Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting

PROBLEM

SYMPTOM

CAUSE

SOLUTION

Clarity issues.

Cloudy, Milky Water

 1) Fine particles floating in the water due to dissolved hardness salts as a result of high pH or total alkalinity, or both. Lower pH or Alkalinity by adding XXXXXX or Dry Acid, at a rate of 500g per 50m3 (11,000 Gallons) per day until pH is around 7.2 - 7.6.  To reduce Alkalinity, dose double the amount until the reading falls below 200ppm.
2) Build up of dirt as a result of insufficient chlorine or poor filtration. Backwash filter, Superchlorinate with unstabilsed chlorine to raise free chlorine up to 10ppm.  1kg per 50m3 (11,000 Gallons)  Add clarifier to clear.
3) Effectiveness of the Chlorine has been reduced because the water is over-stabilised. i.e. the levels of stabiliser (cyanuric acid) are too high. Replace some of the pool water by draining to waste and top up with mains water.
4) Filter may be blocked. Service filter, replacing sand if necessary.

Rust, Red Water.

 1) Steel or ferrous metal fittings in the circulation system are being corroded by low pH.  Shock dosing a pool will then oxidise the ferrous particles creating rust. 1) If safe to do so drain pool. Or do so in stages.    
2) Remove any rust staining with a stain / scale remover.
3) Replace the ferrous fittings with PCV fittings.
4) Once refilled, ensure pool water is correctly balanced.
2) Minerals in the incoming mains water such as iron or manganese are being oxidised by the sanitiser. 1) Treating with Stain and Scale inhibitor.
2) Treat the pool with a multi-functional Algicide, (Copper FREE) will help prevent staining.

Cloudy, Green Water

 Chlorine levels have fallen or chlorine has become ineffective, allowing algae to form. 1) For VERY GREEN pools.  Shock dose pool with unstabilised chlorine.  Granules dose at 1kg per 50m3.  Liquid Chlorine dose at 12.5litres per 50m3.
2) For Greenish discolourations.  Superchlorinate to 10ppm.
3) Brush walls and floor. 
4) Backwash filter after 24 Hours.
5) Add a water clarifier.
6) Maintain free chlorine levels at around 2.0 - 4.0 ppm.

Bather Discomfort issues.

Stinging eyes, Sore throught, Skin Irritation.

 1) pH is either too high or too low. 1) Correct the pH by adding Dry Acid to lower or Soda Ash to raise levels to between 7.2 - 7.6
2) High combined chlorine.  Chloramines are known to be an irritant. 1) Break down the chloramines by superchlorinating the water with 500g per 50m3 (11,000 Gallons)

Allergy to Chlorine

 The most important thing is to make sure that you really are suffering from a genuine allergy and not something else.   1) Check pH and Chloramine levels.
2) Try a different pool and see if you get the same reactions.
3) Shower proir to bathing to remove sweat or cosmetic preparations.  
4) If you are allergic, consider changing to a non chlorine based santiser.

Green Hair!

 High levels of copper in the water. 1) Correct pH to 7.2 - 7.6
2) Use copper free Algaicides.
3) Your chemist will be able to recommend a shampoo to remove the unwanted colour.

Chlorination Problems

I keep putting chlorine in, but my test kit says there is none.

 There is TOO MUCH chlorine in the water and it bleaches out the test results. 1) If chlorine levels are mush above 10 ppm then use chlorine reducing granules.  0.5kg per 100m3 (22,000 Gallons) to reduce by 1 ppm.
2) If chlorine levels are about 10ppm then allow it to drop over a period of time.

Chlorine levels are difficult to maintain.

 1) For outdoor pools, the free chlorine is being decomposed by UV rays from the sun. 1) Add stabiliser. (Cyanuric acid) 50g per 50m3 (11,00 Gallons) will raise stabiliser levels by 1ppm.
2) High Water temperature. 1) Reduce temperature, to reduce chlorine demand.
2) Increase dosage of chlorine during periods of high temperature.

Water Balance Problems

pH remains low. (below 7.2)

 1) Low pH incoming water supply. 1) Correct the pH with Soda ash.
2) Use of acidic chlorine donors, such as Trichlor. 1) Consider using a less acidic chlorine donor, such as Multi function granules.

pH values are erratic.

 Alkalinity is too low. Raise alkalinity

Alkalinity remains low.

 Mains water is low in bicarbonates, thus diluting the bicarbonates in the pool. Add Alkalinity increaser (Bicarbonate)

pH values permanently high (above 7.6)

 1) High pH of incoming mains water supply. Correct the pH
2) The use of Alkaline chlorine donors. Consider using a low pH chlorine donor, such as Multi function or Maxi Tabs.

pH is locked.

 Water is over 'buffered' due to high alkalinity. Use Dry Acid to reduce the Alkalinity to below 200ppm.

Pool Surface problems.

Loss of grouting.

 Water is too 'Soft' with insufficient calcium.  If severe, regrout and increase calcium levels by adding Hardness Increaser to achieve a minimum calcium hardness level of 350ppm.
High levels of sulpate in the water.  From incoming mains, frequent use of dry acid or aluminium sulphate as a water clarifier. Sulphate levels should not exceed 350ppm.  Change to sulphate free clarifier and use an alternative sanitiser to keep pH down, i.e. Trichlor tablets.

Pool surfaces feel rough and scaly.

 Balance ebetween pH, total alkalinity and calcium hardness is incorrect. Test for all and adjust accordingly.  Alternatively we could carry out a 'Langelier' water balance calculation for you.

Tide mark on pool wall at water level.

 Build up of greasy deposits such as cosmetics, sun cream or body fats. Use a Tile & Liner Cleaner.

Pool surfaces feel slippery.

 Probably algae forming on the surface due to insufficient chlorination. 1) Brush areas and shock dose pool
2) Use a long life algaecide

Others.

Smells

 High levels of combined chlorine in the water Shock dose pool.  

Staining on the liner

 High concentration of dissolved metals in the water. Treat with stain / Scale Inhibitor.

Coloured water

 As above  As above.

 

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