Things You'll Need:
- test kit
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Step 1
Water Problems...if the water is turning green check the chlorine, ph, and total alkalinity. If these are OK take a water sample to the pool store and have them test TDS (total dissolved solids )if reading is over 1500ppm you need to drain the pool water 1/2 way and refill. If the TDS is ok have them check the stabilizer level. It must be 35ppm minimum. Be sure to lower your PH before adding chlorine. Green water is never a result of a an equipment problem.
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Step 2
Cloudy water...usually caused by a filter problem. Is the filter running enough? Check the timers. A DE filter must shut down 4 hours per night or it will clog and have quick pressure increases and short runs. Acid wash your filter elements in 50% Muriatic acid and water to clean out the pores of the grids every few years. Sand filter sand gets old and worn down and needs to be replaced every 4-5 years. Do not use beach sand...it is too smooth.
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Step 3
A Rip in DE filter will send DE powder into the pool and cloud it up. Pull the filter apart and inspect the grids. Old sand can compact inside the tank and water will bypass the sand. Replace the sand. Brass impellers in brass pumps wear down and don't circulate the water as well. This will also cause priming problems. Replace the impeller. Plastic pump impellers get clogged with seeds and junk. Pull the pump apart to clean out the vanes if the pump won't prime.
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Step 4
The pump may not prime if the seal is leaking. Look for water under the pump. Have the seal replaced and then check for suction air leaks at the pipe connections. No piping should be loose or wobbly. This would mean the pump ran dry and got hot and ruin the seal.
