5 Pool Myths That Are Making Your Life Harder
Every summer, a range of pool myths resurfaces. These misconceptions often stress people out and discourage them from filling the pool and taking a dip. In some cases, they can even interfere with proper pool care by spreading false or inaccurate information. Pool myths can be the real troublemakers. Today, we're setting the record straight on five common misconceptions so you can enjoy an easy and fun pool season.
Myth #1: Pool Maintenance Is Too Complicated
This myth often keeps people from enjoying a pool in their own backyard. The truth is that pool maintenance isn't complicated once you know the basics and have the right products on hand.
Opening your pool each spring is the part most people dread, but a good opening kit takes the guesswork out completely. Instead of researching which chemicals to use and how much to add, opening kits simplify the process. They help get your water balanced and swim-ready from day one, so you don't need a chemistry degree to care for your pool.
And for those who want to learn more and understand the "what" and "why" behind pool care,Pool Supplies Canada's Pool School Courses are the perfect place to start. With three different courses available and pricing starting at just $9.99, there's an option for every experience level. The extensive online video library walks you through every step of pool care in plain language, from opening your pool in the spring to closing it in the fall. These videos provide clear, accurate instructions and save you hours of research by putting all the information you need in one place. One season of using pool kits and learning through the videos can make maintenance feel like a breeze, leaving you with more time to enjoy your pool.
Visit Pool School | Shop Opening Chemical Kits
Myth #2: Chlorine Turns Your Hair Green
Chlorine often gets blamed for a lot of things, but this isn't one of them. The fear of ruining your hair—especially if you've spent hundreds of dollars at the salon—is understandable. That's why it's important to know the real cause of green hair and how to prevent it.
The green tint some swimmers notice, particularly those with lighter hair, comes from copper and other metals in the water. These metals can come from plumbing, fixtures, or certain algaecides. When they bond to your hair, they can leave behind a greenish tint.
You can reduce the chances of hair discolouration by wearing a swim cap and thoroughly rinsing your hair after swimming, preferably with shampoo to help remove any metal residue. Another effective option is using swimmer-specific shampoos and conditioners that are formulated to remove chlorine and metals while keeping your hair healthy and hydrated. The Trihard Swim Hair Shampoo and Conditioner Combo, available for both adults and children, is a great example of a product designed specifically for this purpose.
Myth #3: You Have to Clean Your Pool Every Day
Daily cleaning sounds responsible, but for most pool owners, it's simply not necessary. In fact, it can make pool ownership feel more like a chore than a way to relax. How often your pool needs cleaning depends on factors such as its size, how frequently it's used, and the surrounding environment. For example, a pool located near a row of trees will naturally require more skimming than one in an open backyard.
For most pools, a thorough cleaning once a week is enough to keep the water looking clear and feeling fresh. Vacuuming the floor, brushing the walls, and skimming the surface generally don't need to be daily tasks. It gets even easier with automatic pool cleaners. Tools like the Aiper Scuba N3 can handle scrubbing and vacuuming on their own, freeing up more time for you to relax and enjoy your pool. Investing in an automatic cleaner can be a great way to save time and make your pool season more enjoyable.
Myth #4: Pool Covers Are Only for Winter
Many people assume that pool covers are only useful during the off-season when the pool is closed. In reality, using a solar cover throughout the summer can make pool maintenance easier and more cost-effective.
On a warm day, a pool can lose a significant amount of water through evaporation. As water levels drop, your chemical balance can be affected, meaning you'll need to add more water and chemicals to maintain proper conditions. A solar cover sits on the surface of the water and helps slow the evaporation process, keeping both your water level and chemistry more stable.
Solar covers also absorb heat from the sun and transfer it directly into the water, helping keep your pool warmer without increasing heating costs. In the evening, the cover helps retain that heat, allowing the water to stay warmer for longer after the sun goes down.
As an added bonus, solar covers help keep leaves, insects, and other debris out of the pool during the day, reducing the amount of cleaning required.
Myth #5: A Strong Chlorine Smell Means the Pool Is Clean
One of the most common pool myths is that a strong chlorine smell indicates a clean, well-maintained pool. In reality, that strong chemical odour is often a sign that the water needs attention.
The sharp smell commonly associated with pools actually comes from chloramines, not chlorine itself. Chloramines form when chlorine reacts with organic contaminants introduced by swimmers, including sweat, body oils, sunscreen, and cosmetics. The more contaminants present in the water, the stronger the smell becomes.
A properly balanced pool with clean water has very little odour at all, which surprises many people.
The first step in preventing chloramines is encouraging swimmers to shower before entering the pool. If chloramines have already built up, the solution is to oxidize the water, which helps break them down and restore proper balance.
A product like PSC Fast Acting Oxidizer is a non-chlorine shock treatment that gets the job done in about 15 minutes without raising chlorine levels or affecting pH balance. Adding it to your maintenance routine is one of the simplest ways to keep your water genuinely fresh and clear all season long.
Check out our full selection of pool chemicals here.
No More Myths—Just a Great Pool Season
Pool care doesn't have to be complicated, expensive, or time-consuming. With the right products and a bit of know-how, keeping your pool in excellent condition is something anyone can do.
Shop everything you need at PoolSuppliesCanada.ca and make this your best pool season yet.
