You have a working pool filter and skimmer, yet you still find yourself staring into cloudy, murky water. This frustrating issue is a reality for countless pool owners, but fortunately, we can help. Read on to learn why these two essential devices are important, but they’re not the only things you need to keep your water clean.
What Skimmers Do
Just like the name implies, a skimmer skims the top surface of the water to remove floating debris. It isn’t an in-depth pool cleaner, but it does catch leaves and bugs.
Algae, bacteria, and microscopic particles all lurk below the water line where a skimmer can’t reach them. This leaves your pool water exposed to contaminants and causes your water to take on that typical murky shade.
Where Filters Kick In
Filters are responsible for cleaning the entire pool, but they’re only able to catch particles up to a certain size. Sand filters capture particles larger than 20-40 microns, and cartridge filters can handle anything from 10-15 microns.
While filters are certainly helpful, algae spores can be as small as just 2 microns, and most bacteria are even smaller than that. This means that even your high-end filter can fail to remove the contaminants that lead to a swampy pool.
Poor Circulation Worsens Pool Problems
Depending on the size of your pool and how powerful your pump is, you may have something known as a “dead zone.” This term refers to an area where water becomes stagnant. In those areas, bacteria breed, algae grow, and the stagnant areas become hazards.
There are many reasons for dead zones, including pool design, blocked return jets, and faulty pump sizing. The issues are fixable in most cases with the help of a professional. However, routine pool maintenance can also help you avoid the problems that stem from these stagnant areas.
Water Chemistry Is Still Important
Even with a world-class filtration system, your pool needs to be properly balanced to avoid contamination, murky water, and bacterial growth. Filters can’t remove dissolved minerals, balance pH levels, or get rid of particles that are resistant to chlorine.
A combination of imbalanced pH, high total dissolved solids, and cyanuric acid buildup creates the perfect breeding ground for bacteria and algae. A perfect filter is just one part of the solution. Expert care is the only way to fix the underlying problem.
Your Source for Pristine Pools
You should be able to enjoy your pool instead of battling against murky, cloudy water. Contact Pools & Spas by Van Brill for expert pool cleaning services in Richwood, NJ.