Why is my pool turning white?

As the experts in pool service, care, and repair, we see a wide variety of issues when we are cleaning swimming pools and hot tubs/ spas. One of the most frequent topics that we hear is that of customers concerned that their pools are “turning white” on them. This is obviously very distressing because families have invested thousands of dollars into installing a beautiful swimming pool and to find it “losing” or “changing” its color after a few years is disturbing.

Let’s review some potential reasons behind why your swimming pool may be turning white, or more correctly, getting a white “film” or coating around the pool.

One of the most common reasons for a “white” swimming pool is an imbalance in pH and alkalinity levels. When the pH level is too high or too low, it can lead to the formation of white scale deposits on numerous pool surfaces. These deposits are often composed of calcium carbonate or other minerals that are present in the water.

To prevent this, regular testing and maintenance of your pH and alkalinity levels are crucial. Adjusting the levels within the recommended range will help mitigate the risk of scale formation and maintain water clarity.

Calcium Hardness refers to the concentration of calcium ions in your pool’s water. If the calcium hardness level is too high, it can cause the formation of white, chalky deposits on the pool surfaces. This condition is commonly known as calcium scaling. Hard water, which contains a high concentration of dissolved minerals, can heighten the problem.

Regular testing of calcium hardness levels is essential, and if it is too high, water balance adjustments or the use of sequestering agents will be needed to help prevent calcium scaling.

Chlorine is a vital component for maintaining a clean and safe swimming pool. However, an imbalance in the chlorine levels can contribute to your pool’s discoloration. If the chlorine level is too low, it may allow algae and bacteria to thrive, leading to the growth of white or grayish deposits. On the other hand, excessive chlorine levels can bleach the pool surfaces, resulting in a white appearance. This is why regular testing and adjustment of chlorine levels are necessary to ensure proper sanitation without causing discoloration.

In some cases, the white appearance of a swimming pool may be attributed to problems with the plaster or paint that has been applied to the pool surface. Over time, plaster can deteriorate or wear off, exposing the concrete beneath. This can then give the pool a white or faded appearance.

If the paint used on the pool surface is not suitable for swimming pools or if it begins to chip or peel, it can also cause a white discoloration. In such cases, consulting a professional pool contractor is the recommended course of action so that they can provide you with a professional opinion of the condition and review the steps necessary to pause or perhaps halt the process.

As with many things in life, the best actions to take in making sure your pool does not turn white is by making sure you have proper and regular maintenance in place. By measuring your water each week, you can make sure that your pool’s water is properly balanced. This will help prevent any errors that allow chemicals to react adversely to your pool.

If you do find that “scaling” is the issue, they may be ways to address it to help restore your pool to its natural glory. Spending time scrubbing your pool and making sure that there is no residue that is building up is your first course of action.

If you begin to see any type of build-up, there may be some options you can consider using to help remove the build-up, or at the very least, to try to remove the buildup allowing you to extend the life value of your pool.

For more advanced cases, there are materials that you can purchase which allows you to sample for specific calcium issues. Catching the issue early is the key. If the whiting is consistent over two to three years, it will be much more difficult to remove. There are some chemical kits that allow you to purchase items to help you determine if it is calcium hardness or calcium carbonate. Using additional chemicals to try to remove the stains typically take six months so it is a long process.

When confronted with a determination that the white color will remain, may families can look at adding tile around their pool to cover up their pool’s deficiency. In extreme cases, they may be a “respray” on the pool to help cover up and remove the white staining.

Even if your pool is a variation of white, it can still be affected by any of these issues we have discussed. You must be more diligent because you may not notice any buildup as soon as you would have if you had a darker color pool.

If you prefer to spend your time enjoying your pool, and not worrying about making sure you have the right chemical balance, we suggest that you call the experts in pool service, care, and repair: Ultra Pool Care Squad. Using digital technology, we make sure that your pool is properly balanced and enjoys all the proper care to make your pool safer, healthier, and clearer.

Simply call us at (855) 85-CLEAN (855-852-5326) or connect with us through our website at https://ultrapoolcaresquad.com. We can provide you with one-time service, such as pool openings, closings, or repair. If you would like us to provide weekly service, we have three packages available to help fit any budget size.

Most of all, we enjoy making sure that your swimming pool and hot tub/ spa is clean, clear, and safe for your family, friends, and neighbors. That’s our life – so that you can enjoy yours.