Most water problems can be prevented by simply testing and maintaining the water properly. When a problem does arise, it will be treated more effectively if the issue is diagnosed and dealt with sooner rather than later. However, diagnosing and treating swimming pool water problems can be easier said than done. To help you along, we have provided some of the most common water problems found in pools and the best methods for dealing with them.

Cloudy Water

All of a sudden, your clear blue water appears milky or cloudy. This may be due to a number of possible water imbalances. The good news is that most are easy to diagnose with a simple water test kit. Begin by testing your alkalinity and pH levels. If they come out off kilter, adjust your chemicals appropriately. Cloudy water can also be caused by poor circulation, which indicates your filter is not running for enough hours in the day to clean your water properly. Try turning your filter on for longer periods of time - even all day for a while - and see if your water clears. If the cloudiness is caused by swimmer waste, such as perspiration and body oils, try shocking your pool using a shock solution.

Algae

When the color of your pool water turns cloudy green, it means algae is present in your pool. Algae are not an indication of disease; it is simply a plant that thrives when chlorine levels are not sufficient to control it. Green algae are much easier to get rid of than black or mustard algae. To get rid of green algae, shock your pool and then apply an algaecide to kill off the plants. Dead algae should be removed from your pool as soon as possible. If you have black or mustard algae, you will need to brush the affected areas of your pool well before applying the shock treatment and algaecide. The process will need to be repeated until the algae are completely gone.

Water that Burns the Eyes

When swimmers begin complaining their eyes and throats are burning after swimming in your pool, you probably have an imbalance in pool chemicals. In many cases, the culprit is the pH level, so pull out your pool test kit and check the levels in your water. Another common reason for water that burns is too many chloramines in the water. Chloramines are chemicals that result when chlorine is bonded with swimmer waste like body oils and perspiration. Solve the problem, shock the pool with a super-chlorinating solution.

If your pool water is not as clear and pretty as it should be, it is important to find the problem as soon as possible and administer a solution. If you cannot diagnose the problem on your own, take a sample of your pool water to a professional testing service or call a professional pool service in to diagnose the problem. The sooner you correct the problem in your pool water, the sooner you and your family can get back to the important task of enjoying your outdoor swimming pool.