Endless Pools Water Care:

Wherever You are in Your Ownership Journey, This Guide is for You.

• Are you just starting your journey as an Endless™ Pool owner?

• Looking to better understand pool chemistry or terms like "shocking"?

• Maybe you’re a seasoned owner who wants to fine-tune your routine…

We’ve pulled together the information you need to keep your water clean, clear, and ready to enjoy. We’ll walk through the essentials of how to maintain an Endless Pool, answer common questions about chlorine and pool chemistry, and share our favorite easy pool maintenance tips.

And if you’re still deciding whether an Endless Pool is right for you, you’ll get a realistic look at what it takes to keep your water in great shape. It’s easier than you might think!

With over 35 years of experience, we’ve answered countless questions and helped thousands of owners maintain their pools, and we’re happy to share what we’ve learned with you. So, let’s start with the basics.

If you haven’t filled your pool yet, read this first: Read Before Filling Document

What is Good Water Quality?

When we talk about maintaining good water quality, what do we mean? At Endless Pools, we consider your water to be in great shape when it’s clean, clear, and at the temperature you desire.

So how do you get there? Think of water care as a three-legged stool supported by:

• Circulation

• Filtration

• Water Chemistry

These three systems work together to create the ideal swim or soak experience. In the next sections, we’ll break them down, one by one.

Circulation: The Starting Point for Clean Water

Circulation refers to the movement of water through your Endless Pool’s water quality system, including the filter, pump, heater, and plumbing, as well as the way water flows back into the pool. This movement is powered by your circulation pump.

Circulation serves an important purpose. It helps remove debris through filtration, distributes sanitizers like chlorine, and allows your heater to function properly. 

Without proper circulation, you may see error codes like "FLO," cloudy water, or unexpected drops in temperature.

How often your circulation pump should be running varies based upon the type of pump you own. If you have a Laing pump, it should run continuously, (24 hours a day). SuperFlo and older Pentair Pinnacle models should be set to run at least 8 hours a day.

If your pool isn't circulating, don't worry. We offer troubleshooting guides and videos to walk you through the fix. You can access them here: FLO Error Troubleshooting Document

Filtration: Keeping Debris Out

As water flows through the filter cartridge, debris and particulates are removed. Without proper filtration, water will not look or feel clean.

Check your filter cartridge regularly. If it shows signs of damage or wear, it’s time to replace it. Need help identifying your filter? We have resources and an online store to guide you.

There are a few different types of filters that we have used on Endless Pools. This document will help you identify the appropriate filter for your pool. Replacement filters can be purchased from our online store. 

What if Your Filtration Isn’t Working?

If your pool is cloudy despite good circulation or your filter remains clean even with visible debris in the water, you may have a filtration issue. In that case, reach out to Customer Service for personalized support.

Call us at 800-910-2714 or contact us via e-mail at poolhelp@endlesspools.com.

Frequently Asked Questions about Filtration

FAQ: How often do I need to replace my filter?

A: The short answer: Check and clean your filter once a month and replace it every four months. Here are more details: The ideal interval depends on how your pool is used. Outdoor pools with multiple swimmers or seasonal debris (like pollen or dust) may require more frequent maintenance than indoor pools with one user. If your pool is recovering from an algae bloom or has other issues, even more frequent care may be needed. Get to know your pool’s unique rhythms to find the right approach.

FAQ: Can I clean and reuse my filter?

A: Yes! Most filters can be cleaned and reused 2–3 times. We offer a specialized filter cleaner to help extend the life of your cartridges.

FAQ: How do I clean debris off the floor of my pool?

A: We recommend two easy tools:

• The Pool Blaster Catfish Vacuum, a hoseless, battery-powered vacuum that attaches to a telescoping pole.

• The Supplemental Filtration Kit, which uses the swim current to direct debris into a mesh skimmer bag.

Both tools are available in our online store. 

Water Chemistry: Your Key to Clear, Sanitary Water

Water chemistry is one of the most important yet least understood aspects of pool care. It involves the ongoing maintenance of your pool’s sanitizer, typically chlorine, as well as other indicators of water health, including pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness. You may also encounter terms like Cyanuric Acid (CYA) and Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), which we’ll cover later in this guide.

