Dealing with Pool Foam

Is there foam in your pool? What might at first appear to be basic bubbles may actually be a high organic load caused by the way the pool water is being maintained or something wrong with the pumping system. Either way, it’s not a difficult problem for you or a good pool maintenance team to solve.

Pool Works of Auburndale, FL, would like to share some info and tips on dealing with pool foam.

First, test the water

Before addressing pool foam, you’ll want to test the water. Balanced pool water will contain:

• pH: 7.4 to 7.6
• Total alkalinity: 80 to 120 parts per million
• Calcium hardness: 150 to 400 parts per million
• Total chlorine: 1.0 to 3.0 parts per million

If the levels are off, fix them, and then see if the foam remains.

Common causes of pool foam

Here are the common culprits.

Cause: Cheap algaecide

Using inferior algaecide products is probably the most common reason for foam in pool water.

Solve by purchasing a better product. After a few days, the existing foam should dissipate.

Cause: Lots of bodies

If your pool has been especially active with a lot of swimmers, you might see foam as the result of sun lotion, shampoo, conditioner, deodorant and other things coming off people’s bodies.

Solve by first skimming the foam off and then shocking the pool.

How to shock a pool

• Wear eye protection and long sleeves.
• Properly treat the pool water to balance all chemical levels.
• Purchase a quality shock product, and read the label first.
• Run the pool pump and filter at full speed. Pour the shock product into the water as you walk around the perimeter of the pool.
• Let the pump and filter run on high for 8 to 12 hours.

Cause: High level of total dissolved solids

“Solids” in pool water can include calcium, magnesium, copper, sodium, pesticides, herbicides and chlorine. The acceptable max level is 2,000 parts per million. More than that, and you might create foam.

Solve by draining some of the water from the pool and refilling. Then properly adjust all the chemical balances in the water.

Cause: Leaks in the pump

Leaks in the pump system can lead to foam that feels light and airy. Low water levels and loose connections are common reasons for this.

Solve by making sure the water level is where it should be. Also, check to see if the stainer pot lid is loose or if its O-ring seal is damaged. Finally, ensure that the pump/valve union is tight. You might have to do some investigating to find the source of the leak.

Use a de-foamer to quickly remove pool foam

In “emergency” situations, a quality de-foamer will get rid of pool foam in about an hour without affecting any of the pool’s chemicals. Remember, this is a temporary fix; it won’t solve the problems that are causing the foam.

The quality service your pool needs

You’ll solve a lot of nagging pool problems, including issues with foam, by having your pool regularly serviced by a team of licensed, experienced pool professionals.

Pool Works provides regular pool maintenance and both routine and emergency repairs for pools throughout the Auburndale, Florida, area. If pool maintenance isn’t your thing, we’re here to help.

Reach a pool pro today at (863) 967-2863. You can also get in touch through our handy contact form.