After the fun of installing a new pool is complete, it is important to properly care for you pool in order to keep it in good condition. A healthy Maryland pool will have crystal clear water that looks inviting and refreshing. It takes a variety of chemicals to keep your pool sanitary and when these chemicals are not kept in the proper proportions a variety of things can go wrong. Oftentimes the color of your pool will be the first indicator of trouble. Here are 4 common problems that pool-owners run into and what you can do to fix them.

What Pool Color Can Tell You About Your Maryland Pool’s Health

Green

Green pool water is very common and is the result of a harmless green algae. While it is not bad for you, it’s also important to keep under control. Luckily it is very easy to remove: simply shock your pool and then add an algaecide to kill the green algae.

Pink

Pink slime is a bacteria growth with a pink center. It is common in coastal areas and is generally introduced into a pool environment by swimmers who have recently encountered it in a natural swimming area. In order to remove the bacteria, double shock the pool and 48 hours later use an all-purpose algaecide at 6 oz per 10,000 gallons of pool water.

Black spots

Black algae will cause black spots to appear on the floor and walls of your pool. Spots are small, no larger than a quarter, and have a tough outer layer that makes them difficult to remove. It requires the use of a product specially designed for black algaecide. Be sure to use the product in the proper dilutions according to the size of your pool. After application, brush some directly onto the spots in order to break down the tough outer layer and make them more responsive to treatment.

Yellow

Mustard algae is a fairly uncommon algae that will leave a yellow (or sometimes green) blush on the walls and floor of your Maryland pool. It is often mistaken for dirt or a stain but it is important to get rid of to keep you pool healthy. To treat, shock your pool and use an algaecide formulated for mustard algae. It is generally fairly easy to treat.

Cloudy/hazy/smokey

Water that is not perfectly clear generally indicates a chemical imbalance. Begin by shocking your Maryland pool. If that doesn’t fix the problem, test the pH, alkalinity, sanitizer level, and calcium hardness of the water. If none of those are to blame, try cleaning your pool filter and skimmer and pump strainer baskets.

To contact Rhine Pools, call 410-442-2445! You can also reach us using our contact form, and connect with us on social media on our Facebook, Twitter, and Google+ pages.