By mid-summer, most pool owners are settled into their routine. The pool looks good, it’s getting regular use, and maintenance is on autopilot. Or so it seems. But this is actually the time when many small issues start to show up. If you know what to watch for, you can catch and fix them before they turn into bigger, more expensive problems.

Here are five common mid-season warning signs that your pool water—or your pool system—might need a little extra care.

Are you adding more chlorine than usual just to maintain the same level? This could be a sign that organic contaminants are building up in the water or that your chlorine is being overwhelmed by swimmer waste, pollen, or high water temperatures.

Hotter weather and higher swimmer loads both contribute to increased chlorine demand. Sunscreen, sweat, and even cosmetics all react with chlorine, forming chloramines, which not only reduce chlorine effectiveness, but also lead to unpleasant smells and irritation.

What to do:
 Break down the buildup using an enzyme-based product that works alongside your chlorine instead of just adding more of it.

Try this:
 ENZymePRO® breaks down oils, lotions, and body waste so your chlorine can do its job more efficiently. It’s especially helpful after pool parties or frequent use.

If you feel a slippery film on the pool walls, steps, or ladders, it may be the beginning of algae growth. Even if it’s not visible yet, a slimy surface is often the first warning sign that your sanitizer is falling behind.

This is especially common in areas of poor circulation or where brushing has been neglected.

What to do:
 Brush the affected areas immediately and test your sanitizer levels. Increase circulation by running your pump longer or adjusting your return jets. A preventative algaecide or multi-function treatment can also help.

Try this:
 E-Z POOL® includes a long-lasting algae control agent that works proactively to keep algae from taking hold, even in warmer conditions or shaded spots.

This isn’t the time to rely on your normal filter schedule. Run your pump and filter continuously for 12–24 hours, especially after treating the pool.

Cloudy or dull water can be caused by:

• Fine particles slipping through your filter
• Organic buildup from swimmers
• Insufficient filtration run time
• Unbalanced water chemistry

What to do:
Start by checking your sanitizer and pH levels. If everything looks normal, the problem may be debris that your filter can’t catch. A clarifier or phosphate remover can help clear up fine particles.

Try This:
Revive!® WEEKLY binds small particles, removes phosphates, and prevents scale buildup, all without the need for an additional clarifier. It’s an easy weekly addition that helps restore that mid-season sparkle.

If you’re skimming regularly but still finding debris floating in the water or settling on the floor, your filter may be struggling. Pollen, dust, and organic matter are especially common this time of year, and they can build up faster than your system can remove them.

What to do:
 Check your filter pressure. Clean or backwash as needed. Make sure your baskets are clear and that your pump is circulating at full capacity.
If you're doing everything right and still seeing fine debris, consider using a product that helps your filter catch smaller particles.

Try this:
Revive!® WEEKLY enhances filter performance by removing debris too fine for your system to catch on its own.

White, chalky residue on pool surfaces or equipment is a sign of calcium scale. Scale is not just cosmetic; it can damage heaters, filters, and salt cells if left untreated.

Scaling is often caused by:

• High calcium hardness
• High pH or alkalinity
• Warm water temperatures

What to do:
Test your calcium hardness and pH. Adjust as needed, and consider using a stain and scale prevention product regularly.

Try This:
Both E-Z POOL® and Revive!® WEEKLY include ingredients that help prevent scale from forming on surfaces and equipment, especially in saltwater pools or areas with hard water.

A pool that looks mostly fine can still be giving you early signs of trouble. Mid-season is the perfect time to pause and take a closer look, before buildup, imbalance, or algae create more work for you later.

By watching for these five signs and making small adjustments now, you can keep your water clean, clear, and easy to manage for the rest of the season.