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Spotting Water Quality Issues in Your Pool

Your pool should create a sense of serenity in your yard. Crystal clear water makes your pool the perfect area for unwinding or gathering. Problems with water quality can lead to equipment damage, skin issues, and health risks. Recognizing problems early allows for quick intervention.

Read more about how you can spot issues with your water quality, ensuring that you get maximum enjoyment out of your pool.

Cloudy Water and Clarity Concerns

A chemical imbalance is typically to blame for water clarity issues. Low levels of sanitizer or high levels of chlorine can cause cloudiness. Your filtration system may be malfunctioning as well, allowing certain contaminants to remain in the water. You should routinely test your water quality and adjust your chemical use accordingly.

The Presence of Algae

When sanitizer levels in a pool drop, it’s typical for pH to drift outside of a safe range. Algae colonies can develop and thrive under these conditions. Green algae tend to exist as free-floating specks that eventually turn the water green. Black algae forms on walls, steps, and in crevices in the filter. Pink slime is typically a bacterial film that forms on pool edges, walls, and inside the filter.

Depending on the extent of the algae in your pool, you may need to shock the water or manually clean surfaces to remove the algae.

Strong Odors

Pool water should never have a strong chlorine smell. This can be an indicator of chlorine binding with contaminants to form chloramines. These chloramines give off a very strong odor. Other sources of bad smells include bacterial growth and organic contaminants.

Surface Film, Foam, or Debris

Vacuuming the bottom of your pool or skimming the surface can remove debris like leaves and sticks. However, your water should be free of oily residues or discoloration. Make sure that you clear your filter daily. Allowing debris to accumulate can lead to the growth of bacteria. The presence of foam may be from a high concentration of body oils, hair products, or cosmetics. There are clarifying products that can protect your water quality from these issues.

Respiratory Irritation or Issues

Perfect water quality will provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for swimmers. If you’re experiencing respiratory issues like shortness of breath or burning airways after you swim, check the pH level of your water. It should be between 7.2 and 7.8. High levels of chlorine can be dangerous, so don’t overcompensate for water quality issues.

Give your pool’s water quality the attention it deserves. Contact our team here at Landi Pool Service in Vineland, NJ for more information on routine water testing.

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