Troubleshooting Common Pool Problems: For Pool Products & Chemicals Near You, We Can Help

What Should I Do If There’s Algae in My Swimming Pool?

If you notice algae in your home swimming pool, it’s important to act quickly to prevent it from spreading and affecting the water quality long-term. These are the steps we suggest:

1. Test & Adjust the Water Chemistry: Before treating the algae, test the pool’s water to check the pH, chlorine levels, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid. Adjust the water chemistry accordingly, as poor balance can reduce the effectiveness of your treatments.
2. Brush the Pool Surfaces: Scrub the pool walls and floor with a pool brush, especially if you have stubborn algae. Brushing will help break the algae loose from the surfaces and allow the chemicals to penetrate better. Focus on corners, steps, and areas where algae is most visible.
3. Shock the Pool: Shocking the pool means adding a high dose of chlorine to kill algae and bacteria. Make sure the pump and filter are running to help circulate the chemicals.
4. Add an Algaecide:should be running 10-12 hours After shocking the pool, wait one hour and you can add an algaecide specifically designed to kill algae. Follow the instructions on the label for the appropriate amount.
5. Run the Pool Pump: Run the filter and pump for 24 – 48 hours to help circulate the chemicals and filter out the dead algae. This will also help clear up the water. Just be sure to keep an eye on the filter, and backwash or clean it, if needed.
6. Vacuum the Pool: Once the algae starts to die off, vacuum the pool to remove the dead algae particles from the bottom. This is crucial to keep the water clean and prevent the algae from reappearing.

Once the algae is gone, continue to test and adjust your pool water on a weekly basis to maintain proper chemical balances. You’ll also want to maintain good water circulation by running your pool pump for at least 8 hours a day. And be sure to use a pool cover when the pool is not in use to prevent debris and sunlight from encouraging algae growth.

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What Should I Do If My Pool Water Turns Cloudy?

Cloudy water is often caused by imbalanced chemicals, poor filtration, or debris buildup. Here’s what to do: 

1. Test & Balance Your Water: Low chlorine can cause bacteria and algae growth, and imbalanced pH and high calcium can both cause cloudiness. Test your levels and adjust accordingly.
2. Improve Filtration: Run your pool pump longer than normal (it should be running 10-12 hours per day), clean your filter, and make sure return jets are positioned to distribute water evenly.  
3. Remove Any Debris or Organic Contaminants: Skim and vacuum the pool to remove leaves, dirt, and other debris, then brush your pool walls and floor to loosen up algae or debris. 
4. Shock the Pool: If needed, add a chlorine shock treatment to eliminate bacteria, algae, and other organic contaminants. Shocking the pool helps to restore water clarity and sanitize the water effectively.
5. Consider Using a Pool Clarifier or Flocculant: Clarifiers help small particles clump together so they can be filtered out, while flocculants bind debris into large clumps that sink to the bottom (which can then be vacuumed out).  
6. Monitor & Invest in Preventive Maintenance: Once cleared, keep up with regular cleaning, chemical balancing, and proper filtration to prevent cloudiness from recurring. And remember that heavy use can introduce more contaminants, so adjust your routine accordingly after pool parties or heavy swimming days.

How Do I Know If My Pool Pump Is Working Properly?

Your pool pump plays an integral role in keeping everything running smoothly. Without a proper working pool pump, your pool water can become stagnant, leading to poor circulation, uneven chemical distribution, ineffective filtration, and an increased risk of algae growth and bacterial buildup. Over time, this can result in cloudy water, unpleasant odors, and damage.

How do you know if your pool pump might be suffering?

• Your water isn’t clear. Cloudy water or algae buildup indicate a problem, and it could be that your pump isn’t circulating the water properly. 
• Water flow is weak. Water should be moving steadily through the skimmer and return jets. Weak flow may indicate a clog or air leak.  
• Your pressure readings are off. The pressure gauge on your filter should read within the normal range (typically 10-20 psi, depending on your system). A sudden drop or rise in pressure could signal a problem.
• You’re hearing unusual noises. A properly functioning pump runs smoothly and relatively soundlessly. Loud grinding, screeching, or rattling could mean a failing motor or clogged impeller.
• There are air bubbles in the pump basket. Air bubbles can indicate a suction-side leak, which affects performance. The pump basket should be full of water with minimal bubbles.
• The pump is turning off unexpectedly. This could be indicative of an electrical issue, overheating, or a failing motor.

If you notice any of these issues, act fast. Check and clean the skimmer and pump baskets, ensure the pump lid is sealed tightly, inspect and clean the filter, and look for visible leaks in the pump or plumbing. If issues persist, give us a call, and we can let you know potential issues and what the best solution would be. We’re your local pool care experts.

Why Isn’t My Pool Heating Properly?

If your pool isn’t heating properly, there are lots of potential reasons behind it. It could be an issue with your pool cover not sealing properly, or maybe there’s a leak that’s impacting efficiency. Even low water levels can impact how well your pool heater is working. That said, it’s important to look at common causes based on your specific heater type.

What are common gas pool heater issues?

• No gas or low gas pressure. If the gas supply is low or turned off, the heater won’t work. Check the gas tank or propane supply, and ensure the gas valve is fully open and the pressure is adequate. Consult your gas provider if you have any concerns about the gas connection or proper flow.
• Thermostat malfunctioning. The thermostat could be faulty or reading the wrong temperature. Try resetting the thermostat – or replacing it if it’s not responding.
• Dirty or clogged filters. Dirty filters can restrict airflow, making the heater less efficient. Clean or replace the filters to restore proper airflow.
• Faulty ignition or pilot light. The pilot light may go out or fail to ignite. Relight the pilot light or check for ignition issues (like a dirty thermocouple or faulty igniter).
• Wrong heater size. The heater may be too small for your pool’s size. Make sure the heater is appropriately sized for the volume of water in your pool. If it’s undersized, consider upgrading.

What are common solar pool heater issues?

• Panels are blocked or dirty. Dirt, leaves, or debris can block the solar panels, preventing them from absorbing sunlight. Clean the panels regularly and remove any debris that might obstruct sunlight.
• Pump problems. If the pump isn’t circulating water through the solar panels, it won’t heat the pool properly. Check if the pump is running smoothly. If the pump is malfunctioning or blocked, clean or replace it.
• Valve malfunctions. The valves controlling water flow through the solar system might be clogged or misaligned. Inspect and clean the valves. Make sure they’re set correctly for the water to flow through the solar panels.
• Not enough sunlight. Solar heaters rely on direct sunlight to heat the pool. If it’s cloudy or you’re in a shaded area, it may not be getting enough heat. Consider positioning the solar panels in a sunnier location or use an additional heat source for colder or cloudy days. 

What are common heat pump pool heater issues?

• Low refrigerant. Low refrigerant levels can cause the heat pump to malfunction. Call a professional technician to check refrigerant levels and recharge them, if necessary.
• Dirty coils or air filters. Dirty coils or air filters can block airflow, making it difficult for the heat pump to heat effectively. Clean the air filters and coils to improve efficiency.
• Incorrect temperature settings. The thermostat may be set incorrectly, or you might be trying to heat the pool to a temperature that exceeds the heat pump’s capacity. Ensure your thermostat is set correctly.
• Low ambient temperature. Heat pumps lose efficiency in cooler temperatures (typically below 50°F). Consider using a different heating system if you live in an area with cooler climates, or pair the heat pump with a backup system like a gas heater for the colder months.