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Problem Solver

Welcome to the GLB® Problem Solver, your go-to resource for cloudy, dull or discolored water. Find the possible causes and best solutions below.

Possible Cause: Dirty filter

Solution: Clean filter with GLB® Filter Cleanse filter cleaner. Renew sand filter efficiency with GLB® Filter Rinse.

Preventative Maintenance: Backwash as necessary and clean filter thoroughly as needed.

Possible Cause: pH too high

Solution: Test pH and total alkalinity. Add GLB® pH Down as directed. Adjust as required.

Preventative Maintenance: Test frequently and maintain a pH of 7.2–7.8 and a total alkalinity level of 80-120 ppm.

Possible Cause: Free chlorine residual too low

Solution: Test for chlorine residual and adjust as needed with a GLB® sanitizer, such as GLB® Triple Tab® chlorinating tablets. Treat with GLB® Oxy-Brite® non-chlorine shock oxidizer.

Preventative Maintenance: Maintain free chlorine level of 1-4 ppm.

Possible Cause: Filter not removing small particles

Solution: Use GLB® Super Blue® clarifier to coagulate small particles. Check filter operation.

Preventative Maintenance: Use GLB® Super Blue® clarifier (1 fl. oz. per 5,000 gals.) weekly.

Possible Cause: Backwashing sand filters too often

Solution: Backwash less frequently, only as recommended by the filter manufacturer’s directions.

Preventative Maintenance: Use GLB® Filter Rinse once a month.

Possible Cause: Dissolved metals in the water

Solution: Use GLB® Sequa-Sol® sequestering agent to control metals in the water.

Preventative Maintenance: Use GLB® Sequa-Sol® sequestering agent (4 fl. oz. per 10,000 gals.) weekly.

Possible Cause: Green Algae

Solution: Use GLB® Algimycin® 3000 algaecide or GLB® Algimycin® 2000 algaecide to destroy algae. Use GLB® Drop ‘N Vac® flocculent to help remove dead algae.

Preventative Maintenance: Use GLB® Algimycin® 3000 algaecide (6 fl. oz. per 10,000 gals.) weekly.

Possible Cause: Black Algae

Solution: Use GLB® SuperSonic per label directions. Add GLB® Algimycin® 3000 algaecide or GLB® Algimycin® 2000 algaecide as directed and then brush pool surfaces daily until algae is gone. Use GLB® Drop ‘N Vac® flocculant to help remove dead algae.

Preventative Maintenance: Use GLB® Algimycin® 3000 algaecide (6 fl. oz. per 10,000 gals.) weekly. Adjust returns to provide better water flow over affected area.

Possible Cause: Iron or manganese dissolved in water

Solution: Use GLB® Sequa-Sol® sequestering agent to suspend and inactivate stain-causing minerals. For extreme cases, use GLB® Super Sequa-Sol® sequestering agent.

Preventative Maintenance: Use GLB® Sequa-Sol® sequestering agent (8 fl. oz. per 10,000 gals.) weekly.

Possible Cause: Dissolved copper from fill water; Corrosion of copper pipes or heater

Solution: Use GLB® Sequa-Sol® or GLB® Super Sequa-Sol® sequestering agents as directed. Test and adjust the pH and total alkalinity.

Preventative Maintenance: Use GLB® Sequa-Sol® sequestering agent (8 fl. oz. per 10,000 gals.) weekly.

Possible Cause: Metals in water

Solution: Use GLB® Stain Magnet to remove stains. Follow with GLB® Sequa-Sol® or GLB® Super Sequa-Sol® sequestering agents as directed.

Preventative Maintenance: Use GLB® Sequa-Sol® sequestering agent (8 fl. oz. per 10,000 gals.) weekly.

Possible Cause: Unbalanced water

Solution: Make necessary pH and total alkalinity adjustments.

Preventative Maintenance: Maintain pH of 7.2-7.8 and total alkalinity of 80-120 ppm.

Possible Cause: pH or alkalinity too high

Solution: Correct with GLB® pH Down as directed.

Preventative Maintenance: Use GLB® Sequa-Sol® or GLB® Super Sequa-Sol® sequestering agents weekly.

Possible Cause: Calcium content too high

Solution: Dilute pool water with water of lower hardness. Use GLB® Sequa-Sol® or GLB® Super Sequa-Sol® sequestering agents as directed.

Preventative Maintenance: Use GLB® Sequa-Sol® or GLB® Super Sequa-Sol® sequestering agents weekly.

Possible Cause: Combined chlorine level is too high

Solution: Treat with GLB® Oxy-Brite® non-chlorine shock oxidizer then test the free chlorine level and adjust to maintain a residual of 1-4 ppm.

Preventative Maintenance: Maintain available chlorine level of 1-4 ppm at all times regardless of pool usage or weather conditions.

Possible Cause: pH too low or too high

Solution: Test pH and correct with GLB® pH Up or GLB® pH Down.

Preventative Maintenance: Maintain pH of 7.2-7.8 and total alkalinity of 80-120 ppm.

Possible Cause: Combined chlorine level is too high

Solution: Treat with GLB® Oxy-Brite® non-chlorine shock oxidizer. Test the free chlorine level and adjust to maintain a residual of 1-4 ppm.

Preventative Maintenance: Test chlorine level daily. Maintain pH of 7.2-7.8, total alkalinity of 80-120 ppm and a free chlorine level of 1-4 ppm.

Possible Cause: Grease and oil from swimmers

Solution: Use enzyme-action GLB® Natural Clear® Clarifier to dissolve oils and lotions. Clean walls and surfaces with GLB® TLC® Surface Cleaner. Clean filter with GLB® Filter Cleanse, GLB® Filter Fresh® filter cleaner or GLB® Filter Rinse.

Preventative Maintenance: Shower before entering pool. Maintain a clean filter with periodic cleaning. Treat with GLB® Oxy-Brite® non-chlorine shock oxidizer after heavy pool use. Use GLB® Natural Clear® Clarifier weekly.