Pool Problem Solvers

Algae

Algae is probably the most annoying water problem in outdoor pools since it is so unsightly and difficult to destroy quickly. In many cases, several chlorine (and/or algicide) treatments along with daily brushing may be required to successfully eliminate an algae problem. Algae multiplies rapidly, and by the time the human eye can notice it, there are billions of algae cells in the pool.

Green algae can make a pool especially cloudy. Algae will clog filter systems and make pool surfaces slippery. The three most common colors of algae are green, black (blue-green), and yellow (mustard). The best way to avoid an algae problem is to keep at least 1.0 ppm of free available chlorine in the pool water at all times. In some southern states, maintaining higher chlorine levels may be a necessary practice. For persistent algae problems, routine use of an algicide may be needed.

Notes:

1. Always consult a pool professional first if any treatment procedures are unfamiliar.
2. Regular algicide treatments are recommended for outdoor pools that experience persistent algae problems.

Cloudy Water

Cloudy pool water is an unfortunate, but common, problem in swimming pools. The usual causes for poor water clarity are improper filtration, and/or improperly balanced water. An algae condition or severe chloramine condition can also cloud pool water.

If the water is cloudy the operator should first check the filter system. If backwashing does not decrease pressure, the filter may need cleaning. Clean Cartridge and DE filters according to the manufacturer's instructions. Inspect the sand in the sand filter for clumps or air pockets. Consult your local professional if you are not familiar with filter maintenance. (Note: never release pool water to any environmentally sensitive areas.)

After a thorough evaluation of the filter system, the water balance should be checked. Look for signs of high calcium hardness, high pH and alkalinity levels as well as high TDS levels.

Notes:

1. Consult a pool professional if a cloudy condition persists. They may recommend repeated treatments or the use of a clarifier.

Colored Water

The ideal clear pool water is everyone's goal, but there are those instances when it is difficult to achieve. Colored water is an ugly nuisance and can result in stained pool surfaces. The two main reasons for colored pool water are oxidized metals and algae. A turbid green pool water condition is usually attributed to algae. To gain a better understanding of algae treatment see the section on algae.

Water color resulting from oxidized metals can come in an assortment of colors, and is mostly translucent in its early stages. Green, red, brown, and black are some of the more common colors produced by dissolved metals. Green color is usually produced by either copper or iron. Red and brown colors are generated by iron. Black/brown pool water is usually caused by manganese.

Often these colored water conditions appear after a pool is initially filled or after a shock treatment. If the fill water contains metals it should be treated with a sequestering agent and/or clarifier prior to chlorine additions. A shock treatment can cause metals to oxidize, which allows them to fall out of solution and become more visually apparent.

Notes:

1. Consult a pool professional if a cloudy condition persists. They may recommend repeated treatments or the use of a clarifier.

Stains

When stains appear on swimming pool surfaces, immediate action should be taken to avoid costly and annoying repairs. Brushing can often remove fresh stains if recognized early enough. Neglected stains in plaster pools may ultimately require draining and an acid wash. Like colored water, stains are the result of metal ions in pool water. They indicate that either the source water contains metals, such as copper, iron and manganese, or that a corrosive pool water condition is dissolving metal pool components.

The first step after noticing a pool stain is to determine what caused the stain. This is done by testing the water for metals. The first step after noticing a pool stain is to determine what caused the stain. This is done by having your local dealer or service professional test the pool water for metals. If the stain is caused by metals, the dealer may recommend either a sequestering agent or clarifier to treat the problem. If metals are present due to improper pH levels, the pH should be adjusted to be within the range of pH 7.2-7.6. If the problem persists, add a sequestering agent or a clarifier that will chemically bind the metals so that they can be filtered out before they cause more staining problems.

Notes:

1. Take a pool sample to a pool professional for dissolved metals testing 24-48 hours after treatment and at least once a month.

Scale Formations

Crusty white deposits on pool surfaces signal a severely high level of one or more of the water balance factors. Scale deposits not only make pool surfaces rough, but also reduce water circulation as scale builds up within the filter and plumbing system.

If scale deposits are readily noticeable on pool surfaces the pH, calcium hardness, and total alkalinity must be tested and adjusted immediately. Most likely one, if not all three, are much too high and need to be reduced. The first step is to reduce the pH and alkalinity since reducing the calcium hardness level is more difficult.

If high hardness is the cause of the scale, it is best to drain a portion of the pool water and replace it with fresh make-up water low in hardness and total dissolved solids.

Eye & Skin Irritations

Eye and skin irritations are another common problem for swimming pool bathers. In addition to such irritations within the water, nasal irritations can also be noticed in indoor pool areas with poor ventilation and excessive levels of combined chlorine.

There are two basic causes of eye and skin irritations. These are an improper pH and high chloramines. The human eye is most comfortable in water with a pH of about 7.5. Therefore a low pH, below 7.2, or a high pH, above 8.0 can become quite irritating. Low and high pH levels irritate eyes and skin.

A chloramine problem is caused when combined chlorine levels exceed 0.2 ppm as determined by free chlorine and total chlorine (the difference between the two is "combined" chlorine called chloramines) testing. Though many people incorrectly blame high chlorine for stinging eye irritations, it is actually the lack of adequate free available chlorine and the presence of chloramines which causes the eye irritation.