Water Clarity Problems

PROBLEM: Cloudy water

POSSIBLE CAUSES: Early algae growth, insufficient filtration or short filter cycles, inadequate Free Chlorine levels, high bather loads or unbalanced water which could include high pH which can cause minerals to precipitate out into very small solid particles, high total alkalinity or high calcium hardness.

SOLUTION: Test the water or have your water tested at your professional SUN dealer. If the Free Chlorine level is below 1 ppm or the Combined Chlorine level is more than 0.5 ppm above the Free Chlorine reading, shock using SUN-Burn® Extra or SUN-Burn® 35. Make sure the filter is clean and functioning properly. If calcium hardness is above 400 ppm, use SUN Scale & Metal Control II and avoid the use of calcium products. Use SUN Tru-Blue® Super Concentrated Water Clarifier to increase filter efficiency. Inspect for algae and treat as necessary (see Algae Problems).

PROBLEM: Colored water

POSSIBLE CAUSES: Poor sanitation leading to algae and bacterial growth, high levels of combined chlorine levels (chloramines) can cause strong chlorine-like odors or urinating in the pool.

SOLUTION: Colorless, hazy water is probably early algae. Treat as green algae. Have your water tested at your professional SUN dealer for copper, iron and manganese. If present, add the recommended SUN Scale & Metal Control II for metals present per label directions. Very high levels of metals may require even higher doses to react with all of the metals present. If color persists, consult your SUN dealer.

PROBLEM: Cloudy, green water

POSSIBLE CAUSES: Trace metals, organo-metallic colloids, converting from biguanide to chlorine or early algae growth.

SOLUTION: Test the water for metals such as iron and copper. If present, treat with SUN Scale & Metal Control II as directed. Determine the source of the metals and eliminate if possible. Make sure that the pool is shocked withSUN-Burn® Extra or SUN-Burn® 35 in sufficient quantity that a Free Chlorine level of at least 3 ppm is maintained overnight. Retest and shock as necessary to achieve 3 ppm. Inspect filter and operate continuously until clear. Add SUN Tru-Blue® Super Concentrated Water Clarifier to help remove fine particles, dead algae and organic debris. See Algae Problems for more detailed remedy.

PROBLEM: Foaming

POSSIBLE CAUSES: Reaction of body oils and cosmetic residues with the natural alkalinity of the water, which can form a soap. Excessive use of "quat" algaecides, which have a tendency to foam, air leak in the return line, or use of foaming cleaning products.

SOLUTION: An air leak in the return line can lead to foaming; inspect and tighten all fittings. Agitation of the water can also lead to foaming. Body oils and cosmetic residues can be controlled by shocking the pool on a regular basis.

Hints/Preventive Maintenance: Proper filtration is important in order to control the quality and clarity of the pool water. Make sure that the filter is cleaned and inspected at least once a year. Use SUN Filter Cleaner for excellent results. Do not backwash sand filters more often than needed — only when the pressure rises too high (10 psi over starting pressure with clean filter). Regular water testing can help avoid problems that are caused by the presence of dissolved minerals. If minerals such as iron, copper and manganese are present, an addition of SUN Scale & Metal Control II should be made prior to adding fresh water.