Pool Repair in Tampa, FL: Fix Green Water & Leaks Fast

If you own a pool in Tampa, you know the drill. One minute your water is sparkling blue, and after a typical afternoon thunderstorm in July, it starts looking a bit cloudy. By the next morning, you might be staring at a green swamp.

Keeping a pool pristine in our climate is a full-time job. Between the intense UV rays, 90-degree water temperatures, and daily rain washing pollutants into the skimmer, Tampa pools face a unique set of challenges.

We’ve seen it all, from green algae blooms in Westchase to crumbling coping in historic Hyde Park homes. While some issues are easy weekend DIY projects, others signal that it's time to call in the pros. Here is a breakdown of the most common pool problems we see in the Bay Area and how to fix them.

What Are the Most Common Pool Problems in Tampa?

In Tampa, algae growth and calcium scaling are the top issues due to our high humidity and hard water. You'll often see green blooms after summer rainstorms or white crust along the waterline. Here is what to look for and why it happens.

Algae Growth

Algae loves Florida. The combination of heat and humidity creates the perfect breeding ground.

Green Algae: This is the most common form. It floats in the water and clings to walls, turning your pool into a green mess within 24 hours.
Mustard Algae: This looks like yellowish-brown dust on the bottom or sides of the pool. It’s chlorine-resistant and tough to kill.
Black Algae: This appears as dark spots or blotches. It has deep roots that dig into the plaster, making it the hardest to remove.

Calcium Buildup and Scaling

Our local water is "hard," meaning it has high mineral content. When your pH or alkalinity gets out of whack, that calcium settles on your tile and interior finish. You'll see a white or gray crust at the waterline. Over time, this makes the surface rough like sandpaper, which can snag swimsuits and scrape feet.

If the scaling is severe or your finish is pitting, simple cleaning won't cut it. You might need pool resurfacing to restore the smooth, beautiful finish your pool had when it was new.

Pump and Motor Failures

Your pool pump is the heart of the system, and in Tampa, it runs a marathon every day. We recommend running pumps 8-12 hours daily during the summer to keep water moving. That heavy workload often leads to burnout. If your pump is humming but not moving water, or screaming loud enough to annoy the neighbors, the motor bearings or capacitor might be shot.

Tile and Grout Damage

The Florida sun is relentless. Over years, the expansion and contraction from heating and cooling can cause tiles to pop off or grout to crumble. This isn't just cosmetic; missing grout allows water to seep behind the tile beam, leading to structural issues.

Can You Fix Minor Pool Issues Yourself?

Yes, you can handle minor algae blooms and filter cleaning yourself with about $50-$100 in supplies. However, electrical issues or structural cracks always require a professional. Here is how to tackle the small stuff.

Removing Algae

If you catch it early, you can often treat algae yourself.

Brush Everything: Scrub the walls and floor vigorously to break the algae's protective coating.
Test and Balance: Adjust your pH to between 7.2 and 7.6.
Shock the Pool: Use a high dose of calcium hypochlorite shock. For mustard algae, you’ll need a specific algaecide.
Run the Filter: Keep the pump running 24 hours a day until the water clears.

Cleaning Your Filter

A dirty filter creates poor circulation, which leads to cloudy water.

Cartridge Filters: Remove the elements and hose them down thoroughly. Replace them every 12-18 months.
DE Filters: Backwash until the water runs clear, then add fresh DE powder.
Sand Filters: Backwash regularly. If the sand is over 5-7 years old, it needs replacing.

Check Your Surroundings

While you're maintaining the water, look at the area around the pool. A cracked or faded deck can be slippery and dangerous. If your patio is looking worn out, pool deck resurfacing can revitalize the space and make it safe for bare feet again.

When Should You Call a Professional for Pool Repair?

Call a professional if you lose more than 1/4 inch of water daily (indicates a leak) or if your pump makes a screaming noise. Electrical repairs and resurfacing are not DIY jobs and require a licensed contractor.

Major Leaks

Evaporation is normal, but if you're adding water every two days, you're leaking. It could be in the skimmer throat, a return line, or a crack in the shell. Ignoring a leak can wash away the soil supporting your pool shell, leading to catastrophic structural failure. A pool repair Tampa Florida expert has specialized listening equipment to pinpoint leaks underground without digging up your whole yard.

Electrical Issues

Water and electricity don’t mix. If your pool light isn't working, your timer is buzzing, or your breaker continues to trip, do not touch it. Call a licensed professional. A faulty wire can be deadly.

Structural Cracks

Hairline cracks in plaster are often superficial, but large cracks that run through the shell are serious. If you see a crack that is wider than a credit card or one that seems to be getting longer, you need an immediate inspection.

Preventative Maintenance Tips for Tampa Pools

Test your water chemistry weekly and run your pump 8-10 hours a day during summer to prevent stagnation. Regular brushing prevents algae from taking root in the porous plaster.

Keep Chemicals Balanced

In our 25+ years in the business, we've found that consistency is key. Test your chlorine and pH at least once a week. During the rainy season (June through September), you might need to check it twice a week because rainwater is acidic and dilutes your chemicals.

Maintain Proper Circulation

Stagnant water turns green fast. Make sure your return jets are pointed slightly down and in a circular pattern to move water throughout the entire pool. If you have "dead spots" where dirt collects, algae will grow there first.

Professional Inspections

Have a pro look at your equipment once a year. A pool repair Tampa Florida technician can spot a small drip in the pump seal before it ruins the motor, saving you hundreds of dollars in replacement costs.

Need Help With Your Pool?

Maintaining a pool in Florida is a lot of work, but you don't have to do it alone. Whether you need a simple equipment fix, leak detection, or a complete renovation, expert help is nearby.

At Aqua Coat Pool Plastering, we have been serving homeowners in Central Florida since 1993. We handle everything from resurfacing to equipment repair with our own in-house crews—no subcontractors.

Contact Aqua Coat Pool Plastering today at (813) 767-1567 for a free estimate.