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Swimming Pool Problems

pool problems,brown algae,swimming pool sand filter,pool pump motors,swimming pool problems,pool chlorine,cloudy pool water,swimming pool sand filter,pool pH,alkalinity

Swimming Pool Care

Swimming pool problems are never fun. You need answers to the most common issues that face above ground and inground swimming pools.

This is for the pool owner who has a limited amount of time to fix his pool and get on with swimming.


Swimming Pool Problems And Troubleshooting Guide

Here is a good run-down of some problems you may encounter through your pool life:

Problem: Loss of pool chlorine level Reason:

  • Too low level of pool chlorine
  • Lack of Cyanuric Acid (CYA)
  • Heavy rains or large bather load
  • Bad or not reading your residual chlorine demand on schedule
  • Solution:

    Your Cyanuric Acid (a.k.a. CYA, Stabilizer, Conditioner) level should be kept between 20 - 40 ppm. Anything over 80ppm and your swimming pool water will seem to become cloudy.

    The best and really only way to reduce your CYA is to drain 1/3 - 1/2 water from the pool and refill. After doing this you'll need to check all of the swimming pool chemistry to be sure everything is in line and good to go and make small adjustments only when needed.

    If you use "Tri-Chlor" chlorine tablets, be sure to check your CYA on a weekly basis because high levels of CYA tend to creep up on pool owners.


    Problem: Algae

    Reason:

  • Too low level of pool chlorine
  • Improper pool maintenance
  • Solution:

  • You'll need to super-chlorinate/shock the pool
  • Brush and vacuum the pool on a regular basis
  • Use a quality algaecide
  • Prevention:

  • Proper level of pool chlorine (1.5 - 3.5ppm)
  • Use pool chlorine and an algaecide is algae is an issue



  • Problem: Cloudy Pool Water

    Normally, cloudy pool water is not very attractive to swimmers and can give the pool owner a pretty big headache.

    Reason:

  • Pool algae
  • Chlorine is low
  • Bad, clogged, or improperly working filter
  • High pH and/or alkalinity
  • Cyanuric acid too high (CYA)
  • Hardness level too high (CH). Using too much Calcium Chloride
  • Total Dissolved Solids too high (TDS)
  • Solution:

  • Increase chlorine and super-chlorinate/shock the pool
  • Pool acid to lower the pH and/or alkalinity
  • Check to see if your DE pool filters, pool cartridge filters, or pool sand filter is properly working
  • Drain and refill 1/3 - 1/2 of your pool water
  • Prevention:

  • Watch and maintain your swimming pool filters
  • Maintain proper pool water maintenance, chemistry, and chemicals



  • Problem: Chlorine smell

    The biggest complaint I hear about indoor pools is that "nasty chlorine smell". It's not the that pool operator is using too much chlorine, but that he'snot using enough. This happens when swimmer waste (sweat, urine, etc... ) is present in the pool. When the pool chlorine combines with this waste the end result are "chloramines". It's these chloramines that cause the bad smell and burning eyes and noses.

    Reason:

  • Wrong pH level
  • Not enough chlorine or too much free chlorine
  • Solution:

  • Super-chlorinate/shock the swimming pool
  • Keep pH level between 7.6 - 7.8
  • Prevention:

  • Proper pool maintenance and chemistry for the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine



  • Problem: Staining

    With proper pool water maintenance you can avoid this swimming pool problem.

    Reason:

  • Low pH and/or alkalinity level
  • Metal pipe corrosion
  • Solution:

  • Drain and refill your swimming pool
  • Contact a qualified pool service technician or pool plumber
  • Prevention:

  • Use PVC or copper pipes
  • Maintain pH level between 7.6 - 7.8



  • Problem: Irritated or burning eyes and/or throat or irritated skin

    Many times, it is observed that the swimmers complain about the above symptoms after swimming.

    The core reason for this swimming pool problem can be the improper combination of solutions used in the swimming pool water.

    Reason:

  • High or low pH level
  • Low alkalinity (TA) level
  • Chloramines
  • Solution:

  • Lower pH using pool acid and maintain between 7.6 - 7.8
  • Raise pH level using Sodium Bicarbonate
  • Prevention:

  • Maintain pH level between 7.6 - 7.8
  • Keep your chlorine level between 1.5 - 3.5ppm



  • Problem: Sand/Pool Media returns back to the pool

    This swimming pool problem is very common for a pool sand filter.

    Go to swimming pool sand filter problems for more information.


    Problem: DE returning back into the pool. This is a very common pool problem for DE pool filters.

    Go to DE pool filters maintenance for more information.

    Too much backwashing is not good for your sand pool filter because it needs a bit of pressure (but not too much) to filter properly.

    If you have plugged laterals or channeling of your swimming pool sand filter, it would probably be a good time to check the pool filter media and replace it if needed.

    For poor water circulation and other swimming pool problems, check to see if the filter is dirty. Is the cartridge in the cartridge filter worn out?

    If you have a DE pool filter it might be time to backwash or tear down the filter, check and/or clean the swimming pool filter grids and re-charge the system with clean diatomaceous earth powder.

    If you have a pool sand filter system it might be time to replace the pool filter sand. This will help reduce your swimming pool problems.

    Most if not all of your swimming pool problems come down to basic pool care solutions and treatments. Proper water balance and weekly pool maintenance can help.

    The right kind of information, water testing kit, and troubleshooting tips can ensure your in ground or aboveground pool will stay healthy, clean, and clear.

    You can also go here to get more information on your swimming pool problems.

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