Each issue has multiple possible causes. These are investigative clues—not a diagnosis based on appearance alone.
01 / CLARITY
Cloudy or milky pool water
When you can't clearly see the pool floor, it's time to investigate—not just add clarifier.
Possible root causes
- Insufficient sanitizer or early algae growth
- Dirty, undersized, bypassing or poorly circulating filtration
- High calcium saturation (positive LSI) and fine calcium carbonate particles
- Dust, storm runoff, organics, or debris overwhelming filtration
What we check
Chlorine relative to CYA, pH, calcium, LSI, pump operation, filter pressure, and recent water or chemical changes.
The root cause determines whether the pool needs chemistry correction, filtration work, or particle removal.
02 / SANITATION
Algae that keeps coming back
Algae outbreaks often reflect a sanitation or circulation problem—not simply a lack of algaecide.
Possible root causes
- Free chlorine too low for the pool's CYA level and usage
- Insufficient circulation or dead spots behind steps and features
- Contaminated filter, debris, or areas missed during brushing
- High nutrient loading, including phosphates, supporting growth
What we check
Accurate FC and CYA readings, chlorine demand, filter condition, circulation and difficult-to-reach surfaces.
Phosphate control can support algae prevention, but it cannot substitute for effective chlorine sanitation.
03 / COLOR CHANGES
Water turns green after shocking
A sudden green or teal tint after chlorine treatment may be a metal reaction—not a new algae bloom.
Possible root causes
- Oxidation of dissolved iron or copper, making color or precipitate visible
- Copper-containing products or corrosion introducing metals
- Fill water or well water containing iron or copper
- Existing algae becoming more noticeable, especially with cloudy, dull-green water
What we check
Whether the green water is clear or cloudy, how quickly the color appeared, metal test results, source water, and prior chemical use.
Clear green tint: investigate metals. Cloudy green water: investigate algae and filtration too. Appearance is only a clue.
04 / WATER LOSS
Water loss beyond evaporation
Some water loss is normal. Persistent loss beyond evaporation can signal a leak or a problem with the equipment.
Possible root causes
- Leaks at pump seals, valves, filter connections or underground plumbing
- Leaking pool shells, fittings, skimmers, lights or liners
- Backwash or waste lines allowing water to escape
- Autofill masking loss, splash-out, wind, and dry-weather evaporation
What we check
A pool-versus-bucket evaporation comparison, visible equipment leakage, water-level patterns and changes when the pump runs.
A bucket test can suggest unusual loss but does not identify the leak. Professional testing may be needed to locate it.
