Taking Swimming Pool Care From the Classroom to Designing Spaces

Taking Pool Care from the Classroom to Designing Spaces

Every once in a while, an opportunity comes along that reminds me exactly why I enjoy this work so much.

Most days, you’ll find me in front of a classroom full of pool professionals, talking through water chemistry, chlorine, circulation, LSI, and whatever challenge the water decides to present. This time, though, the classroom looked a little different.

Bringing Pool Education to Homeowners

I had the opportunity to join Designing Spaces, an award-winning home improvement show, to talk about preparing a swimming pool for the season—and, more importantly, helping homeowners understand what it takes to maintain clean, clear, healthy water.

What I enjoyed most about filming the segment was taking the lessons we teach every day in the pool industry and making them practical for the person who simply wants to enjoy their backyard pool.

Watch the series on YouTube.

Good Pool Maintenance Starts with Understanding

Testing Pool Water

Good pool care does not have to be mysterious. It starts with a few fundamentals:

• Use a water testing kit: Understand your pool water and test is properly as part of pool maintenance. Regular testing helps you monitor pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels so you can catch imbalances early recognize warning signs of unbalanced pool water.
• Maintain strong circulation: Keep the pump and filtration system running efficiently so water moves properly through the pool.
• Keep filtration on schedule: Clean or replace filters as needed to help remove debris and impurities.
• Use the right products: Apply pool chemicals according to the pool’s needs and follow label directions carefully, including proper handling and storage of pool chemicals. The right products in the right amounts.
• Rely on education: Learn the basics of pool care so you can make informed decisions instead of guesswork to prevent frustration and save money, using ongoing pool care tips and resources.
• Create a maintenance schedule: Stay consistent with routine care tasks to keep the pool in top condition.

When we talk about keeping your pool water "in balance," we mean maintaining the proper chemical balance so the water stays sanitary and comfortable for swimmers. 

Regular testing helps keep water in balance and prevent algae, cloudy water and cloudy conditions. A maintenance schedule helps owners stay organized with regular care tasks.

Representing HASA and the Value of Doing Things Right

The Importance of Water Chemistry and Quality

I also appreciated the chance to represent HASA and speak about something that has been central to my career for years: water quality and the importance of solving problems correctly, rather than simply throwing chemicals at them.

Extending Education Beyond the Industry

I’ve been fortunate to teach thousands of pool professionals over the years. Opportunities like Designing Spaces let us carry that education beyond the industry and bring it directly to pool owners.

And that’s pretty groovy.

A Final Word of Thanks

I’m grateful to Designing Spaces for the opportunity to share a little of what we do and why we do it.

Take a few minutes to watch the segment. Hopefully, you’ll learn something—and the next time you look at that beautiful, clear swimming pool in your backyard, you’ll know there is a little science behind keeping it that way.

Learn more about our partnership with Designing Spaces and catch our series on YouTube.

Author: Jim Blanton

Jim Blanton brings a dynamic and diverse background to the pool industry, blending creativity, leadership, and decades of hands-on expertise. After early experiences as a child actor, stand-up comedian, Disneyland cast member, and U.S. Navy veteran, Jim found his long-term calling in the pool industry—where he has spent the past 25 years serving, educating, and advocating for pool professionals.

Currently a Sales Representative and Training Specialist for HASA, Jim is also the Vice Chairman of the California Pool & Spa Association, where he champions safety, innovation, and professional standards. With over 20 years as a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) Instructor through the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (PHTA), Jim plays an active role in shaping the future of the industry through education and mentorship.

An award-winning trainer for the world’s largest pool supply retailer and a featured expert on Lifetime Network’s Designing Spaces, Jim is known for making education engaging, practical, and memorable. His career reflects a deep commitment to empowering pool professionals, improving safety, and leaving the industry stronger than he found it.