2660 Youngfield Street • Lakewood, CO 80215
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POOL TROUBLESHOOTING GUIDE

Green Algae
Green algae can make the water appear anywhere from murky to dark forest green, depending on the severity of the growth. In the beginning stages of green algae, the water may not be green, but is cloudy and the walls of the pool are slick or slimy.

In Chlorine, Bromine or Synergy Pools:

Using Algae Terminator:

1. Brush the pool thoroughly to loosen algae growth. For extensive growth, if you can vacuum to waste, add Simplicity Floc & Clear according to label instructions.
2. With the pump running, add 1 lb. of Breakout Total or 1 lb. of Breakout 35 per 6,000 gallons directly to the pool. Brush up any undissolved product. Circulate for one hour.
3. Add 16 oz. of Algae Terminator per 10,000 gallons directly to the pool with the pump still running.
4. Circulate for 24 hours. Brush and vacuum dead algae from the pool. Additional applications may be necessary if algae is severe.
5. Clean the filter with Filter & Cartridge Cleaner to remove dead algae and debris.

Using Algae Destroyer:

1. Brush the pool thoroughly to loosen algae growth. For extensive growth, if you can vacuum to waste, add Simplicity Floc & Clear according to label instructions.
2. With the pump running, add 1 lb. of Algae Destroyer per 10,000 gallons (or 2 lbs. per 10,000 gallons for heavy growth) Brush up any undissolved product.
3. Add an initial dose of your preventative algaecide. Algae growth usually indicates inconsistent application of maintenance algaecide doses, and it is necessary to re-establish the initial level.
4. The next day, brush and vacuum dead algae from the pool. Additional applications may be necessary if algae is severe.
5. Clean the filter with Simplicity Filter & Cartridge Cleaner to remove dead algae and debris

In Clear Comfort Pools:

1. Brush the pool thoroughly to loosen algae growth from the sides and bottom.
2. If you cannot vacuum to waste, skip this step. Add Simplicity Floc & Clear according to label instructions. After vacuuming the excess algae growth from the pool, go to the next step.
3. Add 1 gallon of Clear Comfort Clarifier per 10,000 gallons directly to the pool with the pump running. If the Clear Comfort Clarifier level is less than 50 ppm, add 2 gallons per 10,000 gallons.
4. Add 1 qt. of Clear Comfort Algaecide per 25,000 gallons around the edges with the pump running.
5. Clean dead algae and debris from the filter with Clear Comfort Filter Cleaner.

Mustard Algae
Mustard Algae is usually yellowish-green in color and in its early stages, attaches to the sides and bottom. It is easy to brush off, but comes back quickly. If left unchecked, it can turn the entire pool a pea-green color.

Mustard Algae is resistant to many different algae products, and easily reinfests a pool through untreated swimsuits or equipment. When you are applying product for mustard algae in a pool, it is recommended that all the equipment (nets, poles, brushes, etc.) be put in the pool during the product application so that it is also exposed to the procedure. Swimsuits should be washed thoroughly.

In Chlorine, Bromine and Synergy Pools:

Using Algae Terminator:

1. Brush the pool thoroughly to loosen algae growth. If you can vacuum to waste, add Simplicity Floc & Clear according to label instructions.
2. Place all equipment (nets, poles, brushes, etc.) that has been in contact with the algae in the pool while you apply product. Thoroughly wash swimsuits.
3. With the pump running, add 1 lb. of Breakout Total or 1 lb. of Breakout 35 per 6,000 gallons directly to the pool. Brush up any undissolved product. Circulate for one hour.
4. Add 16 oz. of Algae Terminator per 10,000 gallons directly to the pool with the pump still running.
5. Circulate for 24 hours. Brush and vacuum dead algae from the pool. Additional applications may be necessary if algae is severe.
6. Clean the filter with Filter & Cartridge Cleaner to remove dead algae and debris.

In Clear Comfort Pools:

1. Brush the pool thoroughly to loosen algae growth from the sides and bottom.
2. If you cannot vacuum to waste, skip this step. Add Simplicity Floc & Clear according to label instructions. After vacuuming the excess algae growth from the pool, go to the next step.
3. Add 1 gallon of Clear Comfort Clarifier per 10,000 gallons directly to the pool with the pump running. If the Clear Comfort Clarifier level is less than 50 ppm, add 2 gallons per 10,000 gallons.
4. Add 1 qt. of Clear Comfort Algaecide per 25,000 gallons around the edges with the pump running.
5. Clean dead algae and debris from the filter with Clear Comfort Filter Cleaner.

