Pool School
Real pool advice from your neighbors in Maryville.
Twenty-plus years of answering pool questions at the counter, written down so you can find them whenever you need them. No jargon, no upsell, just what actually works for East Tennessee pools.
Glass Bead Filtration vs. Sand: Is It Worth the Upgrade?
Glass bead filter media filters finer, lasts longer, and uses less backwash water than sand. Is the upgrade worth it for your East TN pool? An honest comparison.
What Is Mustard Algae, and Why East Tennessee Pool Owners Need to Know About It
Mustard algae is stubborn and chlorine-resistant, common in East Tennessee pools. How to identify it, why humid summers fuel it, and how to actually kill it.
How Often Should You Test Your Pool Water?
Exactly how often to test pool water, what to check at each cadence, and why a free in-store SpinTouch test beats a strip every time in East TN.
How Much Does an Above Ground Pool Cost in East Tennessee? (2026 Guide)
Real cost range for above ground pools in East Tennessee, what drives the price up or down, and how Carvin builds stack against inground in Blount County.
Above Ground vs. Inground: Which Pool Is Right for Your Tennessee Backyard?
Cost, install time, maintenance, terrain, and resale value: an honest comparison for East Tennessee homeowners choosing between above ground and inground.
How to Get Rid of Algae in Your Pool (Fast)
Identify the algae type, choose between shock and algaecide, walk through the 2–3 day treatment, and learn how to keep it from coming back in your East TN pool.
Do I Need a Permit for a Pool in Maryville, TN? (Everything You Need to Know)
Maryville and Blount County permit rules, when permits are required for above ground or inground pools, Tennessee's safety barrier law, and how we handle the paperwork.
The Complete Guide to Opening Your Pool in East Tennessee (2026)
When to open your East Tennessee pool, the step-by-step process from cover removal to swim-ready, water chemistry startup, and when it's smarter to call us.
How to Close Your Pool for Winter in East Tennessee
When and how to close your East Tennessee pool for winter: the chemical balance, the equipment steps, and the cover choices that protect your pool until spring.
Free Water Testing at Our Maryville Store
Bring us a water sample and we'll run a full SpinTouch test with a custom chemical plan, no charge, no appointment.