While changing your filters regularly is important, maintaining consistent chlorine levels in your pool water is absolutely essential. Chlorine keeps your water clean, safe, and ready for your next swim, acting as both a sanitizer and an oxidizer. Let’s take a closer look at how it works.

Chlorine: Your Primary Sanitizer

Chlorine prevents the growth of algae and other single-celled organisms. It acts as both a sanitizer and an oxidizer. When chlorine is added to the water it is called “free” or “available” chlorine and will kill any pathogen it contacts (sanitizing) and burn up or remove any organic compound (oxidizing). 

For indoor pools, we recommend liquid chlorine or household bleach (Sodium Hypochlorite) with no additives. Do not use any form of bleach that is labeled as “splash-less.” 

For outdoor pools, Chlorine gets broken down by sunlight and needs protection. Cyanuric Acid (CYA) can be added by itself, but more typically is added to the pool by using “stabilized” chlorine. Stabilized chlorine comes in two common forms: 

• Dichlor – This is the granular form of stabilized chlorine and is the preferred stabilized chlorine to in an outdoor Endless Pool. 

• Trichlor – This is the tablet form of stabilized chlorine.  These tablets are very acidic and should not be used in an Endless Pool under normal conditions. 

For a more in-depth list of all the common chlorine types and advantages/disadvantages of each, please refer to this resource: Types of Chlorine

Common Questions about Chlorine, Answered 

FAQ: What happens if chlorine level gets too low (0ppm)?

A: If chlorine levels drop too low, it can lead to cloudy water and give microbes the opportunity to grow and thrive, making your pool unhealthy and unsanitary.

Always keep a free chlorine residual of at least 0.5–1 ppm in your pool.

FAQ: How can I reduce or use less chlorine in my pool?

A: The supplied Nature 2 cartridge, along with available UV and EZ50 upgrades, can help reduce the amount of chlorine needed to keep your pool clean. You’ll still need to maintain a chlorine level of 0.5–1 ppm, but with these enhancements, you'll likely need to add less chlorine to maintain that level.

If you’d like more information on upgrading your pool with a UV light or the EZ50 click on the links below:

• UV Water Purifier

• EZ-50 Water Care System

FAQ: What does ‘shocking’ mean?

A: Shocking is the process of adding extra chlorine to raise the free chlorine level high enough to destroy contaminants like bacteria and algae. Raise the free chlorine to 3–5 ppm by adding 1–2 cups of bleach, then test the chlorine level a few minutes later. Repeat if needed until you reach the target. Maintain this level for 48 hours.

FAQ: Chlorine irritates my eyes/skin. Can I use something other than chlorine?

A: Yes, technically you could. However, this is a more complex question that depends on your specific pool setup and usage. For more information, please refer to this document.

FAQ: Can I use a stabilized chlorine in my indoor pool?

A: It’s not recommended. Stabilized chlorine can lead to a buildup of CYA over time, requiring a drain and refill.

That said, there are two exceptions:

• Your pool receives direct sunlight indoors, breaking down chlorine.

• You’ll be away for an extended period and unable to have someone maintain the pool.

pH and Total Alkalinity

pH measures how acidic or basic your pool water is. It’s a key part of water balance. If pH is too low, and the water can corrode your pool surfaces and irritate skin; too high, and chlorine won’t work as well, leading to cloudy water and scale. A pH of 7.5 keeps everything in harmony. 

Closely tied to pH is Total Alkalinity (TA), which helps stabilize pH by resisting sudden changes. 

What is Total Alkalinity and why is it important? 

TA is a measure of alkaline substances in the water, and it acts as a buffer. The ideal TA level is 100 ppm, with an acceptable range between 80 and 120 ppm.

If Total Alkalinity is too low, pH may fluctuate quickly and unpredictably, a condition called "pH bounce." If TA is too high, it can make adjusting the pH more difficult. Regular testing and adjustments will help keep both levels in balance.

