There’s nothing quite like planning a refreshing afternoon swim, only to discover your pool water looks more like pea soup than crystal clear paradise. Or hearing your pool pump making sounds it definitely shouldn’t make. Pool problems have an uncanny ability to appear at the worst possible times, turning your backyard oasis into a source of frustration.

The good news? Many common pool problems have straightforward solutions, and understanding what you’re dealing with helps you decide whether to tackle it yourself or call in professional help. At Pinnacle Pool & Spa Services, we’ve encountered just about every pool problem imaginable while serving homeowners from Sacramento to the Bay Area for over 15 years. Some issues require nothing more than a quick adjustment, while others benefit from professional expertise and equipment.

This guide walks you through the most common pool problems we see, explains what causes them, and provides honest guidance about what you can handle yourself versus when professional service makes more sense. Whether you’re a hands-on pool owner or prefer to leave the technical work to experts, understanding these issues helps you keep your pool running smoothly all season long.

Cloudy or Discolored Water

Walking out to find your previously sparkling pool has turned cloudy overnight ranks among the most common pool complaints. While alarming in appearance, cloudy water usually signals fixable problems rather than disasters.

Understanding the Causes Water clarity depends on proper chemical balance, effective filtration, and adequate circulation working together. When any of these elements falls out of sync, cloudiness develops. Poor chemical balance—particularly low sanitizer levels or improper pH—allows microscopic particles and early algae growth to cloud the water. Inadequate filtration, whether from dirty filters or insufficient run time, fails to remove these particles.

Environmental factors contribute significantly in both Sacramento and Bay Area locations. Spring pollen, summer dust storms, and falling leaves introduce organic material that clouds water and feeds algae growth. Heavy pool usage during gatherings stirs up debris and introduces oils, sunscreen, and other contaminants that overwhelm normal filtration.

Sometimes cloudy water signals early algae growth before it becomes visibly green. This stage offers the easiest treatment window, making quick action valuable.

DIY Solutions That Work Start with comprehensive water testing. Test strips provide basic information, but liquid test kits or taking a sample to a pool supply store offers more accurate results. Focus on chlorine levels, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Adjust chemistry as needed, bringing pH to 7.2-7.6 and chlorine to appropriate levels for your sanitization system.

Check your filter system thoroughly. Cartridge filters need cleaning or replacement when dirty, sand filters require backwashing, and DE filters need backwashing and fresh DE powder. A clean filter makes dramatic differences in water clarity.

Increase circulation time temporarily. Running your pump longer helps clear cloudy water by moving it through filtration more frequently. In hot weather or after heavy use, extended circulation time often resolves minor cloudiness.

Shock treatment oxidizes organic contaminants and kills bacteria that contribute to cloudiness. Follow product instructions carefully, shocking in the evening and allowing overnight circulation before swimming.

When to Call Professionals If water remains cloudy after 48 hours of proper chemical balance and filtration, underlying issues may exist. Persistent problems might indicate filtration system malfunctions, circulation dead spots, or water chemistry issues beyond basic testing capabilities.

Green or black water indicates advanced algae requiring aggressive professional treatment. Black algae particularly resists DIY treatment because it roots into plaster surfaces and requires specialized techniques for elimination.

Unusual discoloration—brown, red, or purple tints—often indicates metal contamination requiring professional identification and treatment. These situations can worsen with improper treatment, potentially causing permanent staining.

“Our pool pump stopped working and the pool wasn’t looking very good! Pinnacle came out and quickly diagnosed the problem, fixed it and then we had him start up our service. Great work, great pricing, easy to work with, highly recommend!”

— Ann C., Fair Oaks

Pro Tip: Cloudy water often signals multiple issues working together. Start with testing and filtration, but don’t keep adding chemicals blindly hoping something works. If basic steps don’t resolve cloudiness within two days, professional diagnosis saves money by preventing chemical waste and identifying the real problem.

Low Water Pressure and Poor Circulation

When your pool’s return jets barely trickle water or your automatic cleaner moves sluggishly, low pressure disrupts effective circulation and filtration. While frustrating, pressure issues often have simple causes that homeowners can address.

Common Causes The most frequent culprits are blockages in the system’s water flow path. Skimmer baskets filled with leaves and debris restrict water entering the pump. Pump strainer baskets clogged with hair, grass, and small debris block flow before water reaches the filter. Dirty filters themselves create the most common pressure restrictions, unable to pass water efficiently when loaded with filtered material.

