Complete Pool Troubleshooting Guide

Browse our complete troubleshooting guides or search for your specific issue.

1. How to keep pool water balanced?
Keep your pool water balanced by regularly testing and adjusting pH, alkalinity, and sanitizer levels to maintain safe and clear water.

2. What causes cloudy pool water?
Cloudy pool water is usually caused by poor filtration, unbalanced water chemistry, or a buildup of contaminants like sunscreen or sweat.

3. How often should I test pool water?
You should test your pool water at least once a week and more frequently during heavy use or extreme weather conditions.

4. What is the ideal pH level for a pool?
The ideal pH level for a swimming pool is between 7.4 and 7.6 to ensure effective sanitation and swimmer comfort.

5. How to lower pool alkalinity?
Lower pool alkalinity by adding muriatic acid or dry acid in small doses while the pump is running and retesting frequently.

6. What is pool shocking?
Shocking a pool involves adding a large dose of chlorine or non-chlorine shock to eliminate contaminants, bacteria, and chloramines.

7. How to get rid of algae in a pool?
To eliminate pool algae, brush all surfaces, shock the pool, and use an appropriate algaecide to kill and prevent regrowth.

8. Why is my pool green?
A green pool typically means there is an algae bloom due to low chlorine levels or poor water circulation and filtration.

9. What chemicals are needed for pool maintenance?
Pool maintenance typically requires chlorine or bromine, pH increaser or decreaser, alkalinity adjusters, calcium hardness, and stabilizer.

10. How to clean a pool filter?
Clean your pool filter by backwashing sand or DE filters, or rinsing cartridge filters with water and filter cleaner.

11. What does pool stabilizer do?
Pool stabilizer or cyanuric acid helps prevent chlorine loss from sunlight exposure, making chlorine more effective for longer.

12. How to vacuum a pool?
Attach a manual vacuum to your pool skimmer and slowly clean the floor and walls while the pump is running.

13. How to backwash a pool filter?
To backwash, turn off the pump, set the filter to backwash, run it until the water clears, then rinse and return to filter mode.

14. How to raise pool pH?
Raise your pool's pH by adding soda ash or a pH increaser when levels fall below 7.2 to prevent corrosion and eye irritation.

15. What is calcium hardness in a pool?
Calcium hardness refers to the level of dissolved calcium in the water and should be kept between 200 and 400 ppm to prevent scaling and damage.

16. Why does my pool lose water?
Water loss can be due to evaporation, splash-out, backwashing, or a possible leak in the plumbing or liner.

17. How to prevent pool stains?
Prevent pool stains by maintaining balanced water chemistry, using sequestrants, and regularly brushing pool surfaces to avoid metal buildup.

18. What is the best pool chlorine?
The best chlorine option depends on your pool, but stabilized chlorine tablets are convenient for ongoing maintenance.

19. How to winterize a pool?
Winterize by balancing water, lowering the water level, adding winterizing chemicals, blowing out lines, and covering the pool securely.

20. How to open a pool for the season?
Remove the cover, reconnect equipment, raise water level, balance chemicals, and clean the pool thoroughly before use.

21. What is the best robotic pool cleaner?
The best robotic pool cleaner combines strong suction, smart navigation, and easy maintenance for hands-free pool cleaning.

22. How to remove phosphates from pool?
Use a phosphate remover product and maintain sanitizer levels to prevent algae growth fueled by high phosphate levels.

23. How to maintain an above ground pool?
Keep your above ground pool clean by testing water weekly, vacuuming, maintaining filter operation, and covering it when not in use.

24. How to maintain a saltwater pool?
Maintain a saltwater pool by checking salt levels, cleaning the salt cell, and testing pH, alkalinity, and chlorine regularly.

25. How to convert a chlorine pool to saltwater?
Install a salt chlorine generator, add pool-grade salt, and balance your water chemistry to switch from chlorine to salt.

26. What is a pool skimmer?
A pool skimmer removes floating debris from the water surface before it sinks and affects water clarity or clogs the filter.

27. How to remove pool scale buildup?
Scale buildup can be removed by scrubbing with a pumice stone or using scale removal chemicals when calcium levels are high.

28. Why is my pool foamy?
Foam in a pool can be caused by high bather loads, algaecides, or personal care products like lotions and shampoos.

29. How to maintain pool water temperature?
Maintain temperature using a pool heater or solar cover to reduce heat loss and extend swim season comfort.

30. What is free chlorine in a pool?
Free chlorine refers to the available chlorine that actively sanitizes the water and kills bacteria and contaminants.

31. How to clear a cloudy pool fast?
To clear a cloudy pool quickly, use a pool clarifier or flocculant, clean the filter, and ensure your sanitizer and pH levels are balanced.

32. How long to run pool pump each day?
Run your pool pump for 8 to 12 hours daily to ensure proper circulation and filtration, especially during warmer months.

