Common Pool Problems in Utah and How to Fix Them

Utah’s climate creates a unique set of pool problems. Here are the issues we see most — and what to do about each.

Problem 1: Calcium Scaling

Symptom: White crusty buildup on tile, in equipment, around pool waterline.

Cause: Utah’s hard water is loaded with calcium. When it evaporates, calcium stays.

Fix:

• Test calcium hardness (target 200-400 ppm)
• Use a sequestering agent monthly
• Maintain proper pH (7.2-7.6)
• For severe scale: muriatic acid wash or pumice stone

Problem 2: Frozen Pipes / Cracked Equipment

Symptom: Discovered in spring — split PVC, cracked pump housing, broken filter.

Cause: Improper winterization. Water left in pipes or equipment freezes and expands.

Fix:

• Hire pro winterization ($200-$400) — cheaper than $5,000+ in pipe repairs
• Lower water below skimmer line
• Blow out plumbing with compressor
• Add antifreeze to lines
• Drain pump, filter, heater

Problem 3: Fading Plaster

Symptom: Plaster color washes out, becomes blotchy, or shows stains.

Cause: Strong UV at Utah elevation + chemistry imbalances.

Fix:

• Maintain proper chemistry (chlorine, pH, calcium)
• Use pool cover to reduce UV exposure
• For fading at 12-15 years: time to resurface
• Consider pebble or quartz finish (more UV-resistant than plaster)

Problem 4: Algae

Symptom: Green or black tint, slime on walls, cloudy water.

Cause: Poor sanitization, often after warm weather + low chlorine.

Fix:

• Shock the pool (3-5x normal chlorine dose)
• Brush walls vigorously
• Run pump 24 hours
• Backwash filter daily until clear
• Add algaecide
• Prevention: maintain consistent chlorine (1.5-3.0 ppm), brush weekly

Problem 5: Pump Stops Priming

Symptom: Pump turns on but doesn’t move water, makes loud whining.

Cause: Air leak in suction-side plumbing, low water level, clogged skimmer.

Fix:

• Check water is at proper level (mid-skimmer)
• Empty skimmer + pump baskets
• Tighten pump lid (most common air leak)
• Inspect O-ring on pump lid; replace if cracked
• If persistent: pro service to find/repair air leak

Problem 6: Heater Won’t Fire

Symptom: Heater starts then shuts off, error code, or won’t ignite.

Cause: Many possibilities — flow sensor, gas pressure, thermostat, ignition.

Fix:

• Check pump is running, water flow adequate
• Check propane tank is full (if propane heater)
• Check gas valve is on
• Look up error code in heater manual
• Most heater issues: pro service recommended

Problem 7: Stained Plaster (Brown, Rust, Black)

Symptom: Discrete stains on plaster.

Cause:

• Brown/orange = iron from well water or old metal equipment
• Black/blue = copper from well water or copper-based algaecide
• Green = leaves or vegetation

Fix:

• Use a metal sequestering agent
• For organic stains: shock + brush
• For metal stains: stain-removing chemical or acid wash
• Prevent: filter well water before adding to pool

Problem 8: Cracked Tile or Falling Coping

Symptom: Tile pieces falling off, coping pulling away from shell.

Cause: Freeze-thaw on improperly-set tile/coping, or shell movement.

Fix:

• Spot tile repair: $200-$800
• Full waterline tile replacement: $3,000-$8,000
• Coping replacement: $4,000-$12,000
• If shell is cracking: more extensive repair needed

When to Call a Pro

Most chemistry issues you can DIY. Equipment failures, plumbing leaks, structural damage, and major staining benefit from pro service.

Need help with a Utah pool problem? Get pro service →