Pool Surface & Structural Concerns

Pool surface staining is a common issue caused by a variety of factors, including metals in the
water, organic debris, and imbalanced water chemistry. Preventing stains requires a proactive approach to water chemistry management and regular maintenance.

How do I prevent staining on my pool surface?

Pool surface staining is a common issue caused by a variety of factors, including metals in the water, organic debris, and imbalanced water chemistry. Preventing stains requires a proactive approach to water chemistry management and regular maintenance.

Metal Content: Iron, copper, and manganese can enter pool water through source water, corroding pipes, or improper chemical treatments. If not controlled, these metals can oxidize and leave unsightly stains on the pool surface.
Organic Debris: Leaves, dirt, and algae can break down and release tannins, which lead to brown or green stains.
Water Chemistry Imbalances: Low pH can lead to etching, while high pH can contribute to scale buildup, making surfaces more prone to staining.

Why does my pool waterline tile get dirty, and how can I clean it?

Waterline tile buildup is primarily caused by body oils, lotions, dirt, and calcium deposits accumulating along the pool’s surface. This buildup becomes visible over time as a white, brown, or greasy film.

Calcium Deposits: Hard water leads to calcium scaling, which forms a rough, white layer along the tile.
Organic Contaminants: Sunscreen, body oils, and dirt stick to the tile, especially in warmer water.
Improper Circulation: Dead spots along the waterline allow debris to settle and adhere to the tile.

What are the common causes of pool leaks, and how can I detect them?

Leaks can develop due to structural weaknesses, plumbing issues, or equipment malfunctions. If left untreated, they can lead to significant water loss, higher chemical demand, and potential damage to surrounding areas. When a pool leaks, it requires more frequent refilling, introducing fresh hose water that can contain phosphates and metals, further impacting water balance. Additionally, fluctuating water levels disrupt chemical stability, increasing the demand for chlorine and other sanitizers to maintain proper sanitation.

Low water levels can also pose a significant risk to pool equipment. If the water level drops too low, the skimmer and pump may begin drawing in air instead of water, which can cause the pump to overheat and lead to costly damage. Ensuring consistent water levels is crucial for maintaining optimal circulation, equipment performance, and overall pool health.

Structural Leaks: Cracks in the pool shell, tile grout, or expansion joints can allow water to escape. These cracks may develop due to shifting soil, temperature fluctuations, or structural settling over time. Minor surface cracks may not immediately lead to leaks, but deeper cracks that penetrate the structural integrity of the pool can result in significant water loss. Regular inspections and timely repairs are essential to prevent long-term damage and costly resurfacing.
Plumbing Leaks: Pool plumbing runs through various components, starting from the skimmer and main drain, leading to the pump, then passing through the filter, heater, salt system, and other sanitization equipment before returning to the pool via the return jets. Any section of this plumbing system—much of which is underground—can develop leaks due to shifting soil, corrosion, improper installation, or wear and tear over time. Detecting leaks early is crucial to preventing costly repairs and excessive water loss.
Evaporation vs. Leak: If your pool is losing more than 1/4 inch per day, it may indicate a leak rather than normal evaporation.

How do I care for a newly resurfaced pool or a brand-new pool?

Newly resurfaced pools require precise water chemistry to prevent premature damage and ensure a long-lasting, smooth finish. During the curing process, improper chemical balance can lead to issues such as scaling, staining, or surface degradation. High pH can cause calcium scaling, making the surface feel rough, while low pH can lead to etching, weakening the plaster and making it more porous. Maintaining proper calcium hardness levels is also crucial, as imbalances can contribute to surface roughness or early deterioration. Proper water chemistry during this period is essential to protecting the investment in a new pool surface.

Balanced Water Chemistry: Maintaining precise pH and calcium hardness levels is essential during the curing process to prevent premature surface damage. High pH can lead to scaling, while low pH may cause etching, weakening the finish. Proper calcium hardness levels help prevent plaster dusting and surface roughness, ensuring a smooth, durable pool finish.
Frequent Brushing: During the first few weeks after resurfacing, loose plaster dust naturally forms as the surface cures. It is essential to brush the pool at least twice daily to remove this dust and prevent buildup, which can lead to scaling or uneven curing. Regular brushing promotes a smoother finish and helps maintain the integrity of the new surface.
High Chlorine Levels Should Be Avoided: Excess chlorine can cause discoloration and weaken the finish.

Why do pool surfaces become rough over time?

