Struggling with Your Pool? Common Orlando Pool Issues Solved

Living in Orlando means your backyard pool isn't just a luxury; it's a necessity for surviving our scorching summers. Whether you’re cooling off after a long day at the theme parks or hosting a weekend barbecue, that sparkling blue water is the centerpiece of your home. But keeping it sparkling isn't always easy. The same intense sun and frequent thunderstorms that define Central Florida life can wreak havoc on your swimming pool.

At All Phase Pool Remodeling, we understand the frustration of uncovering the cover only to find green water or a mysterious drop in water level. We aren't just contractors; we are your neighbors, facing the same humidity and weather patterns you do. We know that when your pool is down, your quality of life takes a hit. That is why we are dedicated to helping you diagnose and fix these common headaches, so you can get back to enjoying the water.

Why is my pool turning green so quickly?

Algae blooms are the number one complaint we hear from homeowners in Orlando, and they often happen because our humid climate is the perfect breeding ground for spores. Algae are microscopic plants that love warm, stagnant water and sunlight. When our afternoon thunderstorms roll through, they dump nitrogen-rich rain into your pool, which essentially feeds the algae while diluting your chlorine.

Why it matters:
Beyond looking like a swamp, algae can harbor bacteria like E. coli, making the water unsafe for swimming. It creates slippery surfaces that are a slip-and-fall hazard, and if left untreated, it can stain your pool finish, leading to expensive resurfacing costs down the road.

How to fix it:
If you catch it early, you can usually handle this yourself. First, scrub the walls and floor of the pool vigorously to detach the algae. Next, you will need to "shock" the pool with a high dose of chlorine to kill the spores. Run your filter for 24 hours straight to clear the dead algae out of the water. If the green persists, or if you're dealing with the dreaded "black algae" (which looks like small dark spots), you likely need professional chemical treatment to eradicate the roots embedded in the plaster.

Is my pool leaking or is it just evaporation?

Determining if you have a leak is tricky because Florida heat causes a significant amount of natural evaporation. However, if you're losing more than a quarter-inch of water a day, you likely have a crack or a plumbing leak. Central Florida’s sandy soil can shift, putting pressure on your pool shell and causing structural cracks. Additionally, older seals around lights and skimmers dry out and crack under the relentless UV exposure.

Why it matters:
A small leak can quickly become a massive problem. Water escaping the shell can erode the soil supporting the pool, leading to major structural failure or deck collapse. Not to mention, you're literally pouring money down the drain by constantly refilling the water and chemically treating water that is just leaking out.

How to detect and fix it:
Try the "bucket test." Fill a bucket with water and set it on the pool steps so the water level inside the bucket matches the pool level. Mark both levels. After 24 hours, if the pool level has dropped significantly more than the bucket level, you have a leak. While you can patch minor vinyl liner tears with a kit, structural cracks in concrete or Gunite pools require professional injection sealing or stapling to ensure structural integrity. A professional leak detection service typically costs between $300 and $500, but it saves thousands in potential structural repairs.

Why is my pump making that loud noise?

If your pump sounds like it's grinding rocks, the bearings are likely shot or the basket is clogged with debris. Your pump is the heart of your pool's circulation system. In Orlando, where oak leaves and pine needles are constantly falling, skimmer baskets and pump impellers get clogged easily. This forces the motor to work harder, overheating the bearings.

Why it matters:
Without a functioning pump, your water stops moving. Stagnant water becomes a breeding ground for mosquitoes and algae within roughly 24 hours in our heat. A straining motor also drives up your electric bill significantly and creates a fire hazard if it overheats.

How to troubleshoot:
Check your skimmer and pump baskets first. Emptying them might silence the noise immediately. If the baskets are clear and the noise persists, shut the power off. You might have debris stuck in the impeller, which you can sometimes clear with a piece of wire. However, if the sound is a high-pitched screech or a low hum with no water movement, the motor bearings or the capacitor have failed. At that point, you need a pro to replace the motor or install a newer, energy-efficient variable-speed pump.

Why can’t I seem to keep the water chemicals balanced?

Orlando's unpredictable weather is the primary culprit behind chemical imbalances. Heavy rains create acidity, lowering your pH, while the intense UV rays burn off chlorine faster than you can add it. When your water chemistry is off, everything else goes wrong.

Why it matters:
Imbalanced water destroys your pool equipment. Low pH (acidic water) corrodes metal heater cores, ladders, and pump parts. High pH leads to calcium buildup (scaling) on your tiles and creates cloudy water. More importantly, improper chemical levels irritate your skin and eyes. The ideal pH range for a pool is strictly 7.4 to 7.6.

How to correct it:
Test your water at least twice a week during the summer. If your pH is low (below 7.2), add soda ash to bring it up. If it's high (above 7.8), add muriatic acid. Always add chemicals in small increments and let the pump run for a few hours before retesting. It's much easier to add more later than to try and reverse an overdose.

When should I try a DIY fix versus calling a professional?

Knowing your limits is key to saving money and protecting your investment. You can handle basic maintenance like skimming, vacuuming, cleaning filters, and basic chemical balancing. These are weekly tasks that keep your pool healthy.

However, you should call the experts at All Phase Pool Remodeling for:

Electrical issues: Never mess with pool wiring, lights, or timers. Water and electricity are a deadly combination.
Structural cracks: improper patching can lead to the shell splitting.
Equipment replacement: Installing a heater or pump requires precise plumbing and electrical connections.
Green-to-clean services: If you can’t see the bottom of the pool, you need industrial-grade filtration and chemicals.

How can I prevent these issues from happening?

Routine maintenance is the only way to avoid expensive emergency repairs. Think of it like changing the oil in your car. Spending a little time or money each week prevents the engine from seizing up.

Why it matters:
A well-maintained pool lasts longer. Resurfacing a pool is a major expense, often costing upwards of $5,000. By keeping your chemicals balanced and your equipment running smoothly, you extend the life of your plaster finish and your machinery by years.

Preventative checklist:

Run your pump: 8-10 hours a day in summer, 4-6 hours in winter.
Clean the filter: Rinse your cartridge filter every 4-6 weeks. A dirty filter increases pressure and strains the pump.
Trim trees: Keep overhanging branches cut back to reduce debris and algae spores entering the water.
Professional Inspection: Have a pro check your equipment once a year, preferably in the spring before the swimming season kicks into high gear.

Let us help you beat the heat

Dealing with pool problems can feel like a full-time job, but you don't have to do it alone. By staying on top of your chemical balance and keeping an ear out for strange equipment noises, you can catch most issues before they become disasters. But when the problem is bigger than a clogged basket or a little algae, we are here to help.

Don't let a green pool or a leaky pump ruin your summer fun. If you're tired of guessing games and want reliable service from locals who care, reach out to us today. Contact All Phase Pool Remodeling for expert pool repair in Orlando, FL, and let us get your backyard paradise back in perfect shape.