Pool Diagnostics Center

What's Wrong
With Your Pool?

Select your symptom below to identify the most likely cause and the fastest fix — based on 22+ years of Arizona pool experience.

Can't figure it out? Our AI assistant Billy can diagnose your specific pool issue in minutes — free, 24/7.

Common Pool Problems & Causes

Click any symptom to expand the most likely causes and recommended fixes.

Green or Cloudy Water

"My pool turned green"

Act Today

Likely causes:

  • Algae bloom from low chlorine
  • pH out of range (typically too high)
  • Insufficient pump run time
  • Post-monsoon storm contamination

Losing Water

"My pool is losing water"

Address Soon

Likely causes:

  • Evaporation (normal in Arizona heat)
  • Shell or structural leak
  • Equipment pad plumbing leak
  • Auto-fill malfunction overfilling

Pump Not Running

"My pool pump stopped working"

Act Today

Likely causes:

  • Tripped GFCI or circuit breaker
  • Capacitor failure (common in AZ heat)
  • Motor bearing failure
  • Timer or automation fault

Pump Running Loud

"My pool pump is making noise"

Address Soon

Likely causes:

  • Air in the lines (cavitation)
  • Worn bearings (grinding or whining)
  • Clogged pump basket
  • Debris in impeller

White Scale on Tile

"White buildup on my pool tile"

Cosmetic / Plan Ahead

Likely causes:

  • Calcium carbonate scale from hard water
  • High pH accelerating mineral deposit
  • Water line evaporation concentrating minerals
  • Arizona tap water averaging 350–400 ppm calcium

Heater Not Heating

"My pool heater is not working"

Address Soon

Likely causes:

  • Dirty filter restricting flow (most common)
  • Failed igniter or pilot assembly
  • Pressure switch fault
  • Gas supply issue

Poor Water Circulation

"My pool jets have weak flow"

Address Soon

Likely causes:

  • Clogged pump basket or skimmer basket
  • Dirty filter (pressure 8–10 PSI over clean)
  • Air leak in suction line
  • Partially closed valve

Brown or Rusty Stains

"Brown or rust stains on pool surface"

Address Soon

Likely causes:

  • Iron or copper in fill water or pipes
  • Algae (black or mustard algae)
  • Organic staining from leaves/debris
  • Low pH corroding metal equipment

Urgency Guide

Not all pool problems are equal. Here is how to prioritize what you are seeing.

Act Today

Green or unsafe water, pump failure, electrical issues. These affect water safety or risk equipment damage. Do not delay.

  • Green or black water
  • Pump stopped running
  • Electrical trip or sparks

Address Within a Few Days

Noticeable water loss, reduced flow, heater failure, loud equipment. These will worsen and become more expensive if ignored.

  • Losing over 1 inch/day
  • Loud pump bearings
  • Heater not igniting

Plan and Schedule

Cosmetic issues and long-term maintenance. These are not emergencies but addressing them protects your investment over time.

  • Tile scale buildup
  • Staining on plaster
  • Filter media replacement

Still Stuck? Get a Professional Diagnosis

Some problems are hard to self-diagnose. Our technicians service all of East Valley — same-day for urgent issues.

Nationwide virtual consultations available · East Valley on-site service