Pool Equipment

Pool Equipment
Frequently Asked Questions

• What pool equipment does HTH offer?

  HTH offers skimmer basket inserts, chlorine floaters, filter media (pool filter sand and D.E. filter aid), an Above-Ground Pool Robotic Cleaner, and a Cordless Handheld Pool & Spa Vacuum. These products are designed to work with HTH chemical products to improve filtration, simplify chemical dosing, support routine cleaning, and maximize water clarity.

• What is the best way to dispense chlorine tablets in a pool?

  The three options — floater, automatic feeder, or skimmer basket — each have trade-offs. A floating dispenser is low-cost and easy to adjust. An automatic inline feeder provides more consistent and controllable delivery. A skimmer basket is convenient but concentrates chlorine near equipment (not ideal for long-term use). The HTH™ Brilliance™ Chlorine Floater works with HTH™ Brilliance™ Cal Hypo Chlorine Tablets and most 3-inch chlorine tablets, including trichlor, but never mix Cal Hypo and trichlor tablets in the floater.

• How often should I clean my pool skimmer basket?

  Empty and clean skimmer baskets at least once a week, or more often during periods of heavy debris (fall leaves, storms, and high pollen). A clogged skimmer basket restricts water flow to the pump, reducing filtration efficiency and potentially causing pump strain or damage. Regular cleaning is one of the simplest and most impactful pool maintenance tasks.

• How long should I run my pool pump each day?

  Run your pool pump at least 8–10 hours per day during swim season — enough to turn over the entire pool volume through the filter at least once daily. During hot weather or heavy use, run 10–12 hours. Run during daylight hours when possible to maximize the effectiveness of your sanitizer and filtration when the pool is most at risk.

• What type of pool filter is best — sand, cartridge, or D.E.?

  Each type has advantages: Sand filters are low-maintenance (just backwash) and handle large debris well. Cartridge filters catch finer particles, are easy to clean, and don't require backwashing. D.E. (diatomaceous earth) filters provide the finest filtration (down to 2–5 microns) for crystal-clear water but require more maintenance. HTH offers filter sand and D.E. filter aid to support sand and D.E. filtration systems. HTH™ Pool Care Filter Cleaner can be used on sand, D.E., and cartridge filters to remove oils, minerals, and debris, improve filtration efficiency, and help extend filter life.

• How do I know if my pool filter needs to be backwashed or cleaned?

  Monitor your filter pressure gauge: when pressure rises 8–10 psi above your clean starting pressure (noted when filter is freshly cleaned), it is time to backwash or clean. Never ignore a high-pressure reading — a clogged filter strains the pump motor and reduces water circulation. For cartridge filters, check the pleats for debris and rinse when noticeably coated.

• Can I use the HTH Skimmer Basket Insert with a chlorine floater at the same time?

  Yes. However, the best way to maintain a consistent chlorine level is to use only one of these methods.