Pink Slime
Pink Slime and Water Mold are not algae growths, but bacterial and fungal growth. Pink slime usually adheres to plastic in the pool, such as return fittings, ladder treads, skimmers, and drain covers. It feels slick and has a pink coloration that gets darker as the growth gets heavier. Water mold often looks like shredded tissue paper floating in the water, but has a slimy feel. Frequently water mold can be seen coming out of the returns when the pump is running.

Pink Slime and Water Mold generally begin growing in the filter and in the lines, so it is important to make sure that these areas are cleaned thoroughly or they will simply reinfest the pool quickly. Check the filter media for growth by removing the filter lid and inspecting the sand, cartridge or DE grids with the pump off. Replace the media if the growth is very heavy.

In Chlorine, Bromine and Synergy Pools:

1. Brush the pool thoroughly, including hard-to-reach areas such as underneath the ladder treads, around the drain, inside the skimmer, etc. If there is an automatic cleaner, it is best to clean it separately to make sure it doesn't reinfest the pool. If you can vacuum to waste, add Simplicity Floc & Clear according to label instructions.
2. If the growth is on the bottom, shut off the pump and allow the water to sit for 4 - 6 hours until it's still. If the growth is on the sides, or floating in the water, leave the pump running.
3. Add 1 lb. of Algae Destroyer per 5,000 gallons directly to the pool. Concentrate on areas of heaviest growth. Brush up any undissolved product.
4. The next day, brush and vacuum the pool. Additional applications may be necessary for heavier growth.
5. Clean the filter with Filter & Cartridge Cleaner to remove dead algae and debris.

In Clear Comfort Pools:

1. If you cannot vacuum to waste, skip this step. Add Simplicity Floc & Clear according to label instructions to remove excess mold or slime.
2. Brush the pool thoroughly, including hard-to-reach areas, such as underneath the ladder treads around the returns, and inside the skimmer.
3. Add 2 gallons of Clear Comfort Clarifier per 10,000 gallons. Pour one gallon of this VERY SLOWLY through the skimmer with the pump running.
4. Add 1 qt. of Clear Comfort Algaecide per 25,000 gallons around the edges of the pool with the pump running.
5. Top up the Clear Comfort Sanitizer level to 50 ppm.
6. Circulate continuously until growth is gone. Backwash when necessary. For severe growth, additional applications may be necessary.
7. Clean the filter with Clear Comfort Filter Cleaner.

Staining

Metal Stains
Metal stains are usually dark and have no texture and do not brush up. Copper can cause stains that are green, turquoise, grey or black. Iron can stain the surface a rust-color. Manganese can cause dark brown, black or purple stains. To remove a metal stain, use Simplicity Spot Clear Copper or Iron Stain Remover.

Iron Staining

• 1 lb./6,000 gallons Simplicity Spot Clear Iron Stain Remover
• IMPORTANT: If a heater is present, turn it off and isolate it from the circulation system. IF YOU CANNOT ISOLATE THE HEATER, IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED THAT YOU USE SIMPLICITY SPOT CLEAR IRON STAIN REMOVER. Consult your dealer.
• Adjust the chlorine or bromine residual to 1 ppm or less. If the residual is greater than one, you may stop applying sanitizer and wait until the residual drops, or you may use a chlorine neutralizer according to label instructions to reduce the residual.
• Wear safety glasses or goggles. With the pump running, add around the edges of the pool. If the stain is specific to one area, apply product to that area. Brush up any undissolved product.
• Circulate the pool for one hour, then proceed to the next step.
• Add 1 qt. of Simplicity Super Metal Control per 10,000 gallons. Circulate for 4 - 8 hours.
• Use Simplicity Filter Aid in the filter according to label instructions for your filter type and size.
• Circulate 24 - 48 hours.
• Remove Simplicity Filter Aid from the filter by backwashing or cleaning the cartridge.
• Use Simplicity Filter & Cartridge Cleaner to clean the filter.
• Perform a complete water analysis and rebalance the water according to WaterMaster recommendations.
  

