Not everything always goes as planned; sometimes your pool has problems. As a BioGuard dealer, we are able to correctly diagnose just about any pool condition. Below are some common problems even experienced pool owners can have along with our recommended solutions. Your best solution is to bring a water sample to us for expert water analysis.
- Black Algae
- Green Algae
- Yellow (Mustard) Algae
- Cloudy Water
- Evaporation/Heat Loss
- Excessive Chlorine Loss
- Foaming
- Scale
- Metal Staining
- Eye/Skin Irritation
- Waterline Buildup
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Black AlgaeWhat is it? Black algae are single-celled organisms that grow in large colonies. They contain chlorophyll like other algae, but they also contain compounds that mask the green color. It forms in cracks and crevices on pool surfaces (especially plaster finishes) and can grow somewhat protected from the surrounding environment due to the formation of a protective layer on the outside of the cell. This makes black algae more difficult to treat and it is somewhat resistant to normal chlorine levels. To kill black algae:
IMPORTANT NOTE: Brushing is extremely important when treating black algae because that protective layer has to be broken in order for the sanitizer or algicide to come in contact with the cells. 5 steps to prevent algae growth:
Learn more about our Algae Killing and Prevention products.
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Green AlgaeWhat is it? Common “green” algae are microscopic, aquatic plant-like organisms and can be free-floating or wall clinging. Algae grows in salt or fresh water and thrives in temperatures above 85°F. In fact, it can “bloom” overnight. Algae spores constantly enter pool by rain, wind, animals, toys or swimsuits and left unchecked, can clog filters and create surface damage. To kill green algae:
5 steps to prevent algae growth:
Learn more about our Algae Killing and Prevention products.
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Yellow (Mustard) AlgaeWhat is it? Mustard algae is a chlorine-resistant form of green algae that often resembles dirt or sand on bottom or sides of pool. It contains compounds that act as a defense mechanism against the oxidation efforts of sanitizers, helping it survive even in highly chlorinated conditions. This factor can even create a large chlorine demand in certain situations. Mustard algae can be brushed away very easily, but returns quickly. To kill mustard algae:
5 steps to prevent algae growth:
Learn more about our Algae Killing and Prevention products.
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Cloudy WaterWhat is it? Cloudy water is a hazy, murky appearance that is caused by introduction of suspended particles that are invisible to the naked eye. A similar analogy would be the particles in air that cause smoke. These impurities are introduced to the water from a myriad of environmental sources, even bathers and source water. Particles can intensify and cause water to cloud due to improper water balance, low sanitizer levels and/or lack of routine oxidation, poor filtration or inadequate circulation. To fix chemical causes of cloudy water:
To fix equipment causes of cloudy water:
To prevent cloudy water:
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Evaporation/Heat LossWhat is it? Local climate and weather conditions have a significant impact on the energy efficiency of a pool. Evaporation is more noticeable in drier areas and climates with clear, cold nights often see reduced water temperatures due to exposed water surfaces. These two effects are interrelated as well since when pool water evaporates, heat is also lost from the pool to the air. Other environmental conditions such as humidity or strong winds can also contribute to the problem. The result is increased costs to constantly refill and reheat your pool. To prevent evaporation and heat loss:
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Excessive Chlorine LossWhat is it? The consistent inability to maintain chlorine levels is also called “chlorine demand” and is most often caused by a high level of inorganic and organic contaminants in the water. Those contaminants force the chlorine to work extremely hard to oxidize them, leaving little chlorine to protect swimmers. Proper chlorine levels cannot be reestablished without first eliminating the contaminants. External factors such as sunlight and heat also contribute to chlorine loss. To fix excessive chlorine loss:
To prevent excessive chlorine loss:
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FoamingWhat is it? Foam can be caused by applying a foaming algicide in pools with jetted returns, attached spas or water features. Foaming can also be caused by a foreign contaminant such as soap or oil entering the pool or the build up or organic contaminants in the pool water. Foam should dissipate over time, but the use of anti-foaming agents will help clear the foam much more rapidly. To eliminate foaming:
To prevent foaming:
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ScaleWhat is it? Scale formation is created when there is an oversaturation of minerals in the pool water and water conditions do not allow them to remain dissolved or soluble. Those conditions may be high calcium hardness, high temperatures and/or high pH. The minerals drop out of solution and attach to pool walls and equipment and can damage them if the scale is not removed. Salt cell generators are especially susceptible to scale buildup due to the intense water conditions within the cell itself. To remove scale:
To prevent scale:
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Metal StainingWhat is it? Pool water, equipment and surfaces can become discolored due to contamination, sunlight and the presence of metals in pool water. Metals are often introduced into the water via source water, equipment (corrosion of heater parts), pool chemicals or other pool devices. Changes in water balance (usually from an increase in pH or application of a shock product) can cause the metals to become insoluble and allow them to drop onto the pool surface, resulting in staining. Iron and copper are the two most common types stains. Some stains may be organic in nature (such as black algae and pink slime) and should be treated with algicides and shock. To remove metal stains:
To prevent metal stains:
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Eye/Skin IrritationWhat is it? Eyes and skin can become irritated after spending time in the pool for various reasons. Out of balance pool parameter, specifically pH, can cause eye and skin irritation in swimmers. A build up of contaminants in pool water can also create chloramines (a chlorine smell) and contribute to eye/skin irritation. To adjust pH:
To remove contaminants:
To prevent irritating conditions:
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Waterline BuildupWhat is it? A greasy coating on the walls along the waterline of the pool is evidence that there is a saturation of undissolved materials in the water while a ring of rough patches may be a sign of scale. Most of the time, oils,lotions, and other organic contaminants that enter the water via swimmers cause the greasy buildup. Scale conditions are due to hard water problems or failure to correct water balance issues. Please visit the Scale troubleshooting section for more info on that problem. To remove waterline buildup:
To prevent waterline buildup:
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