Pool Maintenance and Troubleshooting Questions and Answers Flashcards

What is the most likely cause of persistent green pool water despite maintaining adequate free chlorine levels?

Answer: Copper contamination from corroded heat exchangers or copper-based algaecides

Persistent green water with adequate chlorine typically indicates dissolved copper, not algae. Copper can come from corroded heat exchangers or copper-based algaecides.

A pool operator notices the filter pressure gauge has dropped 5 psi below normal. What is the most likely cause?

Answer: There is an obstruction in the suction line or the pump is losing prime

A pressure reading below normal indicates reduced flow reaching the filter, typically from a suction-side obstruction or failing pump.

What causes white flaky deposits (scale) to form on pool tile and equipment?

Answer: High calcium hardness combined with high pH and high total alkalinity

Scale formation occurs when calcium carbonate precipitates out of solution due to oversaturation, caused by high calcium hardness, high pH, and high alkalinity.

Pool chlorine demand has suddenly increased dramatically. What should be investigated first?

Answer: Recent heavy rainfall, high bather loads, or a contamination event

Sudden chlorine demand increases are typically caused by organic loading events like heavy rain, high bather loads, or contamination.

What is the correct procedure for a fecal incident involving formed stool in a public pool?

Answer: Close the pool, remove the material, raise free chlorine to 2 ppm for at least 25 minutes

For formed stool, close the pool, remove material, raise and maintain free chlorine at 2 ppm for at least 25 minutes at pH 7.5 or less per CDC guidelines.

What does a milky or cloudy appearance in pool water typically indicate?

Answer: Fine suspended particles from inadequate filtration or poor water chemistry

Cloudy water indicates fine particles suspended in the water that the filtration system is not removing.