33. How to use pool test strips?
Dip test strips into pool water for a few seconds, compare the color changes to the chart, and adjust chemicals accordingly.

34. What is the best pool algaecide?
The best algaecide depends on algae type. Copper-based and non-foaming algaecides work well for ongoing prevention.

35. Why is my pool water brown?
Brown pool water is often caused by metals like iron or manganese reacting with chlorine. Use a metal remover and filter thoroughly.

36. How to fix high chlorine in pool?
Let the sun naturally lower chlorine levels or use a chlorine neutralizer if levels are dangerously high.

37. How to shock a saltwater pool?
Shocking a saltwater pool is the same as any other. Use a non-stabilized shock treatment and circulate for 24 hours.

38. What is total alkalinity in a pool?
Total alkalinity stabilizes pH levels and should be kept between 80 and 120 ppm to avoid pH bounce and corrosion.

39. How to reduce pool chlorine levels?
Reduce chlorine levels by removing chlorine tablets, stopping dosing temporarily, and allowing UV light to naturally lower levels.

40. Why does my pool smell like chlorine?
Strong chlorine odors often signal chloramine buildup. Shock the pool to destroy these combined chlorine compounds.

41. What is cyanuric acid in pools?
Cyanuric acid acts as a stabilizer, protecting chlorine from UV breakdown, and should stay between 30 and 50 ppm.

42. How to remove metal stains from pool?
Use a metal stain remover and sequestrant, and adjust water chemistry to prevent further metal deposits.

43. How to maintain pool clarity?
Maintain water clarity by balancing chemistry, cleaning filters, using clarifiers as needed, and brushing regularly.

44. How to prime a pool pump?
Fill the pump housing with water, seal the lid, and turn on the pump until water flows steadily without air bubbles.

45. What is the best pool cover?
The best pool cover depends on your needs. Solar covers retain heat while safety covers protect against debris and accidents.

46. How to improve pool circulation?
Improve circulation by angling return jets, cleaning filters, running the pump daily, and brushing dead spots.

47. How to balance pool chemicals?
Balance pool chemicals in order. Test pH, adjust alkalinity, stabilize chlorine, and ensure calcium and stabilizer levels are within range.

48. How to lower pool pH naturally?
Use muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate to gently lower high pH levels without drastic swings.

49. How to prevent algae in pool?
Prevent algae with consistent chlorine levels, weekly brushing, proper circulation, and periodic algaecide treatments.

50. How to test pool calcium levels?
Use a liquid test kit or digital tester to check calcium hardness and adjust with increasers or dilution if needed.

51. How to maintain chlorine levels?
Maintain proper chlorine levels with stabilized tablets, regular shocking, and consistent testing to avoid dips and spikes.

52. What causes eye irritation in pools?
Eye irritation is usually from chloramines or imbalanced pH. Keep free chlorine and pH within recommended levels.

53. How to use pool clarifier?
Add clarifier according to product directions with the pump running. It binds small particles together so the filter can remove them more easily.

54. How to add chlorine to pool?
Add chlorine by placing tablets in a floater or skimmer basket, pouring liquid around the pool edges, or broadcasting granules across the surface.

55. What is a pool flocculant?
A flocculant clumps tiny particles into larger ones that sink to the bottom of the pool so you can vacuum them out.

56. How to use pool algaecide?
Pour algaecide around the edges of the pool with the pump running, ideally after brushing and shocking for best results.

57. What is ideal pool water temperature?
Ideal pool water temperature is typically between 78 and 82 degrees Fahrenheit for most swimmers.

58. Why is my pool water green after shocking?
Green water after shocking may be caused by metals in the water reacting with chlorine. Use a metal sequestrant and clean the pool thoroughly.

59. How to clean pool tiles?
Use a tile-safe cleaner and a non-abrasive brush to remove buildup. Regular brushing helps prevent scaling and stains.

60. What causes white flakes in pool?
White flakes are often calcium deposits or residue from broken-down sanitizers. Test calcium hardness and adjust if needed.

61. How to remove oil from pool water?
Use enzyme-based cleaners or scum-absorbing sponges to break down and remove oils from sunscreen, sweat, or lotion.

62. What is the difference between free and total chlorine?
Free chlorine sanitizes the water. Total chlorine includes both free chlorine and combined chlorine, which is no longer effective.

63. How to balance pool pH and alkalinity?
Adjust total alkalinity first, then pH. Use baking soda to raise alkalinity and pH increaser or decreaser to fine-tune pH levels.

64. How to prevent calcium buildup in pool?
Maintain balanced calcium levels, pH, and alkalinity. Use scale control products to reduce deposits and regularly brush surfaces.

65. How to remove leaves from pool?
Use a leaf rake or skimmer net to scoop leaves daily. A leaf canister or pool cover helps prevent heavy debris buildup.

66. What is pool filter sand?
Pool filter sand is specially graded silica that traps dirt and debris as water passes through a sand filter.

