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Losing prime in a pool pump can be a common issue, but it is usually fixable with a few steps. Photo by Jason Cramp High total dissolved solids (TDS).
Cause: Over time, the concentration of dissolved solids in the water can increase, leading to cloudiness.
Solution: Partially drain and refill the pool to reduce TDS levels. Ensure the water chemistry is balanced after refilling.
- Algae growth.
Cause: Algae can cloud the water if it is allowed to grow unchecked.
Solution: Use an algaecide to treat existing algae and follow up with a shock treatment. Brush and vacuum the pool regularly to prevent algae and mould growth.
- Poor circulation.
Cause: Inadequate water circulation can result in localized stagnation and cloudiness.
Solution: Run the pool pump for an adequate amount of time each day to ensure proper water circulation. Consider adjusting the return jets to improve circulation patterns.
- Environmental factors.
Cause: Rain, wind, and pollen can introduce contaminants into the pool, causing cloudiness.
Solution: Use a pool cover to minimize the impact of environmental factors. Skim and vacuum the pool regularly to remove debris.
- Dirty pool equipment.
Cause: Accumulation of dirt or debris in skimmer baskets, pump baskets, or around returns.
Solution: Clean skimmer and pump baskets regularly. Ensure the pool deck and surrounding area are free of debris that could enter the pool.
- Heavy bather load.
Cause: High bather load can introduce contaminants into the water.
Solution: Encourage swimmers to shower before entering the pool. Maintain appropriate sanitizer levels and run the filtration system for longer periods during periods of heavy use.
- Water temperature.
Cause: Warmer water temperatures can promote the growth of micro-organisms.
Solution: Maintain proper chlorine levels, shock the pool if needed, and ensure adequate water circulation.
Regular testing, proper water chemistry maintenance, and routine cleaning are essential for preventing and resolving cloudy pool water. If the issue persists or is severe, consider consulting with a pool professional for a more in-depth analysis and tailored solutions.
Pool technician’s response
The author would reorder these steps, depending on the time of year and recent weather. Experienced technicians should also verify there are chlorine pucks in the chlorinator. For salt pools, the author suggests inspecting the salt cell lights for any potential issues.
Overall, the responses were accurate and enough to solve more than 90 per cent of the issues. Offering to provide some troubleshooting tips prior to scheduling a call will impress homeowners who are looking to help themselves; or when they see how much work is potentially involved in troubleshooting, they may opt for a service call right away. By having an answer at one’s fingertips, businesses can eliminate the need for a call back and give homeowners immediate gratification.
Time to implement AI
Embracing AI in the pool business demonstrates a commitment to innovation and staying ahead of the curve. Beyond customer interactions, AI can also streamline various operational aspects of the pool business—from optimizing maintenance schedules to predicting equipment failures, AI technologies contribute to increased efficiency and reduced downtime. This allows professionals to focus more on providing quality service to customers and less on navigating complex technical issues.
As customer expectations rise, incorporating tools such as ChatGPT can be the key to navigating challenges, enhancing problem-solving capabilities, and making a splash in the industry.
Author
With more than two decades of experience, Bobby Winger is a seasoned professional in the pool industry, contributing expertise across service, renovations, and new pool construction. He has been a member of the Pool Craft team since 2011 and is currently in new pool construction. Specializing in co-ordinating equipment for every new pool build and collaborating with technicians for seamless installations, his understanding of hydraulics and equipment aligns perfectly with his skill set.
