Bought a house with a pool? You'll have all of these by week three.
North Texas brings its own variables: oak pollen for six weeks, calcium-rich source water, sub-freezing nights every winter, and summers that crank chemistry usage. The advice below is calibrated for those realities, not a generic national pool blog.
The questions
- How often does the pump need to run? 6–8 hours/day in season
- How often should I shock? Once a week or after heavy use
- What chemicals do I need every month? Chlorine, pH adjusters, stabilizer
- How do I know the salt cell is working? Watch the chlorine output % on the panel
- Should I run heater overnight? No — schedule for peak swim hours only
- Why is the filter pressure rising? Time to backwash or clean cartridge
- How long does the plaster last? 8–12 years on traditional plaster
- What's that white residue on the tile? Calcium scale — preventable with right chemistry
- Do I need a cover? In DFW yes — saves water and heat
- How much will service cost me? $145–$295/month for weekly
- Can I DIY? Yes for a year. Then most people switch to a pro
- Who do I call when something breaks? (945) 300-4080 — same-day diagnostic, free if you proceed with repair