You put in some chemicals a few days back and yet there is a greenish hue to the water. You go for a swim in what appears to be clear water only to have stinging eyes. Or you step out in the morning and your pool has turned cloudy while you were asleep.
In all cases your pool has something to say. We at Galati Pools & Spas have been heeding those calls from 1962 to the present, putting homeowners in the Mid-Hudson Valley in touch with what their water is up to. For a professional assessment, pick up the phone at (845) 723-9201.
It is all a matter of balance with pool water; when it is not right, the water will make it known. Here are the usual suspects and what they mean.
Cloudy Water: The Balance Is Off
We get that complaint more than any other. It seldom boils down to a single thing, but rather an indication that your filtration or water chemistry has let something slip.
Some of the culprits for cloudiness include:
- A filter in need of a good cleaning
- pH or alkalinity running high
- Insufficient chlorine to put the brakes on contaminants
- Oils and lotions from too many swimmers
- Debris and fine particles beyond the filter’s reach
- Algae making its first appearance
You would do well to test the water before you try to fix it; otherwise you risk putting in the wrong chemical and compounding the issue.
Green Water: Algae Has Moved In
If the pool is green, algae is at work and your sanitizer is no match for it. The kind of summer we have in Newburgh and New Paltz provides the ideal conditions for it to run rampant.
A green pool is an indication of poor circulation and/or low chlorine. Algae can take over in short order so the more time you put off dealing with it the more of a chore it becomes. Brushing and shocking the pool will do some good, but if the green persists you may be looking at an equipment or balance problem of some sort.
Stinging Eyes and Strong Odors: Not Too Much Chlorine
Contrary to what one might think, a burning eye and a heavy chemical odor are not necessarily a sign of excess chlorine. More often it is the reverse.
Sweat and body oils will combine with chlorine to make chloramines, which is what gives you that smell and the irritation. Your water is in need of free chlorine, not less of it. Shock treatment is normally the answer.
Stained or Discolored Surfaces: Metals and Minerals
Rust, brown or green stains on the walls or liner? That is typically metals like iron or copper in the water, or minerals from an unbalanced pool.
The source could be any number of things:
- Metals in the well water
- Fittings or equipment that are corroding
- Chemicals that have not been properly dissolved
- High calcium hardness leaving scale
- Organic debris and leaves left to sit
How you treat a stain is dictated by what kind it is. An analysis of the water will show you what is there and save you from scrubbing at a problem that requires a chemical approach.
Scaly Buildup: Hard Water at Work
You will see white crust on the tile or waterline when the pH or calcium hardness is too high. If you leave scale to itself it will find its way into your equipment and reduce the lifespan of your heater and filter. The water is telling you to make an adjustment before it gets any worse.
When to Bring in a Professional
Regular testing and care will handle some matters. But if you are at a loss as to the cause or the trouble is recurrent, you need some assistance. We can provide a water analysis at our Newburgh showroom so you know where you stand, and we have BioGuard and SpaGuard products on hand.
We have been in this part of New York since 1962 and are familiar with the water here. Licensed and insured with an A+ from the BBB, we are the ones to call for a repair, maintenance or to have a pool diagnosed.
Do not be left to guess. Come in with a sample or give us a ring at (845) 723-9201 to set up service. Our hours are 9 to 5 Monday to Friday and 10 to 1 on Saturday. We will put you back in clear water.
