Common Pool Problems in Florida and How to Prevent Them
Florida’s year-round sunshine makes it the perfect place to own a pool—but it also means more opportunities for issues to arise. Between the heat, humidity, heavy rainfall, and coastal salt air, pools in Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, and surrounding areas need more frequent care than in other parts of the country.
At Orchid Pools, we’ve seen it all—and we know how to keep your pool running clean and clear no matter what Florida throws your way. Below are the most common pool problems in Florida and our expert tips to prevent them.
1. Algae Growth
Why it’s common:
Warm temperatures, frequent rain, and UV exposure create perfect conditions for algae to grow—especially green algae, which can take over in just 24–48 hours.
How to prevent it:
Maintain proper chlorine levels
Brush and vacuum the pool weekly
Shock the pool regularly, especially after storms or heavy use
Use algaecide as a preventative treatment
2. Cloudy Water
Why it’s common:
High swimmer loads, rainwater runoff, poor filtration, and imbalanced chemistry can all contribute to cloudy or hazy water.
How to prevent it:
Test and balance water chemistry 2–3 times per week
Clean or backwash your filter regularly
Run the pump at least 8 hours a day (more in summer)
Skim debris often and vacuum weekly
3. High Evaporation Rates
Why it’s common:
Hot sun and dry breezes in summer months can cause pools to lose 1–2 inches of water per week.
How to prevent it:
Use a solar cover when the pool’s not in use
Check water levels frequently
Refill as needed and adjust chemical levels accordingly
4. Salt Air Corrosion
Why it’s common:
Pools located near the coast (especially in Jensen Beach, Hutchinson Island, or Stuart) are exposed to salt in the air, which speeds up corrosion of metal components.
How to prevent it:
Rinse off exposed metal parts with fresh water weekly
Apply anti-corrosion protectants
Schedule regular equipment inspections
5. Staining on Pool Surfaces
Why it’s common:
High mineral content in Florida water, combined with organic material like leaves and debris, can cause brown, green, or black stains on pool walls or floors.
How to prevent it:
Maintain proper pH, calcium, and alkalinity levels
Use a metal sequestrant if you have hard water
Skim and brush the pool often
Remove any metal objects immediately if dropped in the pool
6. Calcium Buildup
Why it’s common:
Florida's hard water can lead to calcium scaling on tiles, ladders, and pool walls—especially if your pool chemistry isn’t balanced.
How to prevent it:
Keep calcium hardness between 200–400 ppm
Brush tile lines weekly
Use a scale inhibitor regularly
7. Pump or Equipment Failure
Why it’s common:
Running equipment year-round, especially in hot and humid conditions, leads to faster wear and tear—particularly on pumps, filters, and heaters.
How to prevent it:
Schedule preventive maintenance
Keep pump and filter areas clean and shaded
Replace worn parts before they fail
Keep Your Florida Pool Problem-Free with Orchid Pools
Staying ahead of Florida’s pool problems takes regular attention and expert care. That’s where Orchid Pools comes in. We offer reliable weekly service, custom maintenance plans, and emergency troubleshooting across Port St. Lucie, Stuart, Palm City, and the surrounding Treasure Coast.
Want a cleaner, safer, and stress-free pool year-round?
Contact Orchid Pools today to schedule your personalized pool care plan.
