The ABCs of Pool Care: A Beginner’s Glossary Every Tampa Bay Pool Owner Should Know

Owning a pool is one of the best parts of living in Florida, but keeping it clean, safe, and swim-ready? That’s where things can get a little murky.

At Edge Pools, we believe that informed pool owners are confident pool owners. Whether you’re new to backyard maintenance or just brushing up (literally), here’s a quick primer on common terms that come up in pool care—brought to you by the letters A through E.

Let’s Dive Into Some Terms You Might Hear Pros Talk About Regarding Pool Maintenance.

A is for Acid Wash

Over time, pool surfaces can get stained from algae, minerals, or years of use. An acid wash is a deep cleaning process that strips away a thin layer of plaster to reveal a fresh surface underneath. It’s often used for pools with stubborn stains that regular brushing or chemicals can’t remove.

When is it needed?
If your pool looks permanently discolored or hasn’t been drained in years, it might be time to consider an acid wash. But don’t DIY this—a job with caustic chemicals is a job for professionals with the right equipment and safety gear. Learn more about our acid wash services here. 

B is for Backwashing

If you have a sand or DE filter, backwashing is the process of reversing the water flow to clean out trapped debris. Think of it as rinsing out your pool’s “vacuum bag.”

Why does it matter?
A dirty filter can’t properly clean your water and may strain your system. Backwashing helps restore performance, but overdoing it can waste water and chemicals, so timing matters.

C is for Calcium Hardness

Calcium hardness measures the amount of dissolved calcium in your pool water. It’s a balancing act—too little can corrode your pool surfaces and equipment, while too much can lead to scaling and cloudy water.

In Tampa Bay’s climate, high heat and evaporation can increase calcium levels over time. Regular testing helps keep things in check and prevents long-term damage.

D is for Dissolved Solids

Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) refers to everything that’s dissolved in your water—from salt and minerals to body oils, sweat, and sunscreen. High TDS can lead to cloudy water, scaling, and ineffective chlorine.

Can you see it?
Not always. But you might notice your pool water doesn’t feel as “fresh” or that chemicals don’t seem to be working. Testing and periodic dilution can help.

E is for You Guessed It! Edge Pools

You didn’t think we’d forget this one, did you?

Edge Pools is your full-service pool maintenance company serving the Tampa Bay area with integrity, reliability, and care. We show up when we say we will, treat you like our neighbor, and take the guesswork out of water chemistry, equipment upkeep, and everything in between.

Whether you need weekly maintenance, a storm cleanup, or just a second opinion on what that weird noise from your pump might be, we’re here for it.

Want Smart Pool Care that Makes Florida Living Easy?

This article just scratches the surface of pool know-how. If you’re ready for service that’s as smart as it is dependable, let Edge Pools take it from here.

Contact us today to schedule pool maintenance or to ask questions about any terms or pool problems that have you scratching your head.