Troubleshooting Common Pool Problems & When to Call a Pro

Owning a pool in sunny Tampa, FL, can be a dream come true—but only when things are running smoothly. Unfortunately, even the best-maintained pools can encounter problems that leave you scratching your head. From cloudy water to mysterious leaks, it’s important to know how to identify and fix common issues before they spiral into major (and costly) repairs.

This post will walk you through troubleshooting some of the most common pool problems and help you determine when it’s time to call a professional. Keep reading for insights and tips you shouldn’t miss!

Cloudy Pool Water

Cloudy pool water is one of the most frequent complaints pool owners face, and it can feel like chasing a ghost to figure out the cause. The problem usually boils down to chemical imbalances, poor filtration, or environmental factors like debris and pollutants.

How to Troubleshoot Cloudy Water

Check the pool chemistry: Test for pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels. Out-of-spec results can affect water clarity.

Balancing tip: Chlorine levels should hover around 1-3 ppm, and pH should stay between 7.2 and 7.8 for optimal results.

Inspect your filter: A clogged or malfunctioning filter can fail to keep your pool clean. If overdue, give your filter a thorough cleaning or replace filters according to manufacturer recommendations.
Shock the pool: Sometimes, a high dose of chlorine, also known as pool shock, can eliminate bacteria and algae that cause cloudiness.

Still cloudy? If you’ve checked all the basics and your pool water still resembles a foggy swamp, professional pool repair in Tampa, FL, could be the answer.

Green Pool Algae

A green-tinged pool is often a surefire sign of algae growth. This can happen if your chlorine level dips too low, or if the pool lacks proper circulation and filtration.

How to Remove Algae from Your Pool

Test and rebalance your pool chemicals: Pay special attention to chlorine levels and alkalinity.
Brush the pool surfaces: Algae clings to walls and floors, so manual scrubbing is essential.
Shock the pool: Use an appropriate shock treatment to kill algae spores.
Run the filter continuously: Ensure that water is circulating properly to flush out dead algae.

For severe cases where the algae just won’t budge, an expert touch may be needed. Specialized cleaning services from Aqua Coat Pool Plastering can remove stubborn algae and restore the sparkling allure of your Tampa backyard oasis.

Pool Leaks

A pool leak is every pool owner’s nightmare because even a small, undetected leak can translate to significant water waste and increased utility bills. Common signs of a potential leak include a sudden drop in water levels, wet patches around the pool area, or air bubbles in the return line.

How to Identify a Pool Leak

Conduct a bucket test: Fill a bucket with water and mark the water level inside. Place it on a pool step, submerge it slightly, and mark the pool’s water level outside the bucket. Wait 24 hours and compare water loss inside the bucket with outside the bucket. If the pool water drops significantly more, you may have a leak.
Inspect plumbing and fittings: Leaks often occur in the pool’s plumbing, skimmers, or fittings. Test these for visible cracks or loose connections.
Dye testing: Use a special pool dye to find cracks in the pool structure where water might be seeping out.

If you suspect a structural or underground leak, it’s best to leave it to the professionals. Contact a pool repair expert in Tampa, FL, for precise diagnostics and repairs.

Malfunctioning Pool Pumps

The pool pump is the heart of your pool system, responsible for circulating water and ensuring it stays clean and chemically balanced. A malfunctioning pump can quickly lead to other pool problems like unclean water or algae buildup.

How to Troubleshoot Pool Pump Issues

Listen for unusual noises: Grinding or screeching sounds may indicate a problem with the motor or bearings.
Check the flow rate: Weak water flow might suggest a clogged impeller or suction blockage.
Inspect for leaks: Water pooling around the pump could mean a seal or gasket needs replacing.

If your DIY troubleshooting doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to schedule professional repair services. Ignoring a faulty pump can lead to widespread system failure, costing even more in the long run.

Stains on Pool Surfaces

Unsightly stains on your pool’s plaster or tile surfaces not only look bad but can also signal deeper issues like metal buildup or algae.

How to Remove Pool Stains

Identify the stain type: Organic stains from leaves or algae are usually green or brown, while metallic stains (from iron or copper) tend to appear rusty or blue-green.
Apply a stain remover: Use a stain-specific treatment, ensuring it’s safe for your pool’s surface material (like plaster or vinyl).
Regularly clean and maintain: Prevent future stains by staying on top of your pool’s chemistry and performing regular cleaning.

For persistent stains, professional pool plastering or resurfacing may be required. Aqua Coat Pool Plastering specializes in restoring pools for homeowners like you across Tampa, FL.

Broken or Cracked Pool Tiles

Cracked or missing tiles can not only ruin the aesthetics of your pool but also expose underlying problems that may compromise its structural integrity.

What Should You Do?

Inspect the damage: Determine if the issue is limited to a few tiles or part of a larger surface issue.
Replace damaged tiles: You can replace individual tiles yourself using pool tile adhesive, but make sure to verify compatibility with your pool material.
Check for foundation issues: Cracking tiles may point to shifting or settling of the pool’s foundation.

If the problem persists, it’s time to get in touch with a pool repair professional in Tampa, FL, to avoid more extensive damage to your pool shell.

Prevent Pool Problems Before They Start

Although some pool problems are unavoidable, regular maintenance can prevent many of them from wreaking havoc on your backyard retreat. Here’s how to keep your pool running smoothly year-round in Tampa’s tropical climate:

Weekly cleaning: Skim off debris, vacuum the floor, and brush walls to prevent algae buildup.
Test and balance water chemistry: Check chlorine and pH levels at least twice a week.
Monitor your equipment: Inspect pool pumps, filters, and heaters regularly for optimal performance.
Schedule professional inspections: Annual check-ups can spot potential problems before they turn into expensive repairs.

Need Help? Expert Pool Repair in Tampa, FL, is Just a Call Away

When pool problems get too big to handle solo, it’s time to call in the pros. Aqua Coat Pool Plastering offers expert pool repair services in Tampa, FL, to help you restore, maintain, and enjoy your pool to the fullest.

From cleaning and resurfacing to fixing leaks and replacing tiles, our team has the expertise to handle all your pool repair needs.

Contact us today for a free estimate and get back to enjoying your pool hassle-free!