4
Algae may
be caused by
insufficient levels
of oxidizer and/
or inadequate
water circulation.
Frequently caused
by improper start
up. See section on
Start Up and Install
the Cartridge.
Troubleshooting Guide Consult your Zodiac Dealer for additional assistance or call 1-800-822-7933.
Problem What to look for Treatment
Cloudy water
Poor filtration Slow filter turnover rates 1 Backwash and clean filter.
2 Run filter for 24 hours.
3 Increase run time per day.
Algae growth Hazy pool water; may have slightly Superchlorinate water with chlorine according to
green appearance. manufacturer’s instructions and brush pool walls.
Unbalanced water 1. High hardness Balance the pool water.
2. High TDS (total dissolved solids)
3. High pH
4. High total alkalinity
Algae Green algae Pea green color; attaches to pool walls; 1 Check pH and adjust if necessary.
sometimes colors the entire body of water 2 Superchlorinate with chorine according to
manufacturer’s instructions and brush pool walls.
3 Repeat steps 1 and 2 until algae is gone.
Black algae Black spots on pool walls 1 Brush affected areas.
2 Superchlorinate water with chlorine according
to manufacturer’s instructions.
Mustard algae Yellow or brown film on steps or walls 3 Add algaecide.
4 Vacuum pool.
5 Repeat steps 1 through 4 until algae is gone.
Note: Regular algaecide treatments are recommended for outdoor pools that experience persistent algae problems.
Do not use algae treatments containing either copper or sodium bromide.
Stains Blue/green Copper or iron from pool equipment 1 Adjust pH and total alkalinity to ideal ranges.
corrosion or water supply 2 Vigorously brush stained areas.
3 Add sequestrant.
Red/brown Iron or manganese from equipment 4 Run filter.
corrosion or water supply. 5 Twelve hours later, superchlorinate the pool.
6 Test and balance water.
Black Manganese in water supply. 7 Test pool water for dissolved metals.
Metal tarnishing High native mineral content in Clean with soft cloth and mild detergent.
water; unbalanced water Test water for minerals; use a sequestrant;
maintain water balance.
Scale Crusty deposits on High pH and high total alkalinity Adjust pH and total alkalinity to ideal ranges.
pool surfaces
High TDS (total dissolved solids) 1 Replace a volume of pool water with water
or high hardness levels low in hardness and dissolved solids.
2 Use sequestrant to prevent scale buildup if high
hardness levels are a continuing problem.
DuoClear Cartridge Replacement Intervals
Monitor the cartridge replacement light on the DuoClear control panel to identify the date on which the cartridge should be replaced. Always turn
pump off prior to installing or changing a DuoClear cartridge. Your pump/filter is operated under pressure and the pressure must be released before
you begin work. Please see your pump/filter owner’s manual for further instructions.
A cartridge lasts six (6) months or one season, whichever is shorter. The cartridge should not be used longer than six (6)
continuous months.