Troubleshooting Common Pool Problems
Swimming pools offer a lot of fun and relaxation for your family, but they can also require a lot of maintenance and cleaning. Here are some common pool problems and how you can fix them.
Cloudy Water
Cloudy water can be caused from unbalanced water chemistry, contaminants in the water, or improper filtration. Start by cleaning your pool, ensuring that there is no debris on the bottom, and scrub the sides to prevent algae growth. Next, test and balance your water, making sure that your chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels are within the proper range. Allow the pool to filter the water. It may take a few days to clear up. Using a clarifier will speed up the process. Alternatively, you can use a flocculant for quick results, but this will result in a little bit more manual labor.
Algae Growth
Algae is mainly caused by phosphates, contaminants in the water, unsanitized water, and improper filtration. You can prevent algae from growing in your pool by adding phosphate removers, keeping your water clean and sanitized, and ensuring that your filter is working properly. If algae has already started growing in your pool, vacuum the pool to remove leaves and debris. While cleaning, focus on brushing the walls, as algae has a slippery biofilm that needs to be disrupted. After cleaning, test and balance the water, super chlorinate the pool to kill the algae. Keep the pump running to filter the water, and the water will eventually shift color. Once the pool becomes a cloudy blue, you can follow the directions above.
High Cyanuric Acid Levels
Cyanuric Acid (CYA), also known as a stabilizer or conditioner, protects your chlorine from the sun. High CYA levels are caused by either adding too much stabilizer to the water or consistently using trichlor tablets or dichlor shock to sanitize the pool. Regular testing and balancing of the water can prevent CYA levels from getting too high. Consider other oxidizing options such as salt, minerals, or ozone/UV systems that do not add stabilizer to the pool. To lower high CYA levels, try a CYA remover or partially drain and refill the pool.
