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Use this trouble-shooting guide to correct a current problem,
or refer to the preventative maintenance suggestions to avoid common problems altogether.
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Water Color
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In the Water
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Pool Surfaces
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Odors & Irritation
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Cloudy, Dull Water
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POSSIBLE CAUSE
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SOLUTION
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PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
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Dirty filter
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Clean filter with Filter Cleaner.
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Backwash as necessary and clean filter thoroughly as needed.
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pH too high
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Test pH and total alkalinity. Add pH Down as directed. Adjust as required.
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Test water frequently with 4-Way Test Strips. Maintain pH of 7.2-7.8 and total alkalinity at 80-120 ppm.
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Free chlorine residual too low
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Test for chlorine residual and adjust as needed. Shock treat with non-stabilized chlorine.
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Maintain free chlorine level of 1-3 ppm.
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Filter not removing small particles
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Use clarifier weekly per directions.
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Backwashing sand filters too often
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Backwash less frequently, only as recommended by filter manufacturer's directions.
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Use with filter cleaneronce every month or two months, depending on number and frequency of pool occupancy.
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Dissolved metals in water
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Use chelating agent (metal gone) to control metals in water.
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Use weekly to prevent staining and scale formulation.
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Cloudy, Green Water
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POSSIBLE CAUSE
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SOLUTION
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PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
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Green algae
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Use a poly algaecide to destroy algae. Use a flocculent to help remove dead algae.
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Use Poly 30 weekly to prevent algae growth.
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Black and/or Dark Green Spots
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POSSIBLE CAUSE
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SOLUTION
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PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
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Black algae
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Shock with Hit Hard or equivalent per directions. AddPoly 60 algaecide as directed, then brush daily until gone. Usea flocculent to help remove dead algae.
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Use Poly 60 weekly to prevent algae growth. Adjust returns to provide better flow over affected area.
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Yellow Slime
Reddish Brown Water
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POSSIBLE CAUSE
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SOLUTION
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PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
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Iron or manganese dissolved in water
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Use a chelating agent (metal gone) to suspend and inactivate stain causing minerals.
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Usemetal gone on a weekly basis.
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Clear, Green Water
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POSSIBLE CAUSE
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SOLUTION
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PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
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Dissolved copper from fill water - Corrosion of copper pipes or heater
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Usemetal gone as directed. Test and adjust pH and total alkalinity.
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Use metal gone on a weekly basis.
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Stains & Rust
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POSSIBLE CAUSE
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SOLUTION
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PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
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Metals in water
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Use a chelating agent (metal gone).
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Usemetal gone weekly to keep metals in solution and prevent staining.
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Unbalanced water
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Make necessary pH and total alkalinity adjustments.
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Maintain pH of 7.2-7.8, total alkalinity at 80-120 ppm.
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Calcium, Scale Deposits
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POSSIBLE CAUSE
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SOLUTION
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PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
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pH or alkalinity too high
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Correct with pH Down as directed.
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Calcium content too high
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Dilute pool water with water of lower hardness.
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Drain 1/3 and refill with fresh water.
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Skin & Eye Irritation
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POSSIBLE CAUSE
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SOLUTION
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PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
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Combined Chlorine level is too high
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Shock treat with a non-chlorine shock.. Then test for free chlorine residual and adjust to maintain residual of 1-3 ppm.
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Maintain disinfectant level of 1-3 ppm at all times regardless of pool usage or weather conditions.
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pH too low or too high
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Test pH and correct with pH Up or pH Down.
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Maintain pH of 7.2-7.8 and total alkalinity of 80-120 ppm.
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Chlorine Odor
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POSSIBLE CAUSE
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SOLUTION
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PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
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Combined chlorine level is too high
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Shock treat with a non-chlorine shock. Then test for Free Chlorine residual and adjust to maintain residual of 1-3 ppm.
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Test chlorine level daily. Maintain pH of 7.2-7.8, total alkalinity of 80-120 ppm, and free chlorine level of 1-3 ppm.
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Scum & Odors
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POSSIBLE CAUSE
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SOLUTION
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PREVENTATIVE MAINTENANCE
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Grease and oil from swimmers.
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Use enzyme to dissolve oils and lotions. Clean walls and surfaces. Clean filter.
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Shower before entering pool. Maintain a clean filter with periodic cleaning. Shock treat after heavy pool use to destroy non-filterable contaminants.
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