1. Dirt deposits on the surface of the water
Dirt deposits on the surface of the water are one of the most common problems. Remove large pieces of debris using a net and clean the pool afterward using a pool vacuum or robotic pool cleaner. Also remember to clean the filter, pump, and skimmer regularly, to avoid the accumulation of waste.
2. Oily residue on the surface of the water
Various products used by swimmers (sunscreen, make-up, etc.) and air pollution can cause the appearance of oily residue on the surface of the water. To remedy this, an absorbent fabric is available that is placed in the skimmer to absorb residue.
3. Dirt on the pool wall at the water line
The filtration process can help to reduce the limestone, waste, and oils, which settle on the surface of the water. However, you will still find some of this type of residue on the walls of your pool, at the water line. You will need to clean this area regularly (at least once a week when your pool is in operation). Simply use a sponge (without scraper, to avoid damaging the lining) with a common household cleaning product.
4. Strong smell of chlorine? Eye irritation?
A strong smell of chlorine emanating from your water is not necessarily caused by too much chlorine in your pool. Strangely, it could be because of too little chlorine, which can also cause eye irritation. Should that be the case, you’ll then want to carry out a chlorine shock treatment or use active oxygen.
5. Translucent water, but tinged with green or brown
Your water is clear and translucent, but it has a brown or green hue. This indicates a high content of mineral or metallic particles. You can remedy the problem by first checking your filter and the pH level. You may need to carry out a shock treatment. Of course, you will also have to thoroughly clean your pool.
6. Cloudy water, rough pool walls?
This issue can be explained by too much limestone in the water. First, clean the bottom of your pool with a brush and vacuum. If this does not resolve the situation, use a product such as a stabilizer or an anti-scale treatment.
7. Milky-white water
If the water of your swimming pool is whitish or appears milky, a number of issues may be the cause, including algae, limestone, variation in the pH, ineffective filtration, etc. To restore the water’s balance, you will need to carry out a chlorine shock treatment or use a flocculent product.
8. Gleaming metallic blue water?
If you notice this phenomenon in your swimming pool, it’s due to brass oxidation in the water. A flocculent product and washing the filter should restore your water to its usual colour.
9. Green water
Your water is greenish, your pool floor is slippery. This means that algae have grown in your pool. In such case, check the pH level and adjust it accordingly. This is important as the pH level impacts the efficiency of the disinfectant you use.
Do a shock treatment (by increasing the dose of chlorine you usually use). You can also opt to use an algaecide.
Keep your filter running until the water becomes clear again.
To eliminate algae: hand-brush the walls of your swimming pool.
The condition of your water will determine the action you need to take. If algae only just appeared on your pool walls, it will be easier to restore it to its usual state. However, if the water is opaque green, you will have to be more patient as you rebalance the pool water.
10. “Thick” water
If you don’t see dirt deposits in your pool, and the water is clear but feels “thick,” or the walls of your pool are slippery, you may well have algae in your pool. Algae are not necessarily visible, but you can feel them!
Various factors can explain the presence of algae in your swimming pool:
- A problem with the maintenance of your swimming pool;
- Your filter is blocked, your pump is damaged, or you have a build-up of limestone and scale in your pipes, which hinders the efficiency of your circuitry;
- You should re-evaluate your treatments (chlorine or pH);
- Your water is too hot (algae tend to thrive in warmer water);
- Algae are not dangerous to health. On the other hand, when algae die, they cause various problems: they can block your filtration system (and the other conduits of your pool), and cause your pool water to appear greenish in colour. Furthermore, if it develops unchecked, an incalculable number of bacteria will also develop. In that case, there will be health concerns and swimming should be forbidden.
Solutions
As soon as you notice the walls and bottom of your pool have become slimy, or that your water seems “thick” the sooner you should act. Taking immediate action lessens the chance of damage.
- Start by brushing the bottom and walls of your swimming pool with a telescopic brush or use a robotic pool vacuum.
- Then, add a dose of algaecide (algae treatment).
- Increase the filtration time. Filtrate constantly for a few days.
- Algae tend to develop slower in acidic water. Reduce the level of pH to about 6.8.
- If the water in your swimming pool has already begun to turn green, do a chlorine shock treatment.
- At the beginning of the season, when opening your pool, treat your water with an algaecide to prevent algae from developing. As a preventive measure, you can add a dose of algaecide every 15 days during the season.