Advanced Pools, Inc. pool contractors offer advice on how to address common swimming pool problems. When you own a swimming pool there are myriad items that can go wrong and if you’re not experienced in how to address or handle these issues, you could be looking at a pool that is not swimmable — and that is a shame when summer is waning, right?
If you’ve been a pool owner you know that when you grab your towel, round up your family and dash to the backyard to take a swim only to stop short because the pool water is green! While algae may not literally appear over night, it can appear quickly and is typically the result of a pool that hasn’t been cleaned frequently enough or one that hasn’t had the pool pump run as often as necessary.
How can you fix a pool gone-green? Many pool owners find it best to call on the services of an experienced pool contractor, but you can potentially address and kill algae on your own. It will take time, patience and a whole lot of pool chemicals and time cleaning.
How to address common swimming pool problems
1. Check the pool water circulation. If the filter is dirty, it is not able to properly do its job — filter out contaminants. Check the pool cartridge filter. Does it need to be replaced? If you are using a DE filter with your pool, it may be past time to backwash the filter and add new DE; the same with a sand filter — it will need to be cleaned and thoroughly replaced occasionally. 
2. Test the water to assure there is “free chlorine” in the water and that the pH levels are where they belong. If you’re comfortable with understanding the readings, add pool chemicals as needed. Assure that your pool water levels of cyanuric acid are in proper ranges.
3. What is the status of the pool pump basket? Is it empty? Are there algae-spore carrying debris in it? Is the pump basket broken or clogged?
4. When is the last time the pool was thoroughly and properly cleaned? Do you skim debris often? Do you brush the walls and floor and vacuum the pool thoroughly? Are you running the pool pump for as long as recommended by your swimming pool contractor from Advanced Pools, Inc? Are you using a pool cover when you’re not using the pool?
5. Are you sure it’s algae in the water and that it’s not just cloudy from lack of care and maintenance? Check the chemicals. Clean the filter. Empty the basket. Check the levels of total dissolved solids in the water.
6. If you simply can’t get the water back to its crystal clear sparkling look, call a pool professional.
Even if you don’t work with a pool contractor year round to clean and maintain your pool, many contractors offer individual service cleaning and maintenance programs. Give us a call.
