Top 5 Signs Your Pool Needs a Deep Clean (and Not Just a Skim)

If you’re like many pool owners in El Dorado Hills, chances are you’re used to grabbing a skimmer net, doing a chlorine check, and calling it a day. But sometimes, surface-level maintenance just isn’t enough. A pool that looks okay on the surface might be hiding deeper issues — and ignoring them could damage your equipment, jeopardize your health, or ruin your next swim session.

At Lakeside Pool Service, we specialize in helping homeowners identify when routine cleaning isn’t cutting it. If you’re not sure whether your pool needs professional help, here are five telltale signs it’s time for a deep clean.

1. Cloudy, Murky, or Green Water

Crystal-clear water is the gold standard for any well-maintained pool. But when the water turns cloudy, milky, or green, it’s a sign something is seriously off.

• Cloudiness can come from poor filtration, unbalanced chemicals, or organic debris.

• Green tint is usually due to algae blooms, often triggered by improper sanitation or warm weather.

• According to fellow professionals Ogden Pools, even slight discoloration can indicate contamination and damage to pool equipment.

If you notice hazy water despite your best efforts, you likely need a professional to balance your chemistry and clean your filters thoroughly.

Water Color	Likely Cause	What It Means	Recommended Action
Cloudy or Milky	Poor filtration, high calcium, or organics	Filtration isn’t working properly; possible algae bloom starting	Clean or replace filter, test water, and rebalance chemicals
Green	Algae growth due