Air leaks in the suction side of plumbing allow air into the system, reducing water flow and causing the pump to work inefficiently. These leaks occur at pipe connections, pump lid O-rings, or valve seals.

Pump problems—from worn impellers to motor issues—reduce the system’s ability to move water effectively. While less common than simple blockages, pump malfunctions require different solutions.

DIY Troubleshooting Begin with the easiest checks. Empty and clean skimmer baskets, removing all debris. Check the pump strainer basket, cleaning it thoroughly. These simple steps resolve many pressure issues immediately.

Examine your filter’s pressure gauge. Pressure reading 8-10 psi above the clean baseline indicates cleaning or backwashing time. Clean cartridge filters thoroughly, backwash sand or DE filters, and note whether pressure returns to normal.

Inspect the pump lid O-ring for damage, debris, or dryness. Clean the O-ring and apply lubricant designed for pool equipment. Ensure the pump lid seats properly and the O-ring creates a complete seal.

Check for obvious air leaks by looking for bubbles in the pump strainer basket while the system runs. Air bubbles indicate leaks somewhere in the suction plumbing.

Verify that all valves are fully open and in correct positions for normal operation. Partially closed valves restrict flow and reduce pressure throughout the system.

Professional Solutions Pump impellers—the spinning component that moves water—can clog with debris or wear out over time. Accessing and cleaning or replacing impellers requires disassembling pumps, a job many homeowners prefer to leave to professionals.

Air leaks in underground plumbing or at buried connections require expertise to locate and repair. Professional pressure testing identifies leak locations without destructive excavation.

Motor problems, bearing wear, or electrical issues affecting pump performance need professional diagnosis and repair. These situations involve both plumbing and electrical systems, making professional service the safer choice.

“Our pool pump was only working intermittently. Cooper was able to come out quickly and take a look, he got us back on track in no time. Super fast and friendly service. Extremely knowledgeable and very professional.”

— Jennifer C., Shingle Springs

Equipment Malfunctions

Pool equipment represents significant investments that require proper function for pool enjoyment. When equipment fails, understanding common issues helps determine whether simple fixes suffice or professional repair becomes necessary.

Pool Pumps Pumps that won’t start often have simple causes. Check that the circuit breaker hasn’t tripped and the timer (if present) is set correctly. Verify the pump switch is on and examine any GFCI outlets for trips. These electrical checks resolve many “broken” pumps.

Pumps that stop randomly might be overheating due to inadequate ventilation, debris blocking cooling vents, or motor problems. Ensure adequate airflow around the pump and clean any debris from the motor housing.

Noisy operation—grinding, screeching, or rattling sounds—indicates bearing wear, debris in the impeller, or cavitation from air leaks or low water levels. While some homeowners comfortable with mechanical work can inspect for debris, bearing replacement typically requires professional service.

Leaking pump seals weep water around the motor shaft. Small amounts of moisture are normal, but steady drips or puddles indicate seal replacement needs. This repair, while not extremely complex, requires proper parts and techniques to prevent recurring problems.

Heaters Heaters that won’t ignite or maintain temperature frustrate pool owners eager to extend swimming seasons. Gas heaters may have pilot light issues, gas supply problems, or faulty controls. Electric heaters and heat pumps face electrical issues or refrigerant problems.

Before calling for service, verify basic items: thermostat set above current water temperature, adequate water flow through the heater, and gas supply valve open (for gas heaters). Many modern heaters display error codes that help diagnose specific problems.

Heater repairs almost always warrant professional service due to complexity and safety concerns. Gas connections, electrical components, and water flow requirements all demand expertise for safe, effective repair.

“Cooper recently replaced my pool heater and I can’t thank him enough. He quoted me a super reasonable price and although it ended up being more work, he never mentioned any additional charges. Despite the install being a bit of a pain, he didn’t cut any corners and really did nice work.”

— Matt Johnson, Pleasant Hill

Automation and Controls Modern pool automation systems control pumps, heaters, lights, and water features through sophisticated controls. When automation malfunctions, sometimes simple resets resolve glitches. Consult your system’s manual for reset procedures before assuming equipment failure.

Sensor problems—flow sensors, temperature sensors, or chemical monitors—may give false readings requiring recalibration or replacement. These components often need professional service for proper diagnosis and replacement.