Copper Staining

• Fresh/Mild Staining: 4 lbs. per 10,000 gallons
• Old/Severe Staining: 1 lb. per 1,000 gallons
• Important: If a heater is present, turn it off and isolate it from the circulation system. IF YOU CANNOT ISOLATE THE HEATER, IT IS NOT RECOMMENDED THAT YOU USE SIMPLICITY SPOT CLEAR COPPER STAIN REMOVER. Consult your dealer in this case.
• Adjust the chlorine or bromine residual to 1 - 3 ppm. Use a chlorine neutralizer if necessary to reduce the residual. Do not add a shock product to the pool water during this process, otherwise re-staining could occur.
• Wear rubber gloves and safety glasses or goggles. With the pump running, add around the edges of the pool targeting the stained area. If the stain is specific to one area, apply the product to that area. Brush up undissolved product after 30 seconds. Do not shock the pool for 48 hours.
• Add 1 qt. of Simplicity Super Metal Control per 10,000 gallons.Circulate for 4 - 8 hours.
• Use Simplicity Filter Aid in the filter according to label instructions for your filter type and size.
• Circulate 24 - 48 hours.
• Remove Simplicity Filter Aid from the filter by backwashing or cleaning the cartridge.
• Use Simplicity Filter & Cartridge Cleaner to clean the filter.
• Perform a complete water analysis and rebalance the water according to WaterMaster recommendations.

Metal Stain Determination
Use the Simplicity Spot Clear Stain Remover Test Kit to determine whether a stain is copper or iron. For halogen pools, ensure that the chlorine or bromine residual is 1 - 3 ppm. Select an area of staining close to the surface. Turn off the pump and allow the water to calm. Wear safety gloves and glasses or goggles. Apply the entire contents of the Iron Stain Identifier over the selected test area. Allow to sit for 15 - 30 seconds, then brush away. In a different test area, apply the entire contents of the Copper Stain Identifier. Allow to sit for 15 - 30 seconds and brush away. Visually inspect both test areas to determine which treatment best removed or lightened the stain.

Fungus Underneath the Liner
For vinyl liners, one more culprit is possible. If neither method for the stain determination works, or the chlorine fades it slightly, there may be a fungus under the liner. This can only be effectively cleaned by pulling up the liner and removing the fungus from the other side. Fungal growths sometimes take place in the substrate beneath the liner from moisture buildup. These fungal growths release pigments that stain the liner. Heavy shock applications may temporarily fade the discoloration, but it will eventually come back. To prevent this from occurring, apply an anti-fungal agent to the substrate prior to placing the liner on it. Check with your local health department for their recommendation.

Cobalt staining
In fiberglass pools, the problem may be due to cobalt staining. This usually occurs within small blisters in the fiberglass and is due to a defect in the fiberglass itself. Some cobalt stains can be removed with an acidic stain remover applied directly on the area, but this solution is temporary. Most of the time, the discoloration will return.

Plaster Mottling
In plaster pools, mottling may be the problem. This is less common than metal stains, but does sometimes occur in colored plaster pools. Mottling is a natural aging process that causes plaster to take on a marbleized appearance. The best way to prevent mottling is to maintain proper water balance.

Metals
The metals that most commonly occur in pool water are copper, iron, and manganese. Metals can stain the pool surface and turn the water turquoise green, brown, or even purple. In biguanide pools, metals react with the Clear Comfort Sanitizer and lower the level of sanitizer.
Some metal can come from fill water, especially in areas where well water is used to fill the pool.

Metal can also come from equipment that has corroded because of poor water balance. Other sources include metal objects that have gotten into the pool, such as coins, and the use of metal-based algaecides.

To remove copper or iron from the water in chlorinated or brominated pools, use 1 qt. of Simplicity Super Metal Control for every ppm per 10,000 gallons. Use up to 3 qts. per 10,000 gallons. In Clear Comfort pools, use Clear Comfort Stain Control for all metals according to label instructions.

Follow the Simplicity Super Metal Control application with Simplicity Filter Aid to remove chelated metal from the water. Backwash after 24 hours or rinse Filter Aid from grids or cartridge.
Use Simplicity Filter & Cartridge Cleaner to remove any residual metal from the filter and prevent it from re-entering the pool. For Clear Comfort pools, use Clear Comfort Filter Cleaner.

