Pools Shop publishes plain-language information about swimming pools, hot tubs and the work of keeping them running. We write the explanations we wanted when we were working something out ourselves: what a piece of equipment actually does, what a test reading is telling you, and what genuinely drives the cost of owning a pool.
Who writes this
Articles are published by the Pools Shop Editorial Team. We are experienced enthusiasts and researchers — not licensed pool technicians, electricians or builders. We have no relationship with any manufacturer or retailer, and nobody pays to appear here.
Three things we will never do
- We will never tell you a pool is safe. No cover, alarm, fence or device makes a pool safe on its own. Safety around water is layered — barriers, alarms, knowing how to swim — and the layer that matters most is an adult whose job it is to watch. Nothing we publish replaces that.
- We will never give you a chemical dose, or describe mixing chemicals. The right amount depends on your water volume, your current test readings and the concentration of the specific product, none of which an article can know. Follow the label in front of you. And never mix pool chemicals — chlorine products combined with acid produce toxic gas, and people have died that way.
- We will never walk you through electrical, gas or structural work. Pumps, heaters, lighting, bonding and grounding near water are licensed trades governed by local code. We explain what a job involves and what to ask about; we do not tell you how to do it.
About costs
Pool costs vary enormously with size, region, site access and equipment, so we describe what drives a price rather than quoting one. Get quotes for your own situation.
Corrections
If we have got something wrong we would rather know. Use the contact form with the article and what is incorrect.
How this site is funded
Pools Shop is supported by advertising. Advertising has no influence over what we cover or what we conclude. See our privacy policy for how advertising cookies work.