Signs of Chemical Imbalance in Your Pool
- E-Konomy
- 6 days ago
- 4 min read
Keeping swimming pool water balanced is a constant challenge for pool owners in Arizona. Balanced water doesn't just make the water look good; it also must be safe and comfortable.
Arizona has a dry climate and a lot of sun, which means keeping the pool chemistry properly balanced is the difference between having a backyard oasis and a pool that can cause health issues.
Knowing the signs of chemical imbalances in a pool can help a pool owner avoid issues, and understanding how they occur can help stop them before they start. A pool professional can also help by taking a look at a water sample and suggesting how to fix the problems. They can also suggest healthy alternatives to pool chemicals.
Why Pool Chemical Balance Matters
Some pool owners don't put much time into keeping their pool chemistry balanced, but they should. It's necessary to keep swimmers safe from bacteria, respiratory problems, and both eye and skin irritation. It also keeps pool equipment safe from corrosion or scaling.
The key chemical levels that a pool owner should monitor include:
Chlorine levels
The pool's pH level
Alkalinity of the water
Calcium hardness levels
Cyanuric acid levels
If these chemicals are not properly balanced, it can create a domino effect, which can impact water quality and pool health. Here are some of the common signs of chemical imbalances in a pool:
Cloudy or Murky Water
One of the most common signs of a chemical imbalance is cloudy water. It's possible that this is caused by dirt and debris, but it's most often caused by not enough chlorine or a pH level that's not within range.
Common Causes of Cloudy Water
Low sanitizer levels (chlorine or bromine)
High pH or high calcium hardness
Poor filtration or circulation from the pool pump
High levels of dissolved calcium and other solids
What to Do:
Those with cloudy water should test the water immediately and adjust sanitizer levels. The filter and pump should also be checked to make sure it's working correctly.
Green or Dark-Colored Water
If a pool is green or dark in color, it's likely that algae is growing. This is almost always a sign that there is not enough chlorine in the water. In Arizona, chlorine levels fall quickly because of the sun.
Common Causes:
Low chlorine levels
Poor circulation
Warm water temperatures
pH imbalance
What to Do:
Pool owners with algae growth should consider pool shocking to improve water quality. Make sure to store pool chemicals correctly, too, so they don't degrade. Regarding Pool Algae Treatment Tucson may benefit from monitoring water quality regularly to stay ahead of algae growth.
Eye and Skin Irritation
Swimmers also often get skin rashes and red eyes after swimming, and this often means that there are issues. Most people blame this on excessive chlorine, but in reality it's likely a build up of chloramines.
Common Causes:
Low free chlorine and high combined chlorine (chloramines)
pH imbalance
What to Do:
Test chlorine levels and shock the pool if combined chlorine is high. The best thing to do is to keep pH between 7.2 and 7.6 to prevent skin and eye irritation.
Strong Chlorine Odor
If someone can smell chlorine coming from a pool, they often believe that it's clean. However, that odor typically means that there is a build up of chloramines, which attach to things like body oils and other contaminants.
Common Causes:
High combined chlorine levels
Low free chlorine
Overuse of stabilizer (CYA)
What to Do:
If there is a strong chlorine smell, shock the pool to break down chloramines and restore the proper chlorine balance. Pool owners should also ensure the pool chemicals are in ideal range.
Scaling on Pool Surfaces and Equipment
Those who see white, crusty buildup on their pool cover, ladders, or heaters, could have high calcium or high pH. Hard water is common in Arizona, so scaling happens when these surfaces draw calcium from the water.
Common Causes:
High calcium hardness
High pH
High total alkalinity
What to Do:
A scale remover can help clean pool equipment. Calcium and other chemicals should be monitored and added to prevent pH bounce.
Corrosion of Metal Components
Ladders, pool lights, heater parts, or other components may be corroding. This is a sign that the water is too acidic. Again, pH could be an issue, or alkalinity could be low.
Common Causes:
Low pH
Low total alkalinity
Improperly balanced calcium levels
What to Do:
Raise the pH and alkalinity to recommended levels. After, keep a regular schedule for checking chemical balance.
Foam or Bubbles on the Surface
Sometimes, foam begins to form on the water's surface. Sometimes this happens after a heavy rain because of organic materials getting into the water.
Common Causes:
Low calcium hardness
Presence of soaps, lotions, or other contaminants
Incompatible or overused pool chemicals
What to Do:
Check calcium hardness and raise it if needed. Use a defoamer to eliminate foam and remind swimmers to rinse off before entering the pool.
Rapid Chlorine Loss
The long, sunny days in Arizona causes chlorine levels to fall quickly. This is why it's so important to keep track of chlorine in the pool.
Common Causes:
Low cyanuric acid (chlorine stabilizer)
Extreme sun exposure
Improper chemical storage or dosing
What to Do:
Use a chlorine stabilizer to create an environment that helps protect chlorine from degrading.
Best Practices for Arizona Pool Owners
The climate in Arizona has some unique challenges for pool owners to deal with. However, paying attention to the chemical balance in the water can keep the pool in awesome shape throughout the year.
Here are some tips for pool owners:
Test Weekly (or more often):Â High heat and heavy use can change water chemistry quickly.
Use a Professional Test Kit:Â Strips are useful but can be less precise than drop-based tests.
Adjust Slowly:Â Avoid overcorrecting. Add chemicals gradually and retest between doses.
Maintain the Filter:Â A clean, functional filter helps keep chemicals balanced and water clear.
Hire a Professional:Â If balancing pool chemistry becomes overwhelming, a local Arizona pool maintenance service can help pool owners stay on track.
Work with a Professional to Stop Chemical Imbalances in a Pool
Pool owners can save time and money by working with a professional company to fix chemical imbalances in their pool. E-Konomy Pool Service & Supplies has been working with Tucson pool owners for more than 60 years, and they can help to get things back on track.