In this episode of the Pool School Podcast, your host Roy "Al. G." Free dives deep into the often-overlooked yet crucial aspect of pool maintenance: Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) and Its Effect on Swimming Pool Maintenance.

Al. G. begins by explaining what TDS is—basically, everything dissolved in your pool water that isn’t water, from salts and minerals to sunscreens, oils, and even sweat. It's a combination of all the substances in the water that can directly affect the overall water quality.

As TDS builds up, it can lead to a series of headaches for pool owners, such as reduced effectiveness of chlorine, scaling on pool tiles and equipment, and even cloudy water. Al. G. explains how these issues arise when TDS levels go above the ideal range of 500 to 1,500 ppm and what that means for your pool. He also shares some practical tips for controlling and managing TDS, including regular testing, proper chemical use, filtration maintenance, and the ultimate fix—water replacement (yes, sometimes you’ll need to dilute your pool!).

And of course, what would a Pool School Podcast episode be without some dad jokes? Al. G. drops one or two zingers to keep the mood light, including one about a pool with a “bad attitude” due to “too many dissolved issues” (you’ll get it when you hear it!).

Tune in to get all the essential info you need to keep your pool TDS in check and ensure a sparkling, healthy swimming environment.