TROUBLE SHOOTING
If you use the "CLEAR SYSTEM" you should have crystal clear water. However-if you don't, several factors may be the cause. Use the guide below to diagnose your problem and find possible solutions. To quickly find the problem you are having, use the Quick Links on the right.
TROUBLE SHOOTING AND MAINTENANCE GUIDE
CLOUDY WATER
This may be caused by any of the following problems:
- Check filtration system. Do you have the correct pressure? How often do you run the pump (minimum of 16 hours recommended)? Make sure there is DE or enough sand in the filter. Be sure the filter is clean. If dirty, use FILTER CLEAN to clean grids or elements. If filter is clean and working properly, run 24 hours a day until water clears up.
- Check the pH of the water. High pH will cause cloudiness and can be corrected by adding pH REDUCER.
- Check the chlorine or bromine level. If too low, boost with HAVILAND DURACHLOR GRANULAR CHLORINE. (4 oz. per 10,000 gallons).
GREEN ALGAE
This is the most common form of algae in swimming pools. This algae usually appears in areas of little circulation. Use PREMIUM BLUE to kill the algae.
BLACK ALGAE
This may be one of the most stubborn algaes to eliminate. It clings to walls and floors and looks like dark spots. Use PREMIUM BLUE.
ALGAE PREVENTION
The best way to stop algae is to prevent it from forming in the first place. By following the CLEAR SYSTEM along with proper filtration, algae will not be a problem. Use ALGAE CLEAR CONTROL PLUS weekly as a preventative.
COLORED WATER
Clear, colored water (green, red, brown, etc.) may indicate the presence of metals in the water. To prevent stains and eliminate colored water, use MINERAL CLEAR weekly.
SCALE
Scale is to the swimming pool like fat is to the heart and veins. Scale can form on the walls, pipes and equipment. Make sure the pH is in the proper range. Scaling can be caused by high pH or by repeated use of calcium-based chlorine. For scale that is present and to prevent build up, use MINERAL CLEAR.
PH PROBLEMS
If keeping your pH in the correct range is a problem, check the total alkalinity. Total alkalinity controls pH. Make sure the total alkalinity is between 80-150 ppm.
HIGH CHLORINE USAGE
First, check the stabilizer level. Too little stabilizer will result in more chlorine being used. Add STABILIZER if below 30 ppm. Also check the total vs. free chlorine (total chlorine=free chlorine+combined chlorine). Combined chlorine (or chloramines), is chlorine that is locked up with contaminants and is an ineffective sanitizer. Your goal is to have no combined, only free, chlorine in your pool. To rid your pool of combined chlorine, shock your pool with CLEAR SHOCK. A third cause of high chlorine usage can be pH. Chlorine is most effective when the pH is between 7.2 to 7.6 on your test kit.
CHLORINE ODOR
This is most likely a sign of combined chlorine (or chloramines) mentioned above. Combined chlorine will irritate the skin and eyes and cause a strong chlorine odor. Again, to free up this chlorine, shock the pool with CLEAR SHOCK. To prevent the build up of combined chlorine, shock your pool every two weeks, and weekly when the water temperature is 80° or higher.
SKIN AND EYE IRRITATION
There are two primary reasons for this: 1) Improper pH balance and 2) Chloramines. Improper pH can be corrected by using pH INCREASER OR REDUCER. Chloramines can be removed by shocking the pool with our non-chlorine shock, CLEAR SHOCK. This product allows you to shock your pool and swim 15 minutes later. A chlorine shock is also effective; however, you may have to wait a day or two for the chlorine level to drop before resuming swimming.
SCUM LINE
A scum line can occur for many reasons such as body oils, lotions, and many other contaminants that enter your pool. Use NATURES CARE SCUM AWAY.
FOAMING
This problem is usually caused from the use of cheap algaecides. Use ANTI-FOAM and run your filter until the foam is gone.
CORROSION
Corrosion can be the most expensive problem you could encounter. Heater elements, fittings, pipes and walls can be damaged beyond repair. To avoid this costly problem, make sure your pH is balanced. Low pH means your water is very acidic and therefore corrosive. Test your pH every two days and always after a rain. Rain will usually be "acid rain" thus lowering your pH.
