Green pool, broken pump or leak in the Alpilles: when should you call in a professional?

Which signs should alert you?

Not all pool problems call for the same intervention. Green or cloudy water may come from a treatment imbalance, whereas an overheating pump, a tripping electrical panel or a visible leak may point to a technical failure.

If you notice an abnormal noise, a burning smell, overheating or an electrical trip, it is best to switch the system off if this can be done safely. The pump should not be restarted until the cause of the problem has been identified.

To help assess the request, you can give your contact the following information:

• the appearance and colour of the water;
• how the pump is behaving;
• the pressure shown on the gauge;
• how the water level is changing;
• any messages shown by the equipment;
• the date of the last use or last maintenance.

These first observations do not replace a diagnosis, but they help direct the request more quickly to the right professional.

Why does pool water turn green?

Green water is usually caused by algae growing because of an imbalance between filtration, water circulation and disinfection.

Several causes are possible:

• interrupted or insufficient filtration;
• a clogged filter;
• too little disinfectant;
• an unsuitable pH;
• poor water circulation;
• a badly adjusted automatic treatment system;
• a long period without supervision.

This is common in second homes left empty for several weeks, particularly when the filtration has stopped after a power cut or a technical fault.

The colour of the water alone is not enough to pinpoint the cause of the problem. Adding products without checking the water parameters and the filtration can be ineffective, delay the pool's recovery or hide a breakdown.

A diagnosis determines whether the situation calls for rebalancing the water, work on the filtration or replacing a faulty piece of equipment.

When should a broken pump be checked?

A pump that has stopped prevents water circulation and quickly reduces the effectiveness of treatments. The failure may come from a blocked pre-filter basket, a clogged filter, loss of prime, an air leak, a worn seal, a jammed impeller or an electrical problem.

Without dismantling anything, you can observe the following and pass it on to the professional:

• the water level in the pool;
• the visible condition of the skimmer baskets;
• the pressure shown on the gauge;
• any water around the pump or connections;
• unusual noises, vibrations or smells;
• any electrical trips.

A pump that runs dry or makes a grinding, knocking or unusual vibrating noise must be switched off. Keeping it running can make the fault worse and damage the motor.

If the repair cannot be done straight away, we explain the first safety measures and organise the rest of the intervention to limit the impact on the pool and its equipment.

Why does a pH or chlorine imbalance need an accurate diagnosis?

Cloudy water, irritation or a strong smell of chlorine do not necessarily mean you need to add more product.

A strong smell may be caused by chloramines, which form when chlorine reacts with organic matter in the water. An unstable pH can also come from the water's alkalinity, a large top-up of fresh water, incorrect dosing or a poorly calibrated automatic treatment system.

Target values depend on the treatment used and the recommendations for the equipment. A full analysis checks:

• the pH;
• the disinfectant level;
• the alkalinity;
• the quality of the filtration;
• how the dosing system is working;
• the general condition of the water.

The goal is not just to get water that looks clear again, but to restore a lasting balance suited to the pool and its installation.

When can a drop in water level indicate a leak?

The water level of a pool varies naturally with heat, wind, swimming and the operation of the equipment. A rapid or persistent drop, however, can indicate a leak in the structure, the pipework or a fitting such as a skimmer, a jet or a light.

The bucket test can give a first indication. Place a bucket partly filled with water on a pool step, then compare the drop in level in the bucket with that of the pool over about 24 hours.

If the pool level falls faster than the level in the bucket, a leak may be suspected. The test can neither formally confirm the leak nor locate it. Professional leak detection is still needed before carrying out a repair or regularly topping up the pool with large amounts of water.

An untreated leak can increase water consumption, upset the pool's balance and damage some equipment. A fast intervention identifies the source and finds a suitable solution.

Why have a pool checked after a long absence?

After several weeks or months without occupants, restarting a pool should not be limited to switching the pump back on.

A full check can cover:

• the visual condition of the pool and the water;
• the water level;
• the pump and filtration;
• the baskets and accessible equipment;
• the chemical balance of the water;
• any leaks;
• how the automatic treatment is working.

This check helps spot a fault that went unnoticed and prevents a new imbalance from appearing a few hours or days after the pool is back in use.

Alpilles Premium Services arranges a diagnosis suited to the property's situation. The work is carried out discreetly, with respect for the premises and the equipment. A clear report explains the work done and any further work to plan.

When should you call a pool professional?

An intervention is recommended when the pump no longer starts, the system trips the power, an unusual noise appears, the water level drops quickly or the water stays green despite appropriate corrections.

It can also be planned ahead of the arrival of owners, occupants or tenants in a property that has been empty. This check puts the pool back into service in good conditions and limits the risk of a breakdown just when it is needed.

To get a diagnosis and arrange an intervention, visit our pool repair and assistance page for the Alpilles.