Solutions for Pool and Spa Water Problems

Solutions for Pool and Outdoor Spa Water Problems

The expert technicians at Piscines René Pitre specialize in water treatment. To help you quickly identify the causes of your water issues and the right solutions, we have created this practical guide.

In-store, we offer a complete water analysis for your pool or spa at no cost. Our specialists will then recommend the products and adjustments needed to restore clear, safe water.

Find the issue you are experiencing to discover possible causes and the best solutions.

Above-Ground and In-Ground Pools

Green Water

Causes

  • Algae growth

Reasons

  1. Poor filtration
  2. Solar cover left on too long (max. 48 h)
  3. Insufficient algaecide
  4. Low chlorine level
  5. Unstable alkalinity
  6. Unbalanced pH
  7. Improper product use

Solutions

  1. Check the filtration system
  2. Remove the cover more often
  3. Add algaecide
  4. Add chlorine
  5. Stabilize alkalinity
  6. Adjust pH
  7. Frequent water testing recommended

Cloudy Water

Causes

  • Suspended algae
  • Bacterial particles

Reasons

  1. Poor filtration
  2. Solar cover left on too long
  3. Insufficient algaecide
  4. Low chlorine level
  5. Unstable alkalinity or pH
  6. Improper product use

Solutions

  1. Check the filtration system
  2. Remove the cover regularly
  3. Add algaecide
  4. Add chlorine
  5. Stabilize pH and alkalinity
  6. Water testing recommended

Rust Stains

Causes

  • Artesian well water
  • Metal objects dropped into the water
  • Contact with muriatic acid
  • Incorrect alkalinity or hardness

Reasons

  1. Metals in suspension
  2. Metal/water reaction
  3. Stainless steel surfaces affected
  4. Unstable water balance

Solutions

  1. Water analysis and specialized treatments
  2. Remove the object and test the water
  3. Avoid contact with stainless steel
  4. Stabilize alkalinity or hardness

Liner Stains

Causes

  • Calcium deposits
  • Dead leaves
  • Presence of metals

Reasons

  1. Water too hard
  2. Organic breakdown
  3. Contaminated water

Solutions

  1. Check hardness and apply scale treatment
  2. Remove debris quickly
  3. Have the water analyzed

Eye and Skin Irritation

Causes

  • Unstable pH
  • Chloramines (chlorine odour)
  • Low alkalinity

Solutions

  1. Adjust between 7.2 and 7.8
  2. Shock treatment
  3. Stabilize alkalinity

Chlorine Odour

Causes

  • Lack of free chlorine (presence of chloramines)

Solutions

  1. Adjust pH and perform a shock treatment

Dirt Rings

Causes

  • Build-up of body oils and contaminants

Solutions

  1. Use a vinyl cleaner

Outdoor Spa

Cloudy Water

Causes

  • Organic contaminants
  • Suspended particles
  • High pH
  • High alkalinity
  • High hardness
  • Poor filtration
  • Old water / too many dissolved solids
  • Low total alkalinity

Solutions

  1. Shock treatment
  2. Add clarifier
  3. Adjust between 7.2 and 7.6
  4. Adjust pH
  5. Use descaler and stabilize hardness
  6. Clean the filter
  7. Drain and refill
  8. Increase alkalinity

Coloured Water

Causes

  • Soluble metals (copper, iron, etc.)
  • Presence of algae

Solutions

  1. Use a metal remover and test the water
  2. Concentrated algaecide + lithium shock treatment

Eye and Skin Irritation

Causes

  • Low pH
  • Organic contaminants
  • Low alkalinity

Solutions

  1. Restore between 7.2 and 7.6
  2. Lithium shock treatment
  3. Adjust between 80 and 120 ppm

Chlorine Odour

Causes

  • Organic contaminants

Solutions

  1. Lithium shock treatment

Calcium Deposits

Causes

  • High alkalinity
  • High pH
  • High hardness

Solutions

  1. Adjust between 80 and 120 ppm
  2. Correct as needed
  3. Apply scale-control treatments

Foaming Water

Causes

  • Oils and contaminants
  • Water too soft
  • Dirty cartridge filter

Solutions

  1. Add anti-foam product
  2. Add calcium (150 to 280 ppm)
  3. Clean with a specialized product

No Chlorine or Bromine Reading

Causes

  • Too many contaminants
  • Inaccurate testing
  • Unbalanced pH / alkalinity

Solutions

  1. Add sanitizer
  2. Have the water tested
  3. Adjust alkalinity to 80–150 ppm and pH to 7.2–7.6

FAQ – Pool and Spa Water Problems

1. Why is my pool turning green?

The most common cause is algae growth due to low chlorine levels or insufficient filtration.

2. Why is my water cloudy?

Suspended particles, poor filtration or improper pH and alkalinity balance are usually responsible.

3. How do I remove a chlorine smell?

The smell comes from chloramines. A shock treatment and pH adjustment are required.

4. Why do my eyes sting in the pool?

This usually indicates unbalanced pH or low alkalinity.

5. Why is my spa foaming?

Body oils, hair products and lotions are often the cause. A defoamer or filter cleaning usually resolves the issue.

6. Should I test my water regularly?

Yes. Weekly testing is recommended, especially during hot weather.

7. Does Piscines René Pitre offer free water testing?

Yes. We provide free in-store water analysis for your pool or spa.
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