Communication errors between controllers and equipment might indicate wiring issues, damaged components, or programming problems. Professional technicians have diagnostic tools and expertise to isolate these issues efficiently.

Filters Multiport valve leaks on sand or DE filters often result from worn spider gaskets or O-rings. While technically repairable by homeowners, these repairs require proper parts and careful reassembly to prevent recurring leaks.

Cracked filter housings—whether from freeze damage, over-pressurization, or age—typically require complete filter replacement. These situations definitely warrant professional assessment to determine the most cost-effective solution.

DE filter problems like DE powder returning to the pool indicate torn grids requiring replacement. This repair involves disassembling the filter and installing new grids properly, a job many pool owners prefer professionals handle.

Pro Tip: Strange noises from equipment are warning signs your system is struggling. Address them quickly before minor issues become major repairs. A bearing that’s starting to fail costs less to replace than a complete motor that seizes.

Algae Growth

Few pool problems cause more distress than discovering your water has turned green overnight. Algae growth, while unsightly, indicates specific conditions that allowed it to flourish—conditions you can correct to prevent recurrence.

Types and Identification Green algae, the most common variety, floats freely in water creating the classic green pool appearance. It responds relatively well to treatment and represents the least stubborn algae type pool owners encounter.

Yellow or mustard algae appears as yellowish patches, often on pool walls in shaded areas. More resistant to chlorine than green algae, it requires more aggressive treatment and can return if not completely eliminated.

Black algae forms dark spots with roots that penetrate plaster surfaces. The most stubborn variety, black algae resists normal shock treatments because its protective layers shield it from chemicals. The roots allow it to return even after surface growth appears eliminated.

Prevention Strategies Proper sanitization provides the foundation for algae prevention. Maintaining appropriate chlorine levels (or alternative sanitizer levels) prevents algae from establishing. Regular testing and adjustment keeps sanitizer consistently effective.

Physical removal through regular brushing prevents algae from gaining footholds on surfaces. Brush walls, steps, and corners weekly even when water appears clear. This simple maintenance disrupts algae before it becomes visible.

Adequate circulation ensures chemicals reach all pool areas and prevents the stagnant conditions algae prefers. Dead spots with poor circulation become algae breeding grounds, making proper circulation patterns essential.

Chemical balance beyond just sanitizer matters for algae prevention. Proper pH allows sanitizers to work effectively, while balanced calcium and alkalinity prevent conditions that promote algae growth.

Treatment Approaches Minor green algae responds to shock treatment combined with thorough brushing and extended filtration. Brush all surfaces to break up algae colonies, shock the pool heavily (following product instructions for dosage), and run filtration continuously until water clears. Brush again after 24 hours and vacuum settled algae debris.

Mustard algae requires more aggressive treatment—higher shock doses, algaecide designed for yellow algae, and extremely thorough brushing of every surface. Treatment success depends on eliminating every trace, as even small amounts regenerate quickly.

Black algae demands professional treatment in most cases. Its protective layers and deep roots resist DIY approaches, and incomplete treatment guarantees return. Professional techniques include aggressive brushing with specialized tools, high-dose chemical treatment, and sometimes even localized acid washing or bead blasting to completely eliminate roots from plaster.

Pro Tip: If you’ve shocked your pool twice and water remains green, stop adding chemicals and call for professional help. Continuing to add shock blindly wastes money and can create chemical imbalances that complicate treatment.

Pool Leaks

Water loss beyond normal evaporation signals potential leaks that waste water and potentially damage pool structures or surrounding areas. Distinguishing leaks from evaporation and locating their source determines appropriate action.

Signs of Leaks Excessive water loss provides the most obvious indication. Sacramento summers naturally cause evaporation, but pools losing more than ¼ inch daily likely have leaks. Bay Area pools with milder temperatures showing similar loss definitely indicate problems.

Wet spots around the pool deck, especially areas that remain damp during dry weather, suggest water escaping underground. These spots often appear near plumbing lines, return fittings, or the pool shell itself.

Constantly unbalanced water chemistry despite regular adjustment sometimes indicates leaks. Fresh water continuously entering the pool dilutes chemicals, making balance difficult to maintain.

Cracks in pool decking, settling areas, or structural changes around the pool can result from water escaping underground and eroding soil. These signs suggest leaks have existed long enough to cause secondary damage.

