Common Pool Issues: A Very Basic Troubleshooting Guide
Having pool issues? We could help. Here are some common pool problems and a few basic troubleshooting tips.These are just some of the most common issues. There are many more, but covering everything would require a lot more articles. For now, this guide will cover some basic pool maintenance, cleaning, and prevention tips that can help you understand what may be happening with your pool.
Cloudy Water and Algae
We are going to cover just the basics here. There is a lot more to unpack, but we are going to focus on the basics.
Cloudy water can be caused by high pH. If your pH is high, it can pull calcium out of solution or reduce the effectiveness of your chlorine. High pH can also contribute to algae growth fairly quickly because it diminishes the strength of your chlorine.
Another common cause of cloudy water is a dirty filter. A filter that is old or no longer able to absorb contaminants can also create problems. Cheaper filters may look fine on the outside while being completely worn out on the inside. This confuses a lot of pool owners and can have them running in circles trying to figure out the problem.
Regular cleaning and proper filter maintenance should be part of your pool care schedule. If you vacuum your pool to the filter and the dust doesn't go away, that is a good sign your filter may be finito.
Cracks, Leaks and Surface Damage
Any type of surface damage can be caused by water chemistry issues. Not maintaining proper water balance can damage the pool surface and equipment. Leaks can also be caused by unbalanced water when the water is in a corrosive state. Over time, corrosive water can eat away at the surface and eventually cause a leak.
There are also structural issues that can cause surface damage, leaks, and cracks. These structural problems can be caused by poor construction or by the surrounding environment of the pool.
For example, a damaged bond beam can be caused by poor construction. This could happen by not making the bond beam thick enough or by not creating a proper mastic joint.
Think of a bond beam as the lip of a soup bowl. The lip of a soup bowl is usually pretty thick to give the bowl walls support. In a pool, the bond beam is that lip of the bowl. If it is not thick enough or properly supported, it could break.
In a pool, there is a mastic joint that separates the pool from the pool deck. If that mastic joint is missing or not installed properly, the pool can move with the pool deck when the deck moves. That movement can eventually cause damage to the bond beam and lead to cracks.
A broken bond beam could cause your tiles to come loose. No matter what you do to put them back on, they may continue to come apart because they have no proper support from the bond beam. This is one reason why identifying the source of the damage is important instead of simply repairing the visible problem.
Pump And Filter Malfunctions
Pump and filter malfunctions could definitely cause algae, cloudiness, and other pool problems. As part of your maintenance schedule, make sure your pump isn't making unusual noises.
If it is making a screeching noise, it is most likely that the bearings are bad. Try to protect your pool equipment from the outside elements whenever possible. For example, moisture around the pump can cause it to fail prematurely. Sprinklers spraying water directly onto the equipment are another example of something that can create unnecessary problems.
Older pools also have undersized pumps a lot of the time. Look out for that if you are not getting enough circulation. Poor circulation can make cleaning more difficult and may contribute to water quality issues.
Clean your filters on a regular schedule. A good rule of thumb is that if the pressure goes up 10 PSI on a cartridge filter, it is time to clean the filter. A dirty filter can put a lot of strain on your pump and other equipment.
Regular equipment inspections are also an important part of pool maintenance and prevention. Catching a small equipment problem early can sometimes prevent a much larger repair later.
High PH Levels
Very briefly, pH rises naturally as carbon dioxide is expelled from the water. Any turbulence in the water can also cause the pH to go up. For example, fountains in the pool can contribute to raising the PH.
Water chemistry is an important part of keeping a pool healthy. Regular testing should be part of your maintenance schedule, especially if your pool has recurring chemistry problems.
Human blood pH is generally between 7.35 and 7.45. The closer to that range the better because high pH in a pool can contribute to skin irritation.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are some Common Pool Chemical Issues
One of the chemical problems we see in our area is very high cyanuric acid levels in pools. At the same time, some pools have a low pH because a lot of people hire the cheapest person they can find and those companies use chlorine tablets without enough care.
Using tablets incorrectly can cause cyanuric acid levels to go extremely high, which can contribute to algae growth. The tablets also have a very low pH, so they can cause the pH to become too low when they are used improperly.
The best way to avoid these types of problems is to pay attention to your water chemistry and have a consistent pool maintenance and cleaning schedule. Proper prevention can save you from dealing with larger problems later.
Some More Stuff You Could do to Prevent Pool Problems?
A few basic prevention tips can go a long way. Keep your pool on a regular cleaning schedule, check your water chemistry weekly, clean the filter if it's a single cartridge filter monthly, and pay attention to your equipment.
If you notice cracks, unusual water loss, cloudy water, algae, or equipment making strange noises, don't ignore the warning signs. Addressing small issues early can help prevent them from becoming bigger problems.
Professional pool services can also help with regular maintenance, cleaning, equipment inspections, and other pool care needs when you don't have the time or experience to handle everything yourself. At Vibrant Pool Services we do professional pool service miami, if interested.
The goal is simple: stay consistent with maintenance, follow a strict cleaning schedule, and pay attention to changes in your pool before a small problem becomes a major one.