Find out the problem with your pool water using our guide below and what we recommend to resolve the issue. If you are stuck then just give us a call on 01425 477050 and we will be happy to help you.

SYMPTOMS POSSIBLE CAUSES POSSIBLE REASON SOLUTION CHEMICAL
Cloudy Water Build up of dirt and bather pollution Insufficient chlorine or poor filtration Backwash filter then super-chlorinate to 10ppm of free chlorine. Add clarifier to polish water Liquid chlorine & Sparkle
Start of algae growth Insufficient levels of chlorine Super chlorinate. After 24-hours backwash filter. Maintain chlorine level above 3ppm. Prevent recurrence of algae growth Liquid chlorine, chlorine granules & chlorine tablets
Chlorine ineffective Over stabilisation Dilute pool water and super-chlorinate Liquid Chlorine
Ineffective filtration Filter blocked or filter media needs removing Check sand, filter cartridge or D.E. Media See filter guide
Suspended particles Precipitation of salts due to high pH or high alkalinity Correct pH and/or alkalinity Dry acid
Unpleasant water. Sore eyes/throat. Itching skin High combined chlorines Free chlorine levels too low Dilute pool water Tile and liner cleaner
Detergents from cleaning compounds getting into pool water Reaction between chlorine and detergent Use chlorine compatible cleaners Tile and liner cleaner
Water too acidic or alkaline pH too low or too high Correct pH as in chart Dry alkali or dry acid
Chlorine level difficult to maintain Sunlight destroys chlorine Chlorine not stabilised Use stabiliser or stabilised chlorine Stabiliser Chlorine Granules/tablets
Build up of pollutants Insufficient chlorination Super chlorinate Liquid Chlorine
High water temperature Organisms multiply more rapidly Increase dose rate of sanitizer Chlorine Granules/Tablets
Apparent inability to get a chlorine reading on a test kit inspite of chlorine Chlorine level may be too high High chlorine content bleaches reagent in test tablet De-chlorinate. Allow chlorine to reduce naturally over a period of time. If very high reduce with chemicals. Consult Ambassador Pools Neutraliser
Dirt on pool wall at water line Build up of body fat, sun oil or cosmetics Irregular cleaning or surfaces Clean with environmental friendly chemical Tile and liner cleaner
pH too low Low pH of local mains water/Use of acidic chlorine donors Insufficient dry alkali being added Add dry alkali as per instructions pH to be between 7.2 and 7.6 Dry Alkali
pH too high High pH of local mains water Insufficient dry acid being added or applied incorrectly Add acid as per instructions. Maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.6 Dry acid
Use of alkaline donors High alkalinity Reduce alkalinity to 200 ppm. Check pH Dry acid
Salts being leached from new concrete pools Self correcting over a period of time Add acid to maintain pH between 7.2 and 7.6 Dry acid
pH levels erratic Insufficient bicarbonate to buffer pH Low total alkalinity Add bicarbonate. Minimum 100ppm required Alkalinity increaser
pH locked Too high a level of bicarbonates Topping up from mains water can increase alkalinity in hard water areas Reduce alkalinity to 200 ppm. Check pH. Consult Ambassador Pools Dry acid
Low alkalinity Bicarbonate reduced by dilution particularly in soft water Mains water has low level of bicarbonates Add bicarbonate. Minimum 100ppm required. Consult Ambassador Pools Alkalinity increaser
Pool Walls feel slimy Algae growing Insufficient chlorination and pool wall brushing Super chlorinate to kill algae. Sweep or vacuum debris. Prevent recurrence with algaecide Liquid chlorine algaecide
Rough scale formed on pool surfaces Water out of balance Ratio of calcium hardness to total alkalinity incorrect Check levels of pH, alkalinity and calcium. Consult Ambassador Pools As directed by Ambassador Pools
Sharp edges round tiles Grout being leached by water Mains water too soft Re-grout the pool. Increase calcium levels to min 250 ppm and maintain. Consider changing sanitiser to HTH Calcium Hypochlorite which will ensure calcium levels are maintained HTH Calcium hypochlorite
Scroll to Top