Causes:  Often caused by a high pH or insufficient sanitation which results in algae growth.

Remedy: ‘Shock’ pool water with chlorine. Dosage depends on chlorine type. Correct pH to read between 7.2 – 7.6 with Dry Acid or Soda Ash. Add algaecide the following morning (see container for proper dosage).

Causes:  Low pH; when chlorine is added it reacts with the water causing the iron in the water, which is normally present but cannot be seen, to come out and become visible. This can also cause brown stains on walls and floor.

Remedy: Lower chlorine level (withdraw chlorine treatment until the chlorine level measures below 0.5 ppm). Adjust pH to read between 7.2-7.6 and add alum. This removes the iron from the water by precipitation. Correct the pH, and then vacuum to remove the resulted dirt from the pool floor.

Causes: Hot days with high humidity or thunderstorms, also insufficient sanitation and brushing.

Remedy: Brush vigorously. Thereafter, add a bottle of algaecide in the morning. Shock pool in the late afternoon with 4 times the normal recommended dose of chlorine and brush again.

Causes:  Usually due to insufficient sanitation.

Remedy: Correct pH. Brush the algae off the walls. Add algaecide following instructions on the bottle. Then shock dose with chlorine in the late afternoon and brush once more. 

Causes:  Insufficient sanitation and general neglect of pH testing and brushing.

Remedy: Brush vigorously with a stiff or Stainless Steel Brush if marble or with a very hard polypro Algae Brush if on a painted surface. Add a bottle of algaecide carefully following instructions. ‘Shock’ pool with chlorine for next the 2 days in the late afternoon. Ensure correct pH prior to any chemical treatment.

Causes:  Build-up of chloramines, which are the waste products of spent chlorine and that have the classic chlorine smell.

Remedy: ‘Shock’ pool with about 3 – 5 times normal recommended dose of Chlorine.

Causes:  Fine matter in suspension in the water – too small to be trapped in the sand filer.

Remedy: Backwash filter and pour alum into the weir of the pool. The flocculant will coagulate the small particles, which in turn will be trapped in the sand.

Causes:  Normally caused if the pH of pool water is too low (acidic).

Remedy: Add Soda Ash in small doses.

Causes:  (1) if the reading is high then the filter is clogged and needs backwashing. (2) if low, then the weir or pump baskets are clogged with leaves or debris.

Remedy: (1) backwash filer (2) switch off motor and clear pump and weir basket of all debris.

Causes:  Body oils, suntan lotion, etc.

Remedy: Use DRY ACID to remove this dirt.

Causes:  Metal objects, i.e. coins, hairclips, etc or leaves, fruit, etc.

Remedy: Most small stains or marks can be removed by using an Emery Sander or a Stainless Steel Brush, If marks are large and persist, then the pool must be emptied and acid washed (using Dry Acid) or sanded with an electric sander.

Causes:  Too much acid or acidic compounds have been added.

Remedy: Add Soda Ash

Causes:  Phenol solution has been left in sunlight and turned yellow or is old.

Remedy: Replace solution. This solution should be replaced every 3 months.

Causes:  There is no chlorine in the pool.

Remedy: Remember to always test for Chlorine in the morning before 8:30 am. The sun will start to dissipate Chlorine after this time. If the Chlorine level is still too low then increase the dose that is being added each day

Causes:  Usually as a result of wind or heavy rainstorms.

Remedy: Use alum powder. Broadcast the powder across the surface of the water with the filter off. Leave overnight. Vacuum to waste the next day.