Common swimming pool water problems
Pool water problem help
Find the symptom you observe in your pool and follow the link for details on your pool water problem and possible solutions. Alternatively you can visit the Swimming Pool Help Forums or the Swimming Pool Help Blog.
| Symptom | Cause |
|---|---|
| Green cloudy water Brown cloudy water |
Algae |
| Dust, sand, contaminants | |
| Black (spongy) spots | Black algae |
| Pink or white slime | Pink "algae" |
| Green clear water Brown clear water |
Iron or copper in fill water |
| Black clear water Dark clear water |
Manganese in fill water |
| Milky cloudy water | Conditioner level too high (CYA) |
| Hardness level too high (CH) | |
| TDS level too high (TDS) | |
| Stains on walls or floor | Manganese, copper or iron in pool water |
| Uncontrolled use of an ionizer (copper-silver) | |
| Green hair Green nails |
Uncontrolled use of copper ion generator |
| Chlorine smell | Too little free chlorine, too much combined chlorine |
| Burning eyes Burning throat |
Too little free chlorine, too much combined chlorine |
| Alkalinity level too low | |
| pH too high/ low |
Please feel free to send in any pool water problems you have, or complete the feedback form.