Answer Center

Troubleshooting

Listed below are the most common problems that may affect your above ground vinyl pool and the solutions to prevent or control them.

Algae - Prevention and Control

Algae are tiny microscopic plants that enter your pool by rain, wind and fill water. If allowed to grow unchecked, your water will quickly become unusable. One ounce of water can contain millions of algae cells before they are visible. They can clog filters and reduce water circulation and effectiveness of pool chemicals. The best preventative is the use of an algaecide as part of your routine maintenance program. If you already have an algae infestation, take action immediately. Always add algaecides directly into the water, near visible algae growth. The day after treatment, brush walls and vacuum the pool thoroughly and begin using an algae preventative.

Cloudy Water

A clean filter contributes greatly to keeping your pool water clear and sparkling, and allows your sanitizer to work more effectively. The best way to avoid filtration problems is to keep the filter and its components clean and in good condition. Check your water balance. High pH, total alkalinity or calcium hardness levels can cause cloudy water. Check the sanitizer for the proper range. If you are still having filtration problems after these factors have been checked and adjusted, clean your cartridge filter with Filter Cleaner Plus to remove buildup and enhance filter efficiency. If you still see cloudiness, shock your pool.

Scale

Scale formation appears as white, gray or brownish spots on surfaces or equipment caused by water that's out of balance. Scale can damage pool equipment, stain surfaces and cause cloudy water. Test and adjust pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness levels. Then add Metal Stain & Scale Out as a preventative.

Staining

Iron, copper and manganese are the most common metals occurring in pool water. But when pH is adjusted to the desired level of 7.2 - 7.6, metals can drop out of solution, staining the pool surfaces and discoloring the water. Chlorinating products and shock products can also oxidize metals, making them more visible and resulting in unwanted staining. To protect your pool from these metals, use Metal Stain & Scale Out as part of your regularly scheduled maintenance program.

Eye Irritation or Chlorine Odor

Check your sanitizer levels and adjust if needed. If the free available chlorine residual is below 1.0 ppm, you will need to treat your pool with Shock according to label directions.