Troubleshooting Common Pool Issues in North Texas

A Go-To Guide for Pool Owners

Owning a pool in North Texas offers the perfect way to beat the heat, but it also comes with its own set of challenges due to our unique climate and weather patterns. At Foley Pools, we understand the issues that pool owners face in this region, and we’re here to help you troubleshoot and resolve them quickly and effectively.

Here’s a guide to the most common pool problems you might encounter and how to address them:

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4 Common Issues Pool Owners Run Into

Algae Growth

Cloudy or Green Water

Pump or Filter Problems

Water Leaks

Algae Growth

Leaking Pools

Cloudy or Green Water

Pool Pump Not Working

Pool Heater Not Working

Pool Surface Staining

How to Choose the Right Elements

Algae is a common issue for pool owners, especially during hot, humid months in North Texas. Algae thrives in warm, stagnant water, and the region's high temperatures and sun exposure can make pools more susceptible to growth.

Solutions:

Regularly check chlorine levels: Maintain proper chlorine levels (1-3 ppm) to prevent algae growth.
Use algaecides: In addition to chlorine, consider using algaecides that help prevent and treat algae.
Brush and vacuum the pool: Scrub the pool surfaces and vacuum regularly to remove debris and prevent algae from attaching.
Shock the pool: If algae is already present, perform a "shock treatment" by adding a higher dose of chlorine to kill the algae. Follow up with regular cleaning.
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Pool water turning cloudy or green can be caused by a number of issues, including poor filtration, improper chemical balance, or algae bloom. In North Texas, the hot weather combined with occasional rainstorms can quickly throw your water chemistry out of balance.

Solutions:

Test Water Chemistry: Check your pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. Unbalanced water chemistry is often the culprit.
Clean the Filter: Ensure your pool filter is working properly and free of debris. A clogged or dirty filter can cause the water to appear cloudy.
Shock the Pool: A proper shock treatment will raise chlorine levels quickly and kill off bacteria or algae.
Use a Clarifier: Pool clarifiers help to bind tiny particles together, allowing your filter to remove them more easily.

The pool pump is the heart of your pool’s circulation system. If it’s not working, your pool's water won’t filter properly, leading to cloudy water and possible debris buildup. This issue could arise due to motor failure, clogged pipes, or electrical problems.

Solutions:

Check the Power: Ensure the pump is plugged in and receiving power. Reset any tripped circuit breakers.
Clean the Pump Breaks: Debris can clog the basket, preventing water flow. Clean it regularly to maintain proper circulation.
Inspect the Motor: If the pump still doesn’t start, the motor might need to be repaired or replaced. Consult with a professional technician if necessary.
Examine the Pump Impeller: Debris can block the impeller, causing the pump to stop working. Remove any debris and clear the impeller if needed.

If your pool heater isn’t working properly, you might encounter cold water temperatures, especially during the cooler months or early spring in North Texas. This can happen due to issues with the thermostat, filter, or gas supply.

Solutions:

Check the Thermostat: Ensure the thermostat is set to the desired temperature and hasn’t malfunctioned.
Inspect the Filter: A clogged filter can restrict water flow to the heater, causing it to overheat or shut down. Clean or replace the filter as necessary.
Examine the Gas Supply: For gas heaters, check that the gas valve is open and there’s enough gas in the tank.
Look for Error Codes: Many modern heaters have error codes that can be read to identify the specific issue. Refer to your heater’s manual for troubleshooting steps.

A leaking pool can be a major issue, leading to higher water bills and damage to your pool’s structure. Leaks can occur in the pool shell, plumbing, or equipment.

Solutions:

Perform the Bucket Test: To determine if the leak is in the pool or just evaporation, fill a bucket with pool water and place it on the pool steps. Mark the water level inside the bucket and the pool. If the pool water level drops faster than the bucket, you likely have a leak.
Check for Visible Cracks: Inspect the pool shell and surrounding areas for visible cracks or damage. This could indicate a structural leak.
Examine the Plumbing: Look for leaks around pool plumbing lines, fittings, and equipment. You may need professional leak detection services to locate hidden leaks.
Repair the Leaks: If you find a leak in the pool shell, it may need to be patched. For plumbing issues, a professional technician should inspect and repair the system.