Calcium Hardness

Calcium Hardness (CH) refers to the amount of calcium dissolved in your pool water. The ideal level is between 180 and 250 ppm.

If CH is too low, the water becomes "soft" and may try to draw calcium from your pool surfaces or equipment, especially the liner, leading to premature wear. If CH is too high, the water becomes "hard," which can result in scaling, cloudy water, and reduced equipment efficiency.

Before filling your pool, it's important to test your source water (the water that comes out of your hose) to check its calcium content. Note that while CH levels can be increased with calcium additives, lowering them typically requires draining your pool and refilling with water that falls within the recommended range.

Total Dissolved Solids

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) measure the combined content of all substances dissolved in your pool water, including sanitizers, minerals, and other contaminants. Over time, these solids accumulate, which can affect water clarity and reduce the effectiveness of your chemicals.

When TDS levels exceed 2,500 ppm, a partial drain and refill is recommended. Most standard test kits and strips don’t measure TDS, so you’ll need dedicated TDS test strips or a visit to a local pool supply store for professional testing.

If your pool is properly chlorinated but the water looks dull or has lost its usual sparkle and it’s been a year or more since the last partial drain, your water may need a refresh to bring TDS levels back in line.

Dive Deeper into Water Chemistry

For a more thorough and in-depth discussion regarding the water chemistry components, above, as well as what to do if readings are too high or too low, refer to the user’s guide included with your pool, or browse this helpful overview. 

Water Testing: The Best Way to Monitor Pool Chemistry

The only way to know if your water is within the proper chemical ranges is to test it regularly. You can use test strips for quick day-to-day checks or rely on a water chemistry test kit for more detailed analysis. You can also take a water sample to a local pool professional for additional support.

Test strips are fast and easy for routine use, while reagent-based test kits are better for in-depth readings or troubleshooting issues. 

Test kits typically measure:

• Free and combined chlorine

• pH

• Total alkalinity

• Calcium hardness

• Cyanuric acid

While a full test may seem intimidating at first, the instructions are clearly printed on the underside of the test kit lid and color-coded to match the reagent bottles. Just follow each step and note your results. 

It's helpful to track your readings, chemical additions, and any observations in a water testing log. This record can be a valuable reference if water quality issues arise, or when making future adjustments. Here’s a sample test log that you can print and use.

Water Maintenance Made Easy

The Endless Pools Maintenance Table is designed to streamline the learning process and help keep you on track. This table provides a basic maintenance schedule for your Endless Pool, with daily, weekly, and monthly maintenance checkpoints projected out for 10 years. 

Troubleshooting Common Water Issues

If your water becomes cloudy or you experience irritation to your skin or eyes, start by checking the chlorine level. Shock your pool by raising the chlorine level to 3–5 ppm and maintain those levels for 48 hours. Clean or replace the filter if needed.

For other common scenarios, with detailed causes and solutions, review the Basic Water Chemistry Troubleshooting Section at the end of this overview. 

Vacation and Winter Care

Leaving Town? 

The ideal solution is to have a house sitter or pool professional maintain the chemical levels while you are away. If that is not an option, there are some simple steps to take to ensure your pool is cared for while you're gone. 

For example, if you are going away for a week, it is recommended to add 2-3 times your normal chlorine dosage just before you leave. You may also lower the temperature to save some of the cost of operation. 

Of course, circumstances (length of time away, your pool’s location, availability of people to add chemicals, etc.) will vary from this example. For more information, refer to our Vacation Care Guidelines Document. 

Winterizing Your Pool 

Endless Pools models can be used year-round, even in colder climates. If you will not be using your pool during the winter and it’s in an area where freezing occurs, the pool and equipment must be properly prepared for the winter to prevent damage. 

For more information on how to winterize your Endless Pool product, please review our winterizing blog post.

Final Takeaway: Simple Steps, Endless Enjoyment

Keeping your Endless Pool clean and operating at its peak isn’t complicated. By maintaining the right chlorine level, checking and changing your filters regularly, and giving your water chemistry a little ongoing attention, you’ll set yourself up for success. With these simple habits, your pool will continue to provide years of enjoyment, exercise, and effortless relaxation.