Pool Water Problems: Start Here (Troubleshooting Guide)

Not sure what’s wrong with your pool? Start here. Most pool problems come down to either water chemistry or circulation. Use this guide to quickly identify your issue and find the right solution.

Start Here: Choose the option below that best matches what you're seeing in your pool.

What Does Your Pool Look Like?

🟢 Green Water / Algae
Algae growth or green tint

☁️ Cloudy or Dull Water
Not clear, looks hazy

🧪 Chlorine Not Working
Levels won’t stay up

🟤 Stains or Discoloration
Marks on pool surfaces

🫧 Foamy or Bubbly Water
Surface foam or bubbles

🧹 Dirt Coming Back
Debris returns after cleaning

If Your Pool Is Green

Shock your pool
Brush all surfaces
Run your filter continuously

👉 Read: How to Fix a Green Pool

If Your Pool Is Cloudy

Test and balance water
Clean or backwash your filter
Run pump longer (8–12 hours)

👉 Read: What to Do If Pool Water Is Cloudy
👉 Also See: Why Is My Pool Still Cloudy After Shocking?

If Chlorine Won’t Stay Up

Check stabilizer (CYA) levels
Shock your pool
Rebalance water chemistry

👉 Read: What Is Chlorine Lock and How to Fix It
👉 Also See: Why Won’t My Pool Chlorine Levels Stay Up?

If You Have Stains

Identify stain type
Use proper treatment
Brush affected areas

👉 Read: How to Identify and Remove Pool Stains

If Water Is Foamy

Test and rebalance water
Run filter longer
Reduce chemical buildup

👉 Tip: Foam is often caused by excess chemicals or contaminants.

If Dirt Keeps Coming Back

Check filter condition
Inspect for damaged filter parts
Make sure vacuuming is done correctly

👉 Read: How to Clean Your Filter
👉 Also See: Why Is Dirt Returning to My Pool?

Still Not Fixed? Check Your Equipment

If your water still isn’t improving, your equipment may be the issue.

Is your pump running properly?
Is your filter clean?
Is water circulating correctly?

👉 Read: What Should My Pool Filter Pressure Be?
👉 Read: Pool Filter Troubleshooting Guide

Quick Reset Checklist

Test your water
Clean your filter
Run your pump longer
Shock your pool if needed

Helpful Tip: Most pool issues are caused by a combination of water chemistry and filtration—not just one or the other.

Common Questions

How do I know what’s wrong with my pool?
Why isn’t my pool clearing up?
What should I fix first—chemistry or filter?
Why does my pool look worse after treatment?

Contact Doheny's Customer Care

If you need help, our Customer Care team is here to assist.

📧 Email: customercare@doheny.com
📞 Phone: 800.574.7665
💬 Live Chat: www.doheny.com
📩 Contact Us: www.doheny.com/contact

We're Here to Help: Doheny’s has been helping pool owners since 1967. Our team is happy to guide you to the right solution.

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