11 Most Effective Solutions

Here is a list of frequently encountered pool water problems and their solutions. There are often simple and effective tips for maintaining the clarity of your pool water.

This manual has been developed by our technicians who have specialized in pool maintenance for many years. Thanks to these tips, you can enjoy crystal-clear water throughout the season!

Are you unable to solve your pool water problem? Contact our technical team for assistance in finding a lasting solution.

Table of Contents:

Don’t hesitate to consult our guide regarding pool water analysis to discover the recommended pH, TH, and TAC levels for your installation! 👇

Cloudy Pool Water or Milky Pool Water

Milky water in a pool is manifested by a whitish opacity that makes it difficult to see the bottom, often caused by a chemical imbalance, an inadequate filtration system, or the presence of suspended particles.

Cause #1: The pH level is incorrect

Solution:

Check the quality of your pool water with test strips or an electronic pH tester. If the pH level of your water is not between 7.0 and 7.4, you will need to adjust the pH using a corrector.

Use powder or liquid pH, such as pH minus or pH plus, depending on the previously measured level.

It is also important to check the T.A.C (Total Alkalinity) because if your calcium level is too low, your pH will not be able to rise. In this case, an alkalinity corrector will be necessary.

Don’t forget to perform a shock chlorination to start on a sound basis for your pool water treatment.

Cause #2: Insufficient chlorine level

Solution:

Cloudy pool water can also result from a too low chlorine level. To remedy this, it is advisable to perform the following steps: a shock chlorination, flocculation, carry out repeated cleanings and finally, run the filtration for 48 consecutive hours.

Also check the stabilizer level, because if it is too low or even absent, the chlorine level will be constantly insufficient.

Product to use:

Cause #3: Insufficient filtration

Solution:

A filtration time that is too short can cause problems in your pool water and result in cloudy or milky water. It is crucial to ensure that the filtration duration is adequate for effective water cleaning. For this, it is recommended to increase the filtration time.

As a reminder, filtration time = outdoor temperature ÷ 2

It is also possible that your filtration system (pump + sand filter or cartridge filter) is unsuitable for the volume of pool water to be treated.

A simple rule allows you to check this: the entire volume of water must be filtered in 4 hours. Here is the formula to follow:

Flow rate = Pool volume ÷ 4.

For example, for a 60 m3 pool, the filtration unit must have a capacity of 15 m3/h (60 m3 ÷ 4 hours = 15 m3/h).

The volume of water treated by your filtration system will depend on the power of the pool pump and the diameter of the associated sand filter. You can also choose a filtration unit, also called a filtration plate, which will combine pump and filter for optimal compatibility.

Cause #4: Overstabilization

Solution:

Check the stabilizer level in the water, which must remain below 100 ppm. Empty the pool from the bottom (via the main drain, or using a cellar pump) with the goal of reaching a stabilizer level between 35 and 50 ppm. Then, opt for a non-stabilized chlorine to disinfect the pool.

Green Pool Water

Problem #1: Algae growth

Solution:

Start by checking the pH and T.A.C., perform a shock chlorination, then clean and rinse the filter. Brush the pool walls. Add one or more flocculant cartridges to the skimmer (one cartridge per 50 m3) and apply a concentrated algaecide. Ensure constant filtration until your water becomes clear again.

For pools supplied by a well water source, test the nitrate and phosphate levels in the well water (test kits are available in specialized stores).

If the analysis reveals the presence of either of these elements, the only solution will be to completely drain the pool. Do not forget to rinse the pipes and perform a manual wash of the sand, filter cartridge, or filter elements depending on the type of filter used.

Products to use:

Problem #2: Too much stabilizer

Solution:

Check the stabilizer level in the water, which must be below 100 ppm. Drain the pool from the bottom (using the main drain or a sump pump) to reach a stabilization level between 35 and 50 ppm. Then, opt for non-stabilized chlorine to disinfect your pool.

Products to use:

Limescale Deposits in the Pool

Problem #1: The pH level is

incorrect pH

Solutions:

If, during your check, the pH level of your pool water is not between 7.0 and 7.4, it is necessary to correct the pH by adding pH minus or pH plus (depending on the last reading).

Also consider checking the T.A.C (Total Alkalinity), because if the limestone level is too low, your pH will not be able to increase. Do not forget to proceed with a shock chlorination to start on a good basis for your pool water treatment.

Products to use:

Cause #2: Incorrect TAC level

Solutions:

TAC is an indicator of the quantity of bicarbonates and carbonates present in the pool water. It allows for evaluating the water’s capacity to handle pH variations. To correct a TAC that is too high, you will need to add an anti-limescale product.

Products to use:

• Anti-limescale product suitable for pools

Brown, Reddish, or Black Pool Water

Solutions for brown, reddish, or black pool water:

A brown, reddish, or black coloration of the pool water can be caused by the presence of iron or manganese in the water used to fill the basin. To solve this problem, it is necessary to readjust the pH between 7.0 and 7.4 and perform a shock chlorination, a liquid flocculation, and to turn off filtration for 12 hours, then remove the deposits by evacuating them directly into the drains. Finally, use a metal sequestrant.

Product to use:

Translucent Green Pool Water