌ Unbalanced pH (which can damage equipment and irritate skin)

In Houston’s heat, chemistry changes fast. Strong sun, high temperatures, and heavy use can break down chlorine and throw your pool out of balance in just a few days. That’s why pools that “look fine” one week can suddenly turn cloudy or green the next.

At Acorb Pools, we don’t just clean—we focus on the science behind your water.

✔ Precise chemical balancing based on your pool’s needs
✔ Early detection of issues before they become expensive problems
✔ Consistent monitoring to keep your pool safe and crystal clear

Good pool care isn’t just about what you see on the surface—it’s about keeping the water properly balanced at all times.

Don’t wait until your pool turns into a costly problem. Spots for weekly service are limited, and once routes are full, we close new sign-ups.

Call or text today to secure your spot: 832-818-8584
Email: [email protected]

Website: https://acorbpools.com

Acorb Pools — reliable, professional, and science-driven pool care.