Stains on your pool’s surface can be caused by leaves, rust, algae, or high levels of metals like iron or copper in the water. These stains are particularly noticeable on lighter-colored pool surfaces.

Solutions:

Identify the Stain Type: Different stains require different treatments. For example, organic stains (from leaves or algae) can be treated with shock, while metal stains may need a special metal remover.
Use a Stain Remover: If the stain is persistent, use a pool surface stain remover designed to target specific types of discoloration.
Balance Your Water Chemistry: Regularly check your pool’s chemical balance, especially the levels of calcium and metals, to prevent future staining.

Understanding Your Pool Water Chemistry

Maintaining proper water chemistry is crucial for keeping your pool clean, safe, and inviting. Balancing the levels of pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness ensures that your pool water remains clear, prevents damage to your pool equipment, and protects swimmers from skin and eye irritation. Regularly testing and adjusting your pool’s water chemistry will help prevent common issues like cloudy water, algae growth, and scaling. Understanding the right balance is the first step to enjoying a beautiful, trouble-free pool all season long.

Weekly Maintenance Routines

A consistent weekly maintenance routine is essential for preserving the health and clarity of your pool. By regularly skimming debris from the surface, brushing the walls and floor, and vacuuming, you help prevent buildup and ensure clean, inviting water. Checking and balancing your pool’s chemistry is also key—monitoring pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels to keep the water safe for swimming. Regular filter cleaning and inspecting your equipment for any issues will extend the life of your pool system. By sticking to a weekly maintenance schedule, you’ll enjoy a well-maintained pool with minimal hassle.

Common Questions About
Troubleshooting Pool Issues

Cloudy water can be caused by several factors, including improper chemical balance, poor filtration, or debris. Common causes include low chlorine levels, high pH, or calcium hardness. To fix it, check your water chemistry, clean the filter, and consider adding a clarifier to help clear the water.
Algae can bloom when chlorine levels are too low, and sunlight combined with warm water encourages its growth. To eliminate algae, shock the pool with a high dose of chlorine, scrub the pool surfaces to dislodge algae, and use an algaecide to prevent future growth. Regularly check your chemical levels to maintain the right balance.
If your pool pump isn’t working, start by checking if it's receiving power. Inspect the pump basket for debris and clean it if necessary. If the motor is running but not circulating water, check the impeller for clogs. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, it could be a mechanical or electrical problem, and you may need to consult a professional.
A malfunctioning pool heater could be caused by issues such as a clogged filter, a dirty heater, or incorrect thermostat settings. Check the thermostat to ensure it's set properly, clean or replace the filter, and inspect the heater for any blockages. If the problem persists, it may require a professional repair.
If you're losing more water than normal, your pool may have a leak. To test, perform the bucket test: fill a bucket with pool water and place it on the pool steps. Mark the water levels in the pool and the bucket. If the pool water level drops faster than the water in the bucket, you likely have a leak. You may need a professional leak detection service to locate and repair it.
If your filter isn’t working well, check for debris buildup, dirty filter cartridges, or low water flow. Clean the filter and check for any clogs in the system. If the filter is still not functioning properly, it might need repair or replacement, depending on the issue.
If your pool is losing water, first check for evaporation—especially during hot summer months, which can cause the water level to drop. If the water level is dropping faster than normal, it could be due to a leak in the pool shell, plumbing, or equipment. Conduct the bucket test or call a professional to detect and repair the leak.

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Need Help Troubleshooting Your Pool?

Pool problems can be frustrating, but Foley Pools is here to help you get your pool back in top shape. Whether you're dealing with cloudy water, a malfunctioning pump, or a potential leak, our expert team is ready to provide fast, reliable solutions tailored to your needs.