Maintaining a pool or spa might seem straightforward, but small mistakes can lead to big issues: cloudy water, algae, odors, or even equipment damage. The good news is that most of these mistakes are easy to avoid with the right habits. Here are the most common errors and how to fix them.

❌ 1. Ignoring pH balance

Unbalanced pH is one of the main causes of water problems.

• Mistake: not testing pH regularly, or letting it go too high/low.
• Consequence: sanitizer becomes less effective, skin and eye irritation, corrosion or scaling.
• Solution: keep pH between 7.2 and 7.6, adjusting with pH+ or pH– when needed.

❌ 2. Overdosing or underdosing chemicals

• Mistake: adding too much chlorine/bromine, or not enough.
• Consequence: harsh water for bathers and equipment, or ineffective disinfection.
• Solution: always follow dosing guidelines, and use a smart water analyzer like EcO to know exactly what your water requires.

❌ 3. Neglecting filter maintenance

• Mistake: letting the filter clog up.
• Consequence: poor filtration, cloudy water, overuse of chemicals.
• Solution: clean or replace cartridges, sand, or glass media regularly depending on your system.

❌ 4. Reducing filtration too much

• Mistake: thinking filtration is unnecessary when the pool isn’t in use.
• Consequence: stagnant water, algae growth, weak disinfection.
• Solution: follow the rule of thumb: filtration time = water temperature ÷ 2 (e.g., 26°C → 13 hours/day).

❌ 5. Not covering the pool or spa

• Mistake: leaving it uncovered, especially at night or in bad weather.
• Consequence: more debris, faster evaporation, heat loss.
• Solution: use a suitable cover (solar blanket, winter cover, spa lid).

❌ 6. Poor winterizing or reopening practices

• Mistake: closing too early/late, or restarting without cleaning or treatment.
• Consequence: algae, deposits, water that’s difficult to recover.
• Solution: winterize only once water is <15°C, and follow a proper startup process in spring.

Conclusion

Most pool and spa issues come from simple, avoidable mistakes. With a consistent routine, the right tools, and support from a connected water analyzer like EcO, you’ll enjoy clear, healthy water with less stress and effort.