Troubleshooting Your Pool Like a Pro
Even the best-maintained pools can experience the occasional hiccup. From cloudy water to equipment issues, pool problems can quickly turn your backyard oasis into a source of stress. But the good news is — most issues are common, easy to spot, and totally fixable.
At Century Pool & Spa Services, we’re here to help you keep your pool running smoothly all year round. Below is a breakdown of the most frequent pool problems we see in Adelaide, what causes them, and practical steps you can take to get things back on track fast.
1. Cloudy or Murky Water
What causes it:
- Imbalanced water chemistry (pH, alkalinity, or calcium hardness)
- Dirty or clogged filter
- Poor circulation
- Environmental factors (dust, debris, rain)
How to fix it:
- Test your water (we offer free onsite testing!)
- Adjust pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels as needed
- Run your pump longer to improve circulation
- Clean or backwash your filter
- Use a clarifier or flocculant to bind fine particles
Pro Tip: Check your filter pressure — if it’s high, it’s time to clean it.
2. Algae Growth (Green, Yellow, or Black)
What causes it:
- Low chlorine levels
- Poor circulation
- Warm, stagnant water
- High phosphate levels
How to fix it:
- Shock the pool with chlorine or algaecide
- Brush walls and floor to loosen algae
- Clean your filter thoroughly
- Test for and reduce phosphates
- Maintain proper chlorine levels moving forward
Prevention is key – regular water testing and good filtration are your best defence.
3. Low Water Level
What causes it:
- Evaporation
- Leaks in the pool shell or equipment
- Splash-out or backwash loss
How to fix it:
- Top up the pool to mid-skimmer level
- Check for wet patches around the pool or equipment
- Inspect fittings and pipes for visible leaks
- Book a professional leak detection if needed
Note: If water loss is more than 1–2 cm per day, it may be a leak, not evaporation.
4. Pump Not Priming or Losing Suction
What causes it:
- Air leaks in the suction line
- Clogged skimmer or pump basket
- Low water level
- Dirty filter or impeller
How to fix it:
- Check for cracks or loose fittings around suction lines
- Clean all baskets and check for debris
- Ensure the pool water level is at least halfway up the skimmer
- Open air relief valve on the filter to release trapped air
Still no luck? You may need a pump service or replacement seal.
5. Filter Not Working Efficiently
What causes it:
- Clogged filter media (sand, cartridge, etc.)
- Broken internal parts
- Not running the filter long enough each day
How to fix it:
- Clean or replace filter media
- Backwash sand filters as needed
- Run your filter 8–12 hours a day in summer, less in winter
- Have your filter inspected if water remains cloudy after cleaning
Tip: Set a reminder for regular filter maintenance — it’s your pool’s first line of defence!
6. Excessive Debris or Leaves in the Pool
What causes it:
- Nearby trees or landscaping
- Windy weather
- Poor skimming or circulation
How to fix it:
- Skim daily and empty skimmer baskets
- Use a leaf cover or pool blanket
- Trim overhanging branches
- Consider an automatic cleaner like the Maytronics M700 Robot to reduce manual cleaning
7. Stains or Discolouration
What causes it:
- Metal content in water (copper, iron, manganese)
- Organic material like leaves or algae
- Imbalanced pH
How to fix it:
- Identify the source of the stain (metal vs. organic)
- Use a stain remover specific to the issue
- Balance water to prevent recurrence
- Consider using a metal sequestrant if your area has high mineral content
When in Doubt, Ask the Experts
Not sure what’s going on with your pool? That’s what we’re here for!
We offer:
- Free water testing in-store
- Trusted advice on pool equipment, cleaning, and chemical care
- Professional servicing and equipment repairs
Maintaining a healthy pool doesn’t have to be complicated. With regular checks, the right equipment, and support from the Century Pool & Spa team, you can avoid most common issues before they become big problems.
📞 (08) 7225 0887
✉️ shop@centurypoolservices.com.au
🌐 www.centurypoolservices.au