Skin and Eye Irritation
Eye irritation is usually due to poor water balance. A pH that is out of range or combined chlorine are the most common causes. Perform a complete water analysis and balance according to software recommendations.

Skin irritation can be caused by the same poor water balance factors. In some cases, the irritation may be a rash. If this is the case, see a physician. Some bacterial growth, especially in spas, can cause infection and should be treated properly, both on you and in the water. Skin infections are uncommon in pools, but can occur more frequently in spas.

Cloudy Water
Cloudy water can be caused by a large number of factors, alone or in combination. Check below for the most common causes of cloudy water and correct any existing problems. To help clear cloudy water, use 1 oz. of Clear Magic per 5,000 gallons or 3 oz. of Water Clarifier per 5,000 gallons. For extremely cloudy water, use Liquid Floc Plus. Add 8 oz. per 10,000 gallons, circulate for one hour to distribute the product, then shut off circulation. Allow the pool to sit without circulation for 8 hours, then vacuum to waste.

Common Causes of Cloudy Water:
Low or inconsistent sanitizer level - Whether you are using chlorinating or brominating products or biguanide, it is very important to maintain proper sanitizer levels at all times. If the sanitizer residual drops, even temporarily, bacteria and algae can gain a foothold and cloud water very quickly. If the sanitizer level is low in chlorinated or brominated pools, shock with Breakout Total or Breakout 35 according to label instructions. For biguanide pools, top the Clear Comfort Sanitizer level up to 50 ppm.

Buildup of undesirable compounds - An inconsistent shocking schedule can create a buildup of undesirable compounds that the filter is unable to remove. Cosmetics, sunblocks, lotions, perspiration, dust and debris can all contribute to this cloudiness. It is important in a chlorinated or brominated pool to shock weekly or every other week as part of your regular maintenance. Use Breakout Total, Breakout 35, Breakout 60, Quick Clear or Crystal Clear Multi-Shock (chlorinated pools only) according to label instructions. In biguanide pools, use Clear Comfort Clarifier as needed to maintain a minimum of 20 ppm at all times.

Beginning Algae Growth
Using algaecide on a regular maintenance schedule is crucial to preventing algae growth. A lapse in weekly or every other week applications can allow algae to begin. At first, this algae growth usually looks like cloudy water, but can soon turn a pool green. At this point, it is usually necessary to use an algae destroyer to clear the pool. At the beginning of the season, add an initial dose of your maintenance algaecide, then follow label instructions for weekly or every-other-week maintenance applications.

Poor filtration and/or circulation
All the chemical products on the shelf won't help clear the water if the filter isn't able to remove dirt and debris from the pool. Check to make sure the pump and filter are running a minimum of 8 hours a day. Run continuously if the water is already cloudy. The circulation should be adequate throughout the pool, with no "dead spots". Make sure that skimmers are not blocked, and that return jets are pointed the right way for maximum circulation. If there is a main drain, make sure it is clear of obstructions. Backwash the filter when indicated by the pressure gauge on the unit. The filter media (sand, DE or cartridge) should also be chemically cleaned periodically to remove oils and other compounds that are not removed with backwashing. Use Filter & Cartridge Cleaner (or Clear Comfort Filter Cleaner in biguanide pools) to "shampoo" the filter every six weeks.

Poor water balance
High pH, high total alkalinity and/or high total hardness can all cause cloudy water. Check pH weekly and check alkalinity and hardness at least once a month and follow software recommendations for proper balance.

Air leaks
Pinhole leaks in the circulation system can introduce tiny bubbles into the water that make the water appear cloudy. If the cloudiness disappears after the circulation has been turned off for several hours, it is probably caused by an air leak.

Bicarbonate scale
For indoor or covered pools, bicarbonate scale could be a possible cloudy water cause. Gases that are ordinarily released are trapped underneath a solar cover or in an indoor system and are reabsorbed into the water. These gases cause the total alkalinity to increase and the pH to decrease. Adjustments to these balancing parameters are usually very difficult - the levels either do not change or return to their original residuals. To eliminate this problem, remove the cover or ventilate the indoor area well for several days and re-adjust the alkalinity and pH over this time period.

