Home > Blog

20 Common Pool Problems and How to Fix Them

A swimming pool can be the crown jewel of your backyard, offering fun, exercise, and relaxation. But pools also come with their fair share of headaches. From murky water to malfunctioning equipment, pool owners face a range of issues that can disrupt the swimming season. The good news? Most problems have straightforward solutions if you know what to look for.

Here’s an in-depth guide to 20 of the most common pool problems and how to resolve them, so you can keep your pool sparkling and swim-ready all year long.

1. Cloudy Water

Symptoms: Dull, hazy, or milky water.
Causes: Imbalanced chemicals, poor filtration, debris, or algae.
Fix: Test and balance water chemistry (pH, alkalinity, chlorine). Clean or backwash the filter. Shock the pool and run the pump continuously for 24–48 hours.

2. Green Pool Water

Symptoms: Water turns green, often suddenly.
Causes: Algae growth due to low sanitizer levels or poor circulation.
Fix: Brush pool surfaces. Shock the pool with chlorine. Run the pump continuously and vacuum dead algae.

3. Algae Blooms (Yellow, Black, or Mustard)

Symptoms: Discolored patches or streaks on walls and floor.
Causes: Specific algae types thriving in low-chlorine conditions.
Fix: Use an algaecide formulated for the specific algae type. Brush and vacuum thoroughly. Shock the pool and maintain proper chlorine levels.

4. Pool Stains

Symptoms: Brown, green, or rust-colored marks on surfaces.
Causes: Organic debris, metals, or imbalanced water.
Fix: Identify the stain type (organic vs. metal). Use a stain remover or shock for organic stains. Balance water chemistry and use a metal sequestrant if needed.

5. Foamy Water

Symptoms: Bubbles or foam on the water surface.
Causes: Excessive use of algaecide, lotions, or soaps.
Fix: Reduce use of foaming chemicals. Shock the pool. Encourage swimmers to shower before entering.

6. Strong Chlorine Smell & Eye Irritation

Symptoms: Sharp odor, burning eyes, itchy skin.
Causes: High chloramine (combined chlorine) levels.
Fix: Shock the pool to break down chloramines. Improve filtration and circulation.

7. Low or No Water Circulation

Symptoms: Weak return flow, stagnant water, skimmer not pulling debris.
Causes: Clogged baskets, dirty filter, air leaks, pump problems.
Fix: Clean skimmer and pump baskets. Backwash or replace the filter. Check for air leaks and ensure pump is primed.

8. Pump Won’t Start or Makes Noise

Symptoms: Silence, humming, or grinding from the pump.
Causes: Electrical issues, clogged impeller, worn bearings.
Fix: Check power supply and breakers. Clean the impeller and baskets. Call a technician for mechanical repairs.

9. Heater Not Working

Symptoms: Water remains cold, heater won’t ignite.
Causes: Thermostat issues, clogged filter, gas or electrical faults.
Fix: Make sure the filter is clean. Check thermostat settings. Inspect gas supply or electrical connections. Consult a professional if needed.

10. Pool Leaks

Symptoms: Unexplained water loss, soggy ground, air bubbles in pump.
Causes: Cracks, faulty plumbing, liner tears.
Fix: Conduct a bucket test to confirm a leak. Inspect pool surfaces and fittings. Patch small cracks or tears; call a pro for persistent leaks.

11. Low Water Level

Symptoms: Water drops below skimmer, pump sucks air.
Causes: Evaporation, splash-out, leaks.
Fix: Top off pool to proper level. Check for leaks if water loss is excessive.

12. High Water Level

Symptoms: Water overflows after rain or overfilling.
Causes: Heavy rain, accidental overfilling.
Fix: Drain excess water using a submersible pump or backwash.

13. Scale Buildup

Symptoms: White, chalky deposits on tiles or metal parts.
Causes: High calcium hardness or pH.
Fix: Lower pH and calcium levels. Scrub with a pumice stone or scale remover.

14. Rust Stains

Symptoms: Orange or brown spots, usually near metal fixtures.
Causes: Corroding metal, high iron content in water.
Fix: Use a rust stain remover. Replace or repair rusting parts. Use a metal sequestrant.

15. Clogged Skimmer or Pump Basket

Symptoms: Poor circulation, noisy pump.
Causes: Debris such as leaves, hair, or bugs.
Fix: Regularly empty skimmer and pump baskets.

16. Air Bubbles in Return Jets

Symptoms: Visible bubbles from jets.
Causes: Air leaks in suction line, low water level.
Fix: Check and tighten pump lid and fittings. Raise water level to halfway up the skimmer.

17. Lights Not Working

Symptoms: Pool lights won’t turn on or flicker.
Causes: Burned-out bulbs, faulty wiring, water in fixture.
Fix: Replace bulbs. Check GFCI and wiring. Call a professional for electrical issues.

18. Automatic Pool Cleaner Not Moving

Symptoms: Cleaner sits idle or moves erratically.
Causes: Clogged hoses, worn parts, low suction.
Fix: Clean hoses and filter. Check for blockages. Replace worn parts as needed.

19. Unresponsive Pool Controls or Automation

Symptoms: Timers, lights, or pumps don’t respond to control panel.
Causes: Power surges, faulty relays, software glitches.
Fix: Reset system. Check connections and fuses. Update software or call a technician.

20. Persistent Debris in Pool

Symptoms: Leaves, bugs, or dirt constantly in water.
Causes: Inefficient skimming, wind, nearby trees.
Fix: Skim daily and use a pool cover. Trim overhanging branches. Upgrade filtration or circulation if needed.

Conclusion

Owning a pool means dealing with occasional problems, but most issues are manageable with regular maintenance and quick action. By understanding these 20 common pool problems and their fixes, you’ll keep your pool healthy, inviting, and ready for fun all season long.

Need a printable troubleshooting chart, or want more in-depth guides for specific repairs? Let me know how I can help you keep your pool in perfect shape!