Understanding the Fishy Smell in Your Swimming Pool
Have you ever jumped into your swimming pool only to be hit with an unpleasant, fishy odor? I certainly have, and it can be quite perplexing at first. After conducting some research and testing my pool water, I quickly identified the source of the smell and was able to eliminate it effectively. In this article, I’ll share the steps I took to rid my pool of the foul odor and restore it to a refreshing oasis.
The primary reason your swimming pool may emit a fishy or unpleasant smell is inadequate sanitation. Begin by checking your pool’s chlorine levels; if they are below the normal range, it’s time to take action. You may need to add more chlorine regularly, but the first step is to shock your pool. This process elevates chlorine levels to a point that effectively eradicates bacteria and chloramines, which can thrive in the water.
Maintaining chlorine levels between 1 ppm and 3 ppm is optimal for a clean pool. Even while keeping these levels stable, it is advisable to shock your pool weekly, especially during the hot summer months or after heavy rainfall, which can dilute your water and lower chlorine concentrations. If you notice algae growth, cloudy water, or a strange odor, it’s likely time to perform another shock treatment. For more details on this procedure, check out my other article on the importance of regularly shocking your pool.
Why Might Your Pool Smell?
I’ve compiled a list of common reasons your swimming pool might develop an unpleasant odor:
- Lack of sanitation: Insufficient chlorine levels can lead to a smelly pool.
- Need for shocking: Even if your chlorine levels are within the recommended range, shocking your pool can quickly eliminate any lingering odors.
- High ammonia levels: Ammonia can accumulate from sweat, urine, and other bodily wastes. Additionally, fertilizers from your lawn or wildlife such as birds and squirrels can contribute to increased ammonia levels.
- Once again, shocking your pool will eliminate ammonia and restore normal levels. This highlights the importance of weekly shock treatments to keep your water crystal clear and fresh throughout the season.
- Excess nitrogen levels: Similar to ammonia, high nitrogen levels can result from perspiration and contaminants entering the pool.
- Improper pool opening and closing: If you notice a fishy smell at the start of the season, it may be due to opening your pool too late or closing it too early the previous season.
- I’ve written about this topic before; you can find more details on how I determine the best times to open and close my pool. If you open it late, algae and bacteria can proliferate, leading to unpleasant smells and possibly a green pool right at the beginning of the season.
- Keep in mind that opening and closing your pool does not equate to being ready to swim; it simply means it’s time for maintenance to prepare for enjoyable swimming once the weather warms up.
- Dead animals: Though rare, it’s essential to check for any animals that may have fallen into your pool and perished. I once had a squirrel fall in during the offseason, and the smell lingered until it was removed.
Low chlorine levels can occur due to various factors, including increased temperatures, excessive rainfall, or inadequate maintenance. When I encounter an odor in my pool, my first step is always to shock the water overnight, usually resulting in a noticeable reduction or complete elimination of the smell by morning.
When shocking your pool, you can safely use a higher dosage than what the manufacturer recommends. I often use about 1.5 times the standard amount of shock if the water requires extra attention. Remember, you cannot overdose your pool with shock, but you will need to wait longer before re-entering the water. Always test the water and wait until chlorine levels drop below 5 ppm to ensure it is safe to swim.
How to Remove Swimming Pool Odor
The simplest and most effective method to eliminate any odors from your swimming pool is by rapidly increasing chlorine levels through shocking the water. Shocking your pool will kill any bacteria, algae, nitrogen, ammonia, and other organisms that may be present in the water. Total chlorine is the sum of free chlorine and combined chlorine. Sometimes, you may even notice a strong chlorine smell when total chlorine levels are elevated, which is different from free chlorine levels typically tested.
When you shock your pool, it helps reduce total chlorine levels and eliminates the overpowering smell of excessive chlorine. To effectively remove combined chlorine, you will need to add approximately 10 times the free chlorine amount that corresponds to the existing combined chlorine in your pool. This process is known as super chlorination or super shock. You can have your water tested at a local pool store or conduct a combined chlorine test to determine the necessary amount. Remember, no swimming should occur during super shocking.
Preventing Pool Odors
If you find yourself reading this article, it may already be too late for prevention, but you can easily avoid odors through proper pool maintenance throughout the swimming season. The most effective way to ensure your water remains clear and odor-free is to establish a consistent weekly routine. Here are some key practices to follow:
- Dedicate one day each week to test your pool water.
- On the same day, add any necessary chemicals to maintain optimal conditions.
- During particularly hot weather, you may notice fluctuations in your test results. For instance, chlorine levels may dip below normal. Use this as a cue to increase your weekly dosage until temperatures stabilize.
- Regularly check and maintain your pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels to keep your pool healthy.
- Most importantly, shock your pool once a week. I recommend doing this at night and making it part of your routine maintenance day. Additionally, consider shocking after heavy rainfall, especially if more than an inch falls quickly.
By committing to a maintenance plan and sticking to it, you can effectively prevent odors, algae, and other unwanted issues from arising. Additionally, keep a log of your maintenance activities, and you will soon learn when to adjust your routine based on:
- Increased maintenance dosages due to weather, rainfall, or storms.
- Shocking your pool outside of your regular schedule based on water clarity, odor, or test results.
- Recognizing specific signs that allow you to become proficient in managing your pool. Once you familiarize yourself with your pool, you and your guests will be impressed by its pristine condition all season long.
Moreover, you will avoid those stressful moments when it takes substantial effort and expense to regain control of your pool due to neglecting proper maintenance. You’ll never have to feel embarrassed by unexpected visits from friends eager for a seasonal swim.