| Problem |
Reasons |
Solutions |
Recommended Products |
| Low chlorine levels. |
Unsatisfied chlorine demand in the water at start up, after holidays or due to excess contamination or neglect. |
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. |
Buy Shock Chemicals. |
| Too much chlorine. |
Too much chlorine was added to pool. |
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. |
Buy Chlorine Reducer. |
| Chlorine levels will not stabilise or are lost rapidly. |
1) PH balance incorrect.
2) Chlorine stabiliser not present. |
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. |
Buy Stabilised Chlorine. |
| pH hard to control. |
pH levels can be difficult to control if the total alkalinity is incorrect. |
Correct total alkalinity level. |
Buy Balance Chemicals. |
| Green water. |
Usually caused by an infestation of algae. |
Shock dose pool with chlorine and add algaecide. |
Buy Algaecide. |
| Cloudy water. |
Usually occurs after poor chemical control or inadequate filtration. |
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). |
Buy Clarifiers and Flocculents. |
| Scale Formation. |
This can happen in hard water areas due to high level of calcium in the water. |
Ensure the correct pH level is being maintained and use a Scale Inhibitor to prevent calcium precipitating out of the water. |
Buy Scale Inhibitors. |
| No colour change on Test Strip pads after being dipped into pool water |
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. |
Check expiry date on Test Strips.
1) Wait for chlorine level to drop and retest.
2) Add chlorine. |
Buy Test Kits. |
| Foaming |
1)High levels of total dissolved solids, from treatment chemicals.
2) Oils and grease from suntan cream, skin cells and body fats. |
1)Replace some of the pool or spa water with fresh towns mains water, and treat correctly.
2)Add a small dose of antifoam. |
Buy Anti Foam. |
| A film or 'tide mark' appears at the water line. |
Build up of Oils, fats and calcium salts will cause an unsightly 'tide mark'. |
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. |
Buy Tile and Line Cleaner. |
| Green or blue deposits stain the tile grout and pool fittings. |
Over dose of Algaecides.
High calcium hardness levels. |
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. |
Buy Test Kits.
Buy Algaecides. |
