Blizzards, get behind us. Early sunsets, be gone. Time to come
home, leaves. So good to see you again, feathered friends!As winter disappears into your rearview mirror, it is time to set your sights straight ahead - to your pool. Whether your pool is used as the epicenter of neighborhood gatherings or just a haven of relaxation for your family, there is something that every pool owner can agree on: missing one day in the pool because of a problem is one day too many.
Refer to the list below for five common issues with swimming pools and where to begin fixing them so you don’t have to give up more pool time than needed.
1. Attack of the algae!
- Don’t panic! This is one of the most common problems for pool owners, so rest assured you’re not alone. Of course, that doesn’t make you feel better when your child emerges with green slime on his head!
- What to do? Nine times out of ten this is caused from low chlorine levels. That means it is time for a shock treatment. Shocking the pool with as much as three times the normal amount of shock should clear up your algae infestation fast.
2. General mineral mistakes.
- Dark brown or beautiful green tinted water usually means one thing: too many minerals in the pool. While this problem can change the color of swimsuits or even blonde hair, it is an easy fix.
- The answer is in the chemicals. It could be too much iron or copper. No matter the problem, your local pool supply store will offer the right solution for this issue.
3. What's down there?
- Can’t see the bottom of your pool? This oft-seen problem is usually a result of improper pH balances and can usually be addressed quickly with proper testing and regulating of your pool chemicals.
- Environmental causes can also be to blame. If you live in area with a great deal of rain or near construction, don’t overlook the impact of those added water influencers.
4. What is that stain?
- Dirty stains on the bottom of the pool. Nasty rings around the edge. It can certainly steal the excitement of pool time when the only thing your family can ask is, “What is that stain?”
- This may be a problem that happens naturally, but likely can be handled by addressing mineral issues.
- Test the water with a sock. First, put a little pH decreaser in the sock and rub it on the stain. If it removes the stain, make a note of that for the future. If it does not remove the stain, try again, this time with a chlorine stick in the sock instead of pH decreaser.
- Still not working? It may be time to call in the pros for a little help at this point.
5. Room to foam?
- Who dumped the detergent in the pool? That may be what it looks like, but before you seek out the guilty party, check your algaecide.
- Most foaming in a pool is a result of bad algeacide. Of course, you can also pick up an anti-foaming agent from your local pool supply store to rectify the problem rather quickly.
