Skip to main content

solutions to common problems

Welcome to the Poolife® solution center – a helpful, comprehensive resource for pool care troubleshooting. Choose the problem you are trying to address from the drop down menu below and we’ll help you return your pool to its ideal condition. We have highlighted the most common pool problems. If you need specialized attention, please consult your local professional Poolife® dealer.

problem: algae

Solution

The addition of shock and algaecide on a regular basis will be more effective at preventing algae growth than treating algae once it is visible in a pool. However, if algae does appear, follow the steps below for treatment:

Step 1. Adjust the pH to 7.2 – 7.4.

Step 2. Brush the pool sides vigorously.

Step 3. Shock the pool with Poolife® TurboShock® shock treatment or Poolife® Rapid Shock® shock treatment.

Step 4. Add Poolife® AlgaeBomb® 30, Poolife® Super AlgaeBomb® 60, or Poolife® Algaecide 90 according to label directions. Your authorized Poolife® dealer can recommend which product is best for your pool.

Step 5. Run the filter 24-48 hours, brushing and vacuuming frequently.

Step 6. If algae remains a problem, contact your authorized Poolife® dealer for further directions.

NOTE: If you continue to experience algae, despite a high chlorine reading, the pool water may contain too much stabilizer (cyanuric acid) which interferes with the efficiency of the chlorine. Ensure you are following responsible pool care by shock-treating with a Poolife® calcium hypochlorite-based shock product and contact your authorized Poolife® dealer for further directions.

problem: cloudy water

Solution

There are many causes of cloudy water, the most common being incorrect pH, incorrect TA and improper filtration. Always check and adjust the pH and TA levels before adjusting your filtration system. Thereafter follow these steps to investigate your filtration system:

  • Step 1. Make sure that the filtration system is running smoothly and that it is running at least 8-12 continuous hours daily.
  • Step 2. Does the filter need to be backwashed?
  • Step 3. If the filter pressure does not return to normal starting pressure after backwashing, the filter needs to be chemically cleaned.
  • Step 4. Have the pump strainer baskets and the skimmer baskets been emptied?
  • Step 5. Also test your water to make sure that the pH and total alkalinity are within the ideal range.
  • Step 6. Shock the pool with Poolife® TurboShock® shock treatment or Poolife® Rapid Shock® shock treatment. Remember to wait until the chlorine level drops to between 1-4 ppm before re-entering the pool.

NOTE: Poolife® TurboBlu Clarifier®, Poolife® Flocculant and Poolife® Gold Medal Clarifier can also be used to clear cloudy water. Your authorized Poolife® dealer can recommend which products are best for use in your pool.

problem: colored water

Solution

Colored Water (clear green/brown/yellow tint with no algae) has generally two causes – dissolved metals or a high organic content in the water. Follow these steps for sparkling clear water:

  • Step 1. Sample of the water to your authorized Poolife® dealer for a full analysis.
  • Step 2. If metals are detected, add Poolife® Intensive Stain Prevention® product per label directions.
  • Step 3. If a high organic content is suspected, shock the pool with Poolife® TurboShock® shock treatment or Poolife® Rapid Shock® shock treatment per label directions. Remember to wait until the free chlorine level has dropped to between 1-4 ppm before reentering the pool.

problem: eye and skin irritation

Solution

Often high levels of chlorine are blamed for eye and skin irritation or a strong chlorine odor. In fact the reason could be too little free available chlorine and an incorrect pH. Follow the recommendations below:

  • Check pH and alkalinity levels and adjust as necessary.
  • Shock the pool with Poolife® TurboShock® shock treatment or Poolife® Rapid Shock® shock treatment. Once you have done this, remember to recheck the pH and total alkalinity levels and readjust if necessary. Remember to always keep the chlorine levels between 1-4 ppm.

 

Contact your authorized Poolife® dealer for further directions.

problem: scale deposits

Solution

Scale deposits (usually in the form of white, gray or brownish chalky deposits on pool walls and fixtures) are the precipitate that forms as a result of unbalanced water. This could be a high pH, high TA, high calcium hardness and/or a combination thereof.

Take a sample of your pool water to your authorized Poolife® dealer for a full analysis. Balance your water according to your dealer’s recommendations. To avoid further scaling take a sample of the pool water to your Poolife® dealer each month for a detailed analysis.