67. How to clean pool cartridge filter?
Remove the cartridge, hose it off, and soak it in filter cleaner to break down oils and minerals before rinsing thoroughly.

68. What is a DE pool filter?
A DE filter uses diatomaceous earth powder to coat filter grids, trapping very fine particles for superior filtration.

69. How to backwash a sand filter?
Turn off the pump, set the valve to backwash, turn the pump on, and run until water in the sight glass is clear. Then rinse and return to filter mode.

70. How to maintain pool weekly?
Each week, test water, adjust chemicals, skim debris, clean the filter, and brush the walls and floor of your pool.

71. How to prevent pool liner stains?
Prevent stains by keeping metals and organic matter out of the pool, using sequestrants, and maintaining balanced water chemistry.

72. How to measure pool chlorine?
Use test strips, a liquid drop kit, or a digital tester to measure both free and total chlorine levels.

73. How to use liquid chlorine in pool?
Pour liquid chlorine evenly around the pool with the pump running. Avoid splashing and allow time for it to circulate.

74. What causes scaling in pools?
Scaling occurs when calcium hardness, pH, or alkalinity are too high. It appears as rough white deposits on surfaces and equipment.

75. How to clean a green pool?
Brush all surfaces, shock the water heavily, run the filter continuously, and vacuum debris to clear algae and restore water clarity.

76. How to handle pool chemical safety?
Store chemicals in a cool, dry place away from children. Wear gloves and goggles, and never mix different chemicals directly.

77. What is pool water hardness?
Water hardness refers to the amount of calcium in the water. Too little can corrode surfaces, while too much causes scaling.

78. How to troubleshoot pool pump?
Check for clogs in the skimmer or impeller, inspect the motor, and make sure water levels are high enough to prime the pump.

79. How to prevent pool evaporation?
Use a solar cover or liquid solar blanket to slow down evaporation caused by heat and wind exposure.

80. How to check pool water levels?
Pool water should be about halfway up the skimmer opening. Add or remove water as needed to maintain proper level.

81. How to clean pool ladders?
Scrub ladders with a non-abrasive cleaner or diluted vinegar to remove grime, calcium, and algae buildup.

82. What causes yellow algae in pools?
Yellow or mustard algae thrives in shaded areas and resists normal chlorine levels. Brush vigorously and use a strong algaecide.

83. How to fix cloudy saltwater pool?
Test and balance all chemical levels, clean the salt cell, and run the pump continuously until the water clears.

84. How to remove black algae from pool?
Scrub with a stiff brush, shock heavily, and use a specialized black algae algaecide to penetrate and kill the roots.

85. How to drain a pool safely?
Use a submersible pump and follow local guidelines for drainage. Avoid draining during heavy rain or when the ground is saturated.

86. How to fix high calcium in pool?
Dilute your pool water with fresh water, avoid calcium-based products, and use a scale inhibitor to manage buildup.

87. How to test pool stabilizer?
Use a cyanuric acid test kit or take a water sample to a pool store to check stabilizer levels accurately.

88. How to add pool salt?
Broadcast pool-grade salt across the deep end with the pump running and allow it to fully dissolve before testing levels.

89. How to increase chlorine efficiency?
Keep pH and stabilizer levels within range, clean filters regularly, and add enzymes to reduce organic waste that consumes chlorine.

90. How to maintain hot tub and pool?
Test and adjust water chemistry separately for each. Clean filters often and follow specific care routines based on usage.

91. How to check for pool leaks?
Use the bucket test to compare evaporation, inspect plumbing and equipment for wet spots, or hire a leak detection specialist.

92. How to use digital pool testers?
Dip the probe into the water and wait for readings to appear on the screen. Follow manufacturer instructions for calibration.

93. What is pool opening kit?
A pool opening kit includes shock, algaecide, stain preventer, and clarifier to help start the season with clean and safe water.

94. How to maintain chlorine pool in summer?
Test water daily, shock weekly, run your filter longer, and add chlorine tablets regularly to keep up with sun and swimmer demand.

95. How to treat pool with high phosphate?
Use a phosphate remover and maintain good chlorine levels. Regular brushing and cleaning also help prevent algae blooms.

96. How to store pool chemicals?
Store chemicals in a dry, well-ventilated place, away from sunlight and moisture. Keep containers sealed and clearly labeled.

97. What is a pool closing kit?
A closing kit contains winterizing chemicals like algaecide, stain preventer, and shock to keep water clean during the offseason.

98. How to clean automatic pool cleaner?
Rinse with fresh water after use, empty debris containers, check moving parts, and store it out of direct sun when not in use.

99. How to use pool enzyme treatments?
Add enzymes weekly or as directed. They break down organic contaminants like oils and lotions to help reduce chlorine demand.

100. How to treat metal in pool water?
Use a metal sequestrant to bind metals like iron and copper. This helps prevent stains and keeps the water looking clean.