A swimming pool is a major part of your home. If you own one, you’re going to need be alert about keeping it clean and in good condition. However, sometimes problems do pop up. This is when you need to know the answers such as how to clean a green pool and how to deal with other situations. The big challenge for many is that they see something wrong with their pool and panic. To avoid this, you’re going to need to be familiar with the basic problems that you may encounter. Here’s a brief look at the common problems you’re going to face with your pool.
Green Problems
Let’s first discuss one of the most common problems you’ll face: a green pool. Waking up to this can be pretty surprising. However, the main reason for it is an algae affliction; what you’re seeing is an algae bloom. The green is the chlorophyll of the algae as they float on the water. If you see this—don’t jump in, even if the water looks nice. You’re going to come out with a lot of algae on your body.
So what causes this? When algae spores land in the pool water, they have all they need to grow. Sunlight will make this bloom overnight. Normally, algae spores will die when they land in a pool because of the chlorination. However, if your pool does not have enough chlorine, then the algae is going to survive and thrive.
It is no surprise then that the main way to clean a green pool is by deploying “shock” chlorination; this means dropping in a lot more chlorine tablets to make the pool poisonous to the algae. However, you’re going to need to over-chlorinate to clean out the current pool. Combine that with an algaecide to be thorough. After that, do normal pool cleaning and let the water cycle out of your pool. In a day or so, your pool should be back in prime condition.
A cloudy future
You’re also going to need to know how to correct cloudy pool water. It may seem like a problem similar to an algae growth; however, cloudy water is an indication of something completely chemical. Remember that your pool needs to be neutral in terms of acidity and alkalinity so that you can swim in it. However, thanks to the chlorine and the open water, the pH levels can greatly change. This is what caused the cloudy water.
When it rains and the water is acidic, it tips the pH levels of your pool. You’re going to need to measure the pH level of your pool and drop in alkali tablets to reset the acidity of the pool. You’re going to need experiment though, because resetting the pH level is a bit of a trial-and-error process. This will mean that your pool will be unavailable for a few days until the problem is cleared up.
Filter solutions
Another common problem you’ll encounter is having a lot of dirt floating around in your pool which is usually a sign that the water filter in your pool is faulty. Check it out and you will most likely find that it has clogged up.
A clogged filter is a big problem. However, there’s a bright side to it—it means that your filter is working properly. It just means that your pool is really dirty. That’s why you need to clean it as quickly as possible.
Do some filter maintenance and clean it out. A good rule of thumb is to do this once a year anyway. Besides that, do some emergency pool cleaning to get rid of the dirt and debris that has accumulated in your pool. This should be a quick fix.
Going brown
The next big issue is that sometimes a pool turns into a strange color. You know green and cloudy, but what about brown? If your pool looks like someone dropped a rusty car inside it, the reason is minerals.
You swimming pool is actually more than water. It is a chemical stew of chlorine and other minerals that get mixed in. If the iron content of your pool goes up, then you can expect brown water. Another mineral can turn it to another color. For example, copper can turn the water teal.
To resolve this, you’re going to have to go to a pool maintenance store. They have the requisite materials to reset the mineral content of the water in your pool. Just tell them the color and they can often point you in the right direction.
The below video gives you a great introduction to learning about your swimming pool pH levels and how to test and find out what they mean.
Stained walls need to go
Another common problem is not the water. Ever noticed the tiles on the side of your pool? Most of the time, they are clean, but it is a big problem if they are stained. Most of the time, the stain is a brown color, but other colors have been noted.
The first thing you need to know is whether the stain is organic or chemical. Take a sock and use a pH decreaser on it; then apply it to the stain. If it removes it, then it is an acidity problem. If not, apply some chlorine to the stain via a stick. Once you know what it is, it’s time to call in the professionals. This is because the longer you leave it alone, the more difficult it will be to remove.
If you stay on top of keeping your tiles clean then this can prevent stain build up in the first place. This is where owning a robotic pool cleaner can pay dividends. If you want to save yourself the time and money of removing stains then we recommend getting yourself one of the best robotic pool cleaners that you can afford.
A little professional help
Calling in professionals may sound like giving up, but you need to recognize that pool technicians know a lot more about how to care for a pool than you. This is why turning to them for help is probably the best solution if you can’t seem to fix the problem.
You might also want to head off any problems early with their help. Contact them once a year so that they can check out your pool for any potential problems. With their knowledgeable help, you should be able to keep your swimming pool in top condition and have hours of fun and enjoyment in it with no worries.