In Clear Comfort pools:

Many times, cloudy water is a result of typical environmental factors - heavier than usual pool use, hotter temperatures, or heavy rainfall. However, in some cases, cloudy water in Clear Comfort pools may indicate a more serious problem.

Good filtration and circulation are extremely important for all pools, but even more so in Clear Comfort pools. The filter should be chemically cleaned every 4 - 6 weeks with Clear Comfort Filter Cleaner. If it has been longer than 6 weeks since the filter has been chemically cleaned, it may be necessary to completely replace the filter media with new sand or a new cartridge. The filter should operate at least 8 hours a day.

If the circulation is poor, the filter will not be able to do an adequate job, even if it is clean. If the pool doesn't have a main drain, hook up a regular vacuum and turn it upside down in the deepest end of the pool. This circulates water from the bottom and picks up some of the heavier particles that sink.

The Clear Comfort Clarifier level is also very important. Maintain the level at 20 ppm or higher. If you are unable to hold a Clarifier level, there may be another problem.

Chlorine Demand
The term "Chlorine Demand" is often used to describe a problem when a chlorine level can't be kept in a pool at all, or when there is a high level of combined chlorine that can't be eliminated. Often, the pool water is cloudy and repeated shock applications do not raise the chlorine residual or break the level of combined chlorine. Occasionally, the water will be very clear with no other evidence of problems.

When a chlorine demand situation exists, it will often mask the CYA reading, making the test look as though there is no stabilizer in the water. If the pool has recently had a stabilizer reading and there has not been any loss of water, don't reapply stabilizer until a chlorine residual can be maintained.

Chlorine demand is often caused by foreign contaminants, especially ammonia. This can come from fertilizers, pesticides, and even fill water.

Chlorine demand can be frustrating to solve. It may be a more feasible option to perform a partial drain and refill with fresh water to reduce the demand. Shock the pool with 3 lbs. of Breakout Total per or 3 lbs. of Breakout 35 per 6,000 gallons all at one time. Circulate the water continuously. Three hours after adding the Breakout Total or Breakout 35, test the water for chlorine. If it is not greater than 3 ppm, repeat step one. Continue shocking and retesting every three to four hours until you can maintain a 3 ppm free chlorine reading for 24 hours.

Chloramines or Combined Chlorine
Waste products and other substances from rain, fertilizers, pesticides, and even swimmers add nitrogen to the water. This nitrogen forms a chemical bond with free chlorine and forms Chloramines, also called combined chlorine. The new combined chlorine molecules don't disinfect as well as free chlorine, and have a strong offensive "chlorine" odor.

To measure combined chlorine, test the total chlorine and the free chlorine. If the total chlorine residual is higher than the free chlorine residual, combined chlorine is present. The combined chlorine equals the Total Chlorine in ppm minus the Free Chlorine in ppm. ( TC - FC = CC)
If combined chlorine is present, it is necessary to break the nitrogen and chlorine bond with an oxidizer. To eliminate combined chlorine, add 1 lb. of Breakout Total per 6,000 gallons for each ppm combined chlorine, plus 1 lb. per 10,000 gallons. The extra pound ensures that breakpoint is reached and also boosts the free chlorine residual. Pools with vinyl or other bleachable surfaces should use Breakout 35. Use 1 lb. per 6,000 gallons for each ppm combined chlorine plus 1 lb. per 10,000 gallons.

Regular maintenance, including periodic shocking, will help prevent the accumulation of chloramines. Crystal Clear Multi-Shock is an ideal choice for residential pools. Add 1 lb. per 12,000 gallons weekly. Swimming may resume 15 minutes after addition. Breakout Total, Breakout 60, and Breakout 35 can also be used, either weekly or every other week. For residential pools apply 1 lb. of Breakout Total or Breakout 60 per 10,000 gallons every other week, or 1 lb. per 20,000 gallons weekly. Add 1 lb. of Breakout 35 per 6,000 gallons every other week or 1 lb. per 12,000 gallons weekly. For commercial or heavily used pools, use 1 lb. of Breakout Total per 10,000 gallons weekly or 1 lb. of Breakout 35 per 6,000 gallons weekly. Do not swim until the chlorine residual returns to 1 - 3 ppm.

For Synergy pools, add Synergy Clear weekly as part of your regular Synergy maintenance program according to label instructions.