Pool Chemistry 101
Learn the basics of balancing your pool chemicals for crystal clear water all season long.
Maintaining a swimming pool can sometimes feel like a full-time job. Between balancing chemicals, cleaning surfaces, and ensuring equipment is functioning properly, there's always something that needs attention. The key to minimizing pool problems is early detection.
In this article, we'll explore the most common swimming pool issues that homeowners face and how to identify them before they become major headaches.
Cloudy or Green Water
This is one of the most visible and common pool problems. Cloudy or green water is typically caused by improper chemical balance, inadequate filtration, or algae growth.
Early Signs to Watch For:
- Water appears slightly hazy instead of crystal clear
- You can't see the bottom of the deep end clearly
- Walls or floor feel slippery
- Slight green tint, especially in corners
Prevention Tips:
Test your water chemistry at least twice a week, run your filter 8-12 hours daily during swimming season, and brush pool walls regularly to prevent algae attachment.
Pump and Filter Issues
Your pool's circulation system is its heart. When pumps or filters malfunction, it affects the entire pool environment.
Early Signs to Watch For:
- Unusual noises from the pump (grinding, screeching)
- Reduced water flow from return jets
- Pump motor feels excessively hot
- Air bubbles coming from return jets
- Rapidly increasing pressure gauge readings
Prevention Tips:
Clean skimmer and pump baskets weekly, backwash or clean filters according to manufacturer recommendations, and ensure proper water level to prevent pump from drawing air.
Chemical Imbalance
Proper water chemistry is essential for swimmer comfort, equipment longevity, and effective sanitization.
Early Signs to Watch For:
- Eye or skin irritation after swimming
- Strong chlorine odor (actually indicates not enough chlorine)
- Corrosion or scaling on pool equipment
- Fading of swimsuits or pool floats
- Algae beginning to form in shaded areas
Prevention Tips:
Use a reliable test kit or strips at least twice weekly, maintain pH between 7.4-7.6, and shock the pool weekly during heavy use periods.
Heater Malfunctions
Pool heaters extend your swimming season but can develop issues that reduce efficiency or cause complete failure.
Early Signs to Watch For:
- Water not reaching desired temperature
- Heater takes longer than usual to heat the pool
- Unusual sounds (popping, rumbling) from heater
- Error codes on digital displays
- Pilot light frequently going out (gas heaters)
Prevention Tips:
Have your heater serviced annually before swimming season, keep the area around the heater clear of debris, and ensure proper water flow through the system.
Cracks and Leaks
Structural issues can lead to water loss and more serious damage if not addressed early.
Early Signs to Watch For:
- Needing to add water more frequently than usual
- Cracks in the pool deck or coping
- Wet spots in yard when pool equipment isn't running
- Air bubbles in the pump basket
- Sinking or settling of pool equipment
Prevention Tips:
Monitor water level changes, inspect pool surfaces regularly for hairline cracks, and address ground settling issues around the pool area promptly.
By learning to recognize these early warning signs, you can address pool problems before they escalate into costly repairs. Regular maintenance and prompt attention to small issues will keep your pool in optimal condition throughout the swimming season.