A rough pool surface can result from a variety of factors, including chemical imbalances, calcium scaling, etching, and natural wear over time. High calcium hardness can lead to scaling, creating a rough, sandpaper-like texture on the pool’s surface. On the other hand, low pH and aggressive chemical treatments can cause etching, where the plaster begins to dissolve, leading to pitting and an uneven texture. Additionally, natural aging and continuous exposure to pool chemicals and environmental factors contribute to surface degradation, making it uncomfortable to swim in and potentially shortening the lifespan of the pool finish.

Calcium Scaling: When calcium hardness levels are too high, calcium deposits form on the pool surface, creating a rough, sandpaper-like texture that can be uncomfortable for swimmers. These deposits often develop due to high pH and alkalinity, excessive calcium levels in the water, or improper water balance over time. If left untreated, scaling can become difficult to remove and may require professional treatments or resurfacing. Regular water testing and maintaining proper calcium hardness levels help prevent scaling and keep the pool surface smooth.
Etching & Pitting: Low pH or aggressive chemical treatments can dissolve the plaster, leading to pitting, rough patches, and an uneven texture. When the water is too acidic, it leaches calcium from the pool surface, weakening the plaster and making it more porous. Over time, this deterioration can make the pool uncomfortable to swim in and significantly reduce the lifespan of the finish. Ensuring that pH and alkalinity remain in the proper range is critical to preventing etching and preserving the integrity of the surface.
Aging & Wear: Over time, consistent exposure to pool chemicals, fluctuating water chemistry, and environmental factors like UV radiation and seasonal temperature changes contribute to the gradual degradation of pool surfaces. Heavy usage accelerates this process, leading to rough patches, surface discoloration, and weakened plaster integrity. Routine maintenance and balanced water chemistry help slow down this natural wear, preserving the pool’s surface for as long as possible.

What causes cracks in my pool surface, and how can they be repaired?

Cracks in a pool surface may be cosmetic or structural. Understanding their causes helps determine the best repair method.

Shrinkage Cracks: These are fine, hairline cracks that occur naturally during the curing process of plaster or concrete surfaces. They are typically superficial and do not compromise the structural integrity of the pool. However, if not properly maintained, these cracks can collect dirt, algae, or mineral deposits over time, making them more visible. Regular brushing and balanced water chemistry help keep them from becoming more pronounced.
Structural Cracks: These are significant cracks that can compromise the integrity of the pool shell. They often result from shifting soil, poor initial construction, or hydrostatic pressure from groundwater buildup beneath the pool. Structural cracks can lead to severe water loss and must be addressed immediately to prevent further damage. Repairing these cracks typically requires professional intervention, such as epoxy injections, hydraulic cement, or in extreme cases, resurfacing or structural reinforcement.
Chemical Damage: Improper water chemistry can significantly accelerate surface degradation, exacerbating existing cracks over time. Low pH levels can lead to etching, weakening the pool surface and making it more susceptible to cracking. Conversely, high calcium hardness can contribute to scaling, which creates stress points on the plaster that may develop into cracks. Fluctuating alkalinity and sanitizer levels can also degrade surface materials, leading to premature wear and the formation of fissures. Regular monitoring and balanced water chemistry are essential in preventing chemical-related surface damage.

How can Clarity help protect my pool surface from damage?

Preventing surface damage requires a multi-faceted approach that includes maintaining optimal water chemistry, ensuring proper circulation, promptly removing debris, and addressing minor concerns before they escalate into costly repairs. By proactively managing pH levels, calcium hardness, and alkalinity, we help prevent surface deterioration caused by scaling, etching, or staining. Regular cleaning and proper water balance work together to preserve the integrity of your pool’s finish, ensuring a smooth and long-lasting surface.

How Clarity Helps:

Free Water Analysis provides a comprehensive evaluation of your pool’s chemistry, identifying potential imbalances and surface risks before they escalate into costly repairs. By testing for factors such as pH, calcium hardness, metal content, and other critical markers, we gain deeper insight into your pool’s condition, allowing us to recommend proactive measures to maintain a healthy and well-preserved surface.
Clarity Standard ensures weekly testing and balancing to protect plaster and tile surfaces by maintaining optimal pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. Proper water chemistry helps prevent scaling, etching, and premature surface wear, preserving the integrity and appearance of your pool finish. Our service also includes regular documentation and monitoring of any visible surface changes, allowing for early detection and intervention if needed.
Clarity Connect provides continuous remote monitoring of pH, calcium hardness, and overall water chemistry, ensuring that imbalances are detected early and addressed before they contribute to surface degradation. By tracking trends and fluctuations in real-time, we help maintain a stable pool environment, reducing the risk of scaling, etching, or discoloration over time.

By ensuring proper chemistry, routine maintenance, and proactive care, Clarity helps extend the life of your pool surface, protecting your investment and maintaining a pristine swimming environment.

pool care with purpose.