DIY Detection The bucket test provides simple leak verification. Fill a bucket with pool water and place it on a pool step, marking both the pool water level and bucket water level. After 24 hours, compare the two. If the pool lost significantly more water than the bucket, you likely have a leak.

Visual inspection sometimes reveals obvious leak sources. Check return fittings, light fixtures, skimmers, and any visible plumbing for drips or moisture. Examine the pool shell for cracks or damaged areas.

Basic dye testing helps locate leak areas. With the pump off, release pool dye near suspected leak points. Dye drawn into cracks or fittings reveals leak locations. This works best for structural leaks and visible equipment leaks.

Professional Detection and Repair Most pool leaks require professional detection and repair because they’re not visible or easily accessed. Underground plumbing leaks, shell cracks below water level, and equipment leaks within housings need specialized techniques for location and repair.

Professional pressure testing isolates specific plumbing lines showing leaks. This testing pinpoints problems without excavating entire systems, saving money and landscape disruption. Electronic leak detection equipment locates underground leaks precisely, allowing targeted repairs.

Structural repairs—whether plaster patches, liner repairs, or shell crack repairs—benefit from professional expertise ensuring proper materials and techniques. These repairs require correct application for long-term effectiveness.

“I was losing so much water and having to add a lot of water every day. Cooper was able to come out quickly and inspect my pool, he performed pressure tests to check the plumbing and also did a dye test throughout the pool, he ended up finding and repairing multiple leaks at a reasonable price.”

— Sofia Ramos, Arden-Arcade

“Cooper was so helpful for fixing our pool leak. From beginning to end – identifying source of leak, fixing it, patching up concrete – he was an efficient expert who clearly knew what he was doing, and kindly walked me through every step.”

— Jessie Y., San Francisco

Suspect a leak? Professional detection saves time, money, and water by quickly identifying the source and providing effective repairs. Contact Pinnacle Pool & Spa Services: Sacramento Area (916) 530-2096 | Bay Area (925) 849-6545

Staining and Surface Issues

Pool surfaces tell stories about water chemistry history and maintenance practices. Stains and surface deterioration not only look unappealing but can indicate conditions that shorten pool life or create ongoing problems.

Common Staining Types Metal stains appear when dissolved metals in water oxidize on pool surfaces. Copper creates blue-green stains, iron produces rust-colored or brown stains, and manganese causes purple-black discoloration. These metals enter pools through source water, corroded equipment, or some algaecides.

Organic stains result from leaves, berries, algae, or other organic materials left on surfaces. These stains typically appear brown, green, or purple and follow the outline of whatever caused them. Early removal prevents them from setting permanently.

Scale buildup occurs when calcium precipitates from water with high calcium hardness or improper pH. These white or gray deposits feel rough and gradually build up on surfaces, tile, and equipment. Scale not only looks bad but damages surfaces and reduces equipment efficiency.

Surface Problems Plaster pools develop etching when water chemistry remains imbalanced long-term. Low pH or alkalinity gradually dissolves plaster, creating rough, pitted surfaces. Advanced etching exposes aggregate and creates uncomfortable swimming surfaces.

Plaster deterioration progresses from surface erosion to structural problems. Hollows develop behind plaster, eventually causing larger areas to crack or delaminate. These conditions require professional assessment to determine whether repairs suffice or replastering becomes necessary.

Tile issues include loose tiles, deteriorating grout, or tiles damaged by poor water chemistry. Beyond aesthetics, damaged waterline tile allows water behind it, potentially causing additional problems.

“We had a large crack in our spa plaster that we wanted to get repaired. When we contacted Pinnacle Pool, Cooper responded promptly that he does repair cracks, gave us a quote, and was able to come out quickly. Cooper was meticulous and we are so pleased with the repair he did. He did a fantastic job matching the plaster color to our existing plaster and the finished product looks great!”

— Caitlin F., Roseville

Treatment and Prevention Metal stain treatment depends on identifying the specific metal causing discoloration. Ascorbic acid treatments often remove iron stains, while other products target copper. Professional testing identifies the stain type, ensuring appropriate treatment.

Preventing future metal stains requires addressing the metal source. If source water contains metals, sequestering agents bind metals in solution preventing staining. Corroded equipment needs replacement or repair before it continues introducing metals.

Organic stain prevention simply requires removing leaves and debris promptly before they settle and cause staining. Early stains often respond to shock treatment and vigorous brushing.

