When the warm summer weather finally arrives in Minnesota, you’re probably eager to jump back into your pool. But when you start getting your pool ready for use, you might run into unexpected problems that keep you out of the water.
These are some of the most common issues with pools in Minnesota and how to solve them.
The 3 Most Common Pool Problems
- Cloudy Water – A pool is supposed to be crystal clear. No one wants to swim in water that looks dirty! Many different issues can result in cloudy water in your swimming pool in Minnesota. Your pool could have low levels of alkalinity or calcium hardness, the pH level could be too high or your filter could not be working properly. Start by checking the filter to see if it needs to be repaired. If the issue is chemical, many products exist to adjust the chemical balance of your pool so that the water is clean and clear. However, if you’re having a tough time figuring out what’s wrong with your water, it may be in your best interest to call a professional pool maintenance company to get to the bottom of it.
- Strong Chlorine Odor – The smell of chlorine is not particularly pleasant and if your pool absolutely reeks of it, something’s wrong. That repulsive odor you’re smelling isn’t actually the chlorine itself but chloramines, which are formed when chlorine comes into contact with contaminants such as sweat and body oils. To prevent bringing such contaminants into your pool, it is best that you shower before entering. While it may seem counter-intuitive, you actually might need to add more chlorine to the pool to keep it cleaner. Shocking your pool with a chemical solution is the best way to eliminate chloramines and the smell that comes with them.
- Algae Growth – One of the last things that anyone wants to see floating in their pool in Minnesota is algae. Outdoor swimming pools are particularly susceptible to algae growth, which not only looks gross but can clog up your filter and fill the water with contaminants. Algae tends to pop up as the result of heavy rain or extreme humidity. The easiest way to curb algae growth is by lowering your pH levels. Algae grows best in a pH range of 8.2 to 8.7, while the optimal pH levels for a swimming pool are between 7.0 and 7.6. Shocking your pool water or using an algaecide are also good for getting rid of algae.
Reliable Pool Maintenance Services in the Twin Cities
Many different problems can prevent you from using your pool but an experienced pool maintenance crew can get you back in the water in no time. Contact Poolside today for top-tier pool cleaning and maintenance services in the greater Twin Cities area!
