Maintaining the perfect swimming pool environment is one of the most challenging aspects of pool ownership. After all, owners want to protect their investment while having adequate time to enjoy their pool. We have identified five of the most common water complaints and are here to give you the solutions to each of those problems.

 

Cloudy Water

Peering into the murky depths of a cloudy pool is not #goals. The appearance of cloudy water in a pool can have several causes:

• High levels of combined chlorine in the water
• pH levels that are too high
• Total alkalinity levels that are too high
• Calcium hardness levels that are too high
• High particle count in the water
• Poor water circulation

Testing the water is the key to identifying the cause of this cloudy appearance, and once identified, an appropriate treatment plan can be set into place. Treatments may include:

• Shocking daily until any combined chlorine has been broken down and removed
• Adding pH minus or muriatic acid to lower your pH levels to the optimal level of 7.2 to 7.8
• Adding a sequestering agent like a stain and scale product
• Checking for and resolving issues with your pump and filter system to correct poor water circulation
• Backwashing/draining and replacing pool water until levels are within the correct range

 

Scaling

Nothing ruins the look of a pool faster than scaling. Scaling on the waterline of your pool causes unsightly stains that require treatment before scrubbing to remove. Possible causes of scaling on your pool can include:

• pH levels that are too high
• Total alkalinity levels that are too high
• Calcium levels that are too high

Once again, testing the water is crucial to identifying the cause of this issue and developing an appropriate treatment plan. This plan may include the following:

• Adding pH minus or muriatic acid to lower your pH levels to the optimal level of 7.2 to 7.8
• Adding a sequestering agent like a stain and scale product

 

Eye or Skin Irritation

If your pool water is causing your eyes or skin to be irritated, there are a couple of possible causes:

• pH levels that are out of balance (either too low or too high)
• High levels of combined chlorine in the water

Test, test, test! Testing information will indicate one of the following treatment options:

• Ensure your pH levels have a balance between 7.2 to 7.8
• Shock your pool using a chlorine shock treatment or chlorine-free oxidizer

 

Staining or Colored Water

If your pool is experiencing staining or off-colored water is present, you likely have a high concentration of metal particles in the water. Adding a sequestering agent like a stain and scale product can help remove these concentrations and restore clear pool water.

Visible Algae Growth

If your pool water has visible algae growths present, your chlorine level is likely too low. Should this be the case, super chlorinate with a shock product and add an algaecide as required to remove and kill the visible algae.

If all this sounds like too much hassle, our maintenance teams at Bask Pools + Outdoors are ready to help! Give us a call to set up a maintenance plan to ensure your pool stays swim-ready all season!