Pool Troubleshooting Guide
The following information offers solutions to common pool problems. Always ensure the water is properly balanced before adding any corrective chemicals.
PROBLEM | sOLUTION | PREVENTION & MAINTENANCE |
Cloudy, Dull Water | ||
Dirty Filter | Clean your water with Filter Cleaner | Backwash or rinse your filter as needed and chemically clean the filter on a regular basis |
pH Too High | Test frequently. Maintain a pH of 7.2 to 7.6 and total alkalinity between 80 – 150 ppm | |
Free Chlorine Too Low | Test your pool weekly. Use shock to increase free chlorine levels | Maintain free chlorine levels of 1-4 ppm by testing and shocking your pool once per week |
Filter Not Removing All Particles | Group the small particles together using AQUAGUARD 1 Gal. Spa Water Defoamer Pool Clarifier | Use a maintenance dose of AQUAGUARD 1 Gal. Spa Water Defoamer Pool Clarifier once per week |
Backwashing Filters Too Often | Backwash your filter less often | Reference your filter manufacturer’s manual for backwash frequency |
Dissolved Metals in Water | Use a surface solution to help control metal buildup in water | Apply the maintenance dose of surface solution once per week |
Cloudy, Green Water | ||
Green Algae | Apply AQUAGUARD Green Algaecide to kill the algae, and pool shock to help remove it | Use a small dosage of AQUAGUARD Green Algaecide once per week to prevent algae bloom growth |
Reddish, Brown Water | ||
Iron or Manganese in Water | Apply a surface solution to help control metal buildup | Use a surface solution according to label instructions |
Clear, Green Water | ||
Dissolved Copper in Water | Apply a surface solution per the label directions | Apply a surface solution according to label instructions to remove cooper |
Black and/or Dark Green Spots | ||
Black Algae | Apply shock. Brush the sides and walls, and then vacuum the dead algae. Finish with a dose of Algicide MAXBlue | Use shock each week to prevent algae growth |
Yellow Slime | ||
Mustard Algae | Balance water and use shock each week | |
Scum and Odors | ||
Grease and Oil from Swimmers | Add shock to help remove contaminants | Shock your pool weekly to prevent buildup of contaminants |
Chlorine Odor | ||
High Combined Chlorine Level | Shock the pool to lower combined chlorine | Test and balance your pool once a week, and apply shock weekly |
Stains and Rust | ||
Metals in Water | Prevent staining and water discoloration by shock to remove metals from pool water | Apply a maintenance dose of shock according to label instructions |
Unbalanced Water | Test and balance your water using Aquachek Pro 5-In-1 Pool Test Strips | Test and balance your pool each week to keep water clear and prevent water quality issues |
Calcium, Scale Deposits | ||
High pH or Alkalinity | Decrease pH using pH Down | Test and balance water weekly |
Calcium Too High | Prevent calcium-based scale using shock | Apply a maintenance dose of shock |
Skin and Eye Irritation | ||
High Combined Chlorine Level | Shock your pool using shock | Shock and balance your pool once per week |
pH Too Low or Too High | Maintain pH levels between 7.2 to 7.6 and total alkalinity between 80 and 150 ppm |
