Troubleshooting Pool Problems…

Problem
Symptom
Cause
Remedy
Algae
Green or brown algae, green water, slippery surfaces, cloudy water
Insufficient free chlorine
Adjust pH, Shock, add Algicil
Black Algae
Black algae spots
Insufficient free chlorine
Adjust pH, Shock, add Algicil
Chlorine Odor
Strong odor, burning eyes
Insufficient free chlorine, existence of chloramines
Adjust pH, then Shock
Cloudy Water
Hazy, cloudy water, lack of sparkle
Poor Filtration
Check filter
High pH
pH Lower
Low total alkalinity
Alkalinity Plus
High calcium hardness
Dilute calcium hardness
Early algae growth
Shock
Eye/Skin Irritation
Red Eyes, itching skin
Improper pH
Adjust pH
Chloramines
Shock
Scale Formation
Scale deposits on walls, pipes, filter, heater
High pH
pH Lower
High alkalinity, High hardness
Lower alkalinity Dilute pool water
Wall/Floor Stains
Brown
Iron
Adjust pH, Use Stain-X, Ascorb-X, or Stain Eraser
Black, Blue
Copper
Blue Green
Manganese
Corrosion of Metals
Metal corrosion, rust stains, copper stains, colored water
Low pH, Low Hardness
pH Rise
High Chlorine Consumption
Excessive sanitizer usage
Heavy bather load, dirt, high temperature
Shock
Low chlorine stabilizer level
Chlorine stabilizer/ Cyanuric Acid
High pH
pH Lower