Section

Problem

Likely Causes

Quick Fix

Water Clarity & Color Problems

Cloudy Water

Low sanitizer, high pH, dirty filter, poor circulation

Test & balance water; clean/backwash filter; run pump 24 hrs. until clear

Water Clarity & Color Problems

Green Water (Algae)

Low chlorine, warm temps, poor circulation

Oxidize the pool (shock); brush walls & floor; run pump continuously; add algaecide

Water Clarity & Color Problems

Brown/Red/Black Stains

Metals (iron, copper), organic debris

Test for metals; use Pool Magnet Plus; brush stains; use stain treatment product to remove stains

Water Clarity & Color Problems

General Staining

Algae, organic material

Test and balance water; Brush stain; Apply shock directly to stain for 20 minutes; Brush stain

Chemical Balance

Low Chlorine

High usage, heavy rain, low stabilizer

Shock; check stabilizer (CYA)

Chemical Balance

High Chlorine

Overdosing

Allow time to dissipate, dilute with fresh water if necessary

Chemical Balance

High/Low pH

Imbalanced chemicals

Add Balance Pak 200 or Lo N’ Slo per product instructions

Chemical Balance

Low Alkalinity

Acidic rain or refill water

Add alkalinity increaser

Equipment Issues

Pump Won’t Prime

Low water level, clogged skimmer, air leak, stuck weir

Ensure water above skimmer; clean baskets; check pump lid O-ring

Equipment Issues

Low Pressure on Filter Gauge

Clogged skimmer/pump basket or low water level

Clean baskets, refill pool

Equipment Issues

Heaters Won’t Turn On

Flow too low, dirty filter, low gas supply

Ensure pump running & good flow; clean filter; check gas valve/power

Equipment Issues

High Pressure on Filter Gauge

Dirty filter

Backwash or clean filter cartridge

Spa-Specific Issues

Jets Weak or Not Working

Dirty filter, air lock, valves closed

Clean filter; bleed air; open valves

Spa-Specific Issues

Spa Won’t Heat

Dirty filter, heater issue, thermostat setting

Clean filter; verify temp setting; check power

Spa-Specific Issues

Strong Odor

High combined chlorine or bacteria

Shock spa; drain & refill if needed

Spa-Specific Issues

Foamy Water (Spa)

High dissolved solids, lotions, oils

Drain & refill; use defoamer product; shower before entering

Polaris Issues

Cleaner Won’t Move or Moves Slowly

Clogged debris bag or filter, hoses tangled or twisted, wheels or treads blocked, water management system issues

Empty and rinse the bag or canister, straighten hoses; avoid sharp kinks, Remove debris from wheels/treads

Polaris Issues

Cleaner Keeps Spinning in Place; won’t climb walls

Low water flow, check tires or tracks, float issue

Make sure your pump is set to the recommended speed and filter is clean, inspect for worn or stuck components, check float

Polaris Issues

Cleaner Not Suctioning Properly

Clogged hose or intake, obstructed debris bag, Skimmer basket or pump basket full, Leaks in hose or connections

Remove cleaner and rinse hose, Empty and clean bag, Inspect and replace damaged hoses, check filter pressure to see if filter needs to be cleaned, check skimmer basket for debris, check the filter screen in the Polaris hose

Polaris Issues

Wheels or Tracks Not Rotating

Debris stuck in wheels/tracks, Broken or worn parts

Rinse and clear any obstructions, inspect wheels, axles, and treads; replace as needed