Pool staining is common and can be caused by a variety of issues.  Most common on the Outer Banks are stains from metals in source water (straight out of the spigot) and/or from live oak leaves resting on the bottom of the pool during the winter (if you do not have a cover).  Stains are difficult and can require more than a basic understanding of water balancing to treat effectively.  Step one is understanding what is causing the stain, this will determine the course of action. Treatments can be expensive and disrupt water balance, which is why sometimes it's best to call a professional when faced with discolored pool walls. Stains, like algae, are more easily prevented than treated.  Pools in my service program with staining issues are treated in the spring (after opening/before swimming) and receive maintenance doses of stain prevention during the season.  Filtering the source water before it goes into the pool can help too!

During hot summer months, cloudy pool water is a common problem. Cloudiness is almost always caused by "heavy bather load".  Simply put, this means that there are too many bodies in the water.  The equation: heavy bather load + sunscreen = clogged pool filter = no chlorine going into water = cloudy pool.  Fortunately this problem can be easily fixed, especially if you act quickly.  Cleaning the filter, chlorinating the water, along with enzymes and clarifiers will clear the water usually in a matter of hours.  I use high quality, organic treatments to speed up the process, which is important when it's 95F out and the kiddies are begging to get back in!  During the season my pools are treated with maintenance doses of these oil-fighting enzymes, increasing pool filter efficiency and controlling the "scum line".

These images show a pool cloudy from heavy use and oils