Owning a pool is a luxury, but it also comes with its fair share of maintenance challenges. From green water to leaky pipes, knowing how to identify and fix common pool problems can save you time, money, and frustration.
At COCPools.com, we’ve seen it all. Here are 10 common pool issues and expert solutions to get your pool back in pristine condition.
✅ Imbalanced chlorine, pH, or alkalinity levels
✅ Poor filtration or circulation
✅ Excessive debris or algae growth
✔ Test and adjust pH (7.2-7.6) and chlorine levels (1-3 ppm).
✔ Shock the pool with chlorine or non-chlorine shock.
✔ Clean the filter and ensure proper water circulation.
✅ Low chlorine levels
✅ Poor circulation or filtration
✅ Excessive sunlight exposure
✔ Add algaecide and shock the pool with chlorine.
✔ Run the pump and filter continuously for 24-48 hours.
✔ Brush and vacuum pool walls and floor.
💡 Pro Tip: Use a solar cover to reduce sunlight exposure, which encourages algae growth.
✅ Clogged skimmer baskets or pump strainer
✅ Air leaks in the suction line
✅ Motor failure
✔ Check and clean the pump strainer and skimmer baskets.
✔ Inspect the pump lid O-ring for air leaks and replace it if needed.
✔ If the motor is humming or not turning on, it may need professional repair or replacement.
✅ Hot, dry weather and wind exposure
✅ A pool leak
✅ Lack of a pool cover
✔ Conduct a bucket test to check for leaks (fill a bucket with pool water and mark the water level—if the pool level drops more than the bucket’s, you may have a leak).
✔ Install a solar cover to reduce evaporation.
✔ If a leak is suspected, call a professional for detection and repair.
✅ Chloramines buildup (caused by improper chlorine balance)
✅ Low pH levels
✔ Shock the pool to break up chloramines.
✔ Adjust pH levels to 7.2-7.6.
✔ Increase pool aeration to remove excess chlorine gases.
✅ Clogged filter or pump issues
✅ Faulty thermostat or heating element
✅ Gas supply or electrical problems
✔ Ensure proper water flow by cleaning filters.
✔ Check the thermostat settings.
✔ If it’s a gas heater, inspect the pilot light.
💡 Pro Tip: Regularly clean calcium deposits from heating elements to improve efficiency.
✅ Organic stains from leaves, dirt, or algae
✅ Metal stains from iron, copper, or calcium deposits
✔ Use a stain-removing treatment specific to organic or metal stains.
✔ Balance pH and alkalinity levels.
✔ Regularly brush and vacuum the pool.
✅ High calcium hardness levels
✅ Water evaporation leaving behind scale deposits
✔ Use a pumice stone or tile cleaner to scrub the tiles.
✔ Lower calcium hardness levels with a water softener or dilution.
✔ Maintain balanced pH (7.2-7.6) and alkalinity (80-120 ppm).
✅ Faulty lightbulb or fixture
✅ Tripped circuit breaker
✅ Water leak inside the light housing
✔ Replace the bulb or entire fixture if needed.
✔ Check the electrical panel for tripped breakers.
✔ If water is inside the light housing, consult a professional for repair.
✅ Clogged filter or pump strainer
✅ Air leaks in the pump system
✅ Blocked return jets
✔ Clean or backwash the pool filter.
✔ Inspect and repair pump seals and valves.
✔ Ensure all return jets are open and unblocked.
💡 Pro Tip: Angle the return jets downward to improve water circulation.
By addressing these common pool problems early, you can save time, money, and extend your pool’s lifespan. Whether it’s fixing cloudy water, maintaining balanced chemicals, or troubleshooting pump issues, staying proactive ensures a clean, safe swimming experience.
At COCPools.com, we offer expert pool repair services to keep your pool running smoothly all season long.
📞 Need help with a pool problem? Contact us today for a free consultation!
