10 Common Pool Water Problems and Their Solutions

You finally get the time to enjoy your pool—only to find the water looking murky, green, or smelling like a science experiment gone wrong. Frustrating, right?

Whether you’re a first-time pool owner or a seasoned swimmer, water issues are inevitable if the pool isn’t properly maintained. But don’t worry—most pool water problems have simple fixes once you know what’s causing them.

In this guide, we’ll break down 10 of the most common pool water problems and exactly how to solve them. Say goodbye to mystery water issues—and hello to clean, sparkling blue.

1. Cloudy Pool Water

Cause:

  • Poor filtration

  • Imbalanced chemicals

  • High calcium or TDS levels

  • Debris or dead algae

Solution:

  • Test and adjust pH, chlorine, and alkalinity

  • Clean or backwash the filter

  • Use a pool clarifier

  • Vacuum and skim thoroughly

2. Green Pool Water (Algae Bloom)

Cause:

  • Low chlorine levels

  • Poor circulation

  • Warm, stagnant water

Solution:

  • Shock the pool with chlorine

  • Brush walls and floor

  • Run pump continuously for 24–48 hours

  • Add algaecide for prevention

3. Strong Chlorine Smell

Cause:

  • Too little chlorine (not too much!)

  • Buildup of chloramines

Solution:

  • Shock the pool to break up chloramines

  • Increase circulation

  • Ensure proper pH balance (7.2–7.6)

4. Eye or Skin Irritation

Cause:

  • High or low pH

  • Imbalanced chlorine

  • High chloramines

Solution:

  • Test water and adjust pH to ideal range

  • Maintain chlorine between 1–3 ppm

  • Shock if chloramine levels are high

5. Foamy Pool Water

Cause:

  • Too much algaecide or pool chemicals

  • Contaminants like lotions or body oils

Solution:

  • Drain part of the pool and refill

  • Use a defoamer product

  • Shower before swimming to prevent buildup

6. Stains on Pool Walls or Floor

Cause:

  • Metals in water (iron, copper, manganese)

  • Organic materials like leaves

Solution:

  • Use a metal sequestrant

  • Scrub stains with stain-specific cleaner

  • Test for metal content in fill water

7. Low Water Level

Cause:

  • Evaporation

  • Splash out or small leaks

Solution:

  • Regularly monitor water level

  • Refill as needed

  • Check for leaks in liner or plumbing

8. High pH or Alkalinity

Cause:

  • Hard water

  • Overuse of pH increaser

Solution:

  • Add pH reducer (muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate)

  • Balance total alkalinity first

  • Retest after a few hours

9. Scaling or White Deposits

Cause:

  • High calcium hardness

  • High pH or alkalinity

Solution:

  • Use a scale remover

  • Lower calcium and pH levels

  • Brush off buildup on walls and tiles

10. Mustard Algae (Yellow Algae)

Cause:

  • Resistant algae type

  • Poor sanitation and circulation

Solution:

  • Use a strong algaecide specific to mustard algae

  • Brush aggressively

  • Vacuum to waste

  • Shock heavily and maintain chlorine

Conclusion

Pool water problems are a pain—but they’re also completely solvable. With regular testing, proper chemical balance, and timely cleaning, most issues can be avoided altogether.

Don’t let green water or funky smells ruin your pool days. Keep this guide handy, and when problems pop up, you’ll know exactly how to fix them—and fast.

Scroll to Top