When Resurfacing Is Needed Extensive plaster damage, widespread staining that won’t respond to treatment, or structural concerns indicate replastering time. While expensive, resurfacing provides decades more service and prevents small problems from becoming structural failures.

Professional assessment helps determine whether spot repairs extend surface life or complete resurfacing makes more economic sense. Factors include the pool’s age, extent of damage, and overall condition.

Preventing Future Problems

Understanding common pool problems helps fix current issues, but preventing problems from developing saves time, money, and frustration while ensuring consistent pool enjoyment.

Maintenance Best Practices Regular water testing forms the foundation of problem prevention. Test at least weekly during swimming season, more frequently during heavy use or after weather events. Consistent chemistry prevents the imbalances that cause most pool problems.

Routine cleaning tasks—skimming debris, brushing surfaces, vacuuming, and emptying baskets—take minimal time but prevent accumulating problems. Weekly cleaning prevents the buildup that feeds algae, clouds water, and restricts circulation.

Seasonal considerations affect maintenance needs. Sacramento’s intense summers require more frequent attention to chemistry and cleaning. Bay Area pools benefit from consistent year-round maintenance even during milder winters. Both regions should address fall leaf accumulation promptly to prevent staining and chemical imbalances.

Equipment inspection frequency prevents sudden failures. Monthly equipment checks—examining for leaks, unusual noises, or visible wear—catch developing problems before they become failures. Professional annual inspections provide thorough evaluation beyond typical homeowner capability.

Value of Professional Maintenance Professional maintenance programs catch problems during early stages when repairs cost less and prevent less disruption. Experienced technicians notice subtle signs homeowners miss—equipment wear patterns, developing chemical trends, or structural concerns requiring attention.

Expertise in prevention means professionals can adjust maintenance approaches seasonally, address regional concerns specific to Sacramento or Bay Area conditions, and recommend improvements that reduce future problems.

Long-term cost savings from professional maintenance often exceed the service cost. Preventing one major equipment failure or avoiding one replastering from neglect justifies years of regular professional care.

“Outstanding service!!! They are simply amazing and do exceptional work. In addition they were extremely well priced and provided me with the highest quality materials that will last 20 years. Pinnacle Pools seems motivated not by money but by customer service.”

— Patrick H., Sacramento

“Cooper and his team did a beautiful pool remodel for me. Cooper is very knowledgeable, professional, and honest. He identified the problem as the skimmer, which he promptly replaced and the leak stopped. Cooper was so pleasant to work with. I cannot be more pleased with every aspect of this job!”

— Fran K., San Francisco

Keeping Your Pool Problem-Free

Pool ownership brings tremendous enjoyment, but problems inevitably arise. The difference between pools that provide decades of reliable service and those that become constant headaches often comes down to how problems are addressed—quickly, appropriately, and with proper expertise when needed.

Some problems lend themselves to DIY solutions. Basic water chemistry, routine cleaning, and simple equipment checks fall within most homeowners’ capabilities and form the foundation of good pool care. Other issues—complex equipment repairs, persistent water quality problems, or leak detection—benefit from professional expertise, specialized equipment, and experience that comes from servicing hundreds of pools.

The key is recognizing which category each problem falls into and acting accordingly. Don’t struggle with issues beyond your comfort level or let problems escalate hoping they’ll resolve themselves. Equally important, don’t pay for professional service for simple issues you can easily handle.

At Pinnacle Pool & Spa Services, we’ve built our reputation on honest assessments and quality work throughout the greater Sacramento area to the Bay Area. Whether you need help with a specific problem, regular maintenance to prevent issues, or comprehensive service including equipment repair and upgrades, we provide the expertise that keeps pools running smoothly year after year.

Serving Walnut Creek, Orinda, El Dorado Hills, Granite Bay, and the Highway 50 corridor down to the 680 corridor, we understand the unique challenges pools face in Northern California. From Sacramento’s scorching summers to the Bay Area’s milder but year-round conditions, we’ve seen it all and know how to address it effectively.

Don’t let pool problems rob you of the enjoyment your investment should provide. Contact Pinnacle Pool & Spa Services for expert help with any pool issue, from minor annoyances to major repairs.

Sacramento Area: (916) 530-2096 | Bay Area: (925) 849-6545 | Toll Free: (888) 994-7665 (POOL)

Professional pool repair, maintenance, and service for residential and commercial properties throughout Northern California.