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Problem
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Reasons
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Solutions
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Low chlorine levels.
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Unsatisfied chlorine demand in the water at start up, after holidays or due to excess contamination or neglect.
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Shock dose pool with liquid shock or granules (Sodium Hypochlorite or Calcium Hypochlorite) and retest after 24-hours. If chlorine level is still low repeat shock treatment.
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Too much chlorine.
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Too much chlorine was added to pool.
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This is only a real problem if the chlorine is over 10mg/l (ppm). The chlorine level will naturally dissipate in time or can be reduced by chlorine reducer.
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Chlorine levels will not stabilise or are lost rapidly.
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1) PH balance incorrect.
2) Chlorine stabiliser not present.
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1) Balance pH to 7.2 to 7.6
2) Use stabilised chlorine granules (Sodium Dichloroisocyanurate Dihydarate)
3) In spas consider the use of Bromine tablets which are more tolerant of pH swings.
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pH hard to control.
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pH levels can be difficult to control if the total alkalinity is incorrect.
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Correct total alkalinity level.
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Green water.
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Usually caused by an infestation of algae.
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Shock dose pool with chlorine and add algaecide.
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Cloudy water.
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Usually occurs after poor chemical control or inadequate filtration.
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Clean filter, check and if necessary adjust chemical levels (chlorine & pH). If problem persists use water clarifier to assist filter in removing small particles. (It is dangerous to operate a pool if the bottom is not visible).
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Scale Formation.
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This can happen in hard water areas due to high level of calcium in the water.
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Ensure the correct pH level is being maintained and use a Scale Inhibitor to prevent calcium precipitating out of the water.
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No colour change on Test Strip pads after being dipped into pool water
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1) If chlorine level is over 15mg/l (ppm) the colour on the pads can be 'bleached' out.
2) If chlorine level is low the test strip colour will not change for the chlorine test.
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Check expiry date on Test Strips.
1) Wait for chlorine level to drop and retest.
2) Add chlorine.
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Foaming
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1)High levels of total dissolved solids, from treatment chemicals.
2) Oils and grease from suntan cream, skin cells and body fats.
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1)Replace some of the pool or spa water with fresh towns mains water, and treat correctly.
2)Add a small dose of antifoam.
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A film or 'tide mark' appears at the water line.
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Build up of Oils, fats and calcium salts will cause an unsightly 'tide mark'.
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1)Reduce the likely hood by asking bathers to shower before using the pool.
2)Remove the deposits with a tile and line cleaning agent.
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Green or blue deposits stain the tile grout and pool fittings.
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Over dose of Algaecides.
High calcium hardness levels.
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1) Check the pool water copper level, if > 1 ppm, remove a quantity of water to reduce the levels
2) Check Calcium Hardness, remove water if too high.
3) Use an Algaecide that has a stabilised complex.
4)Use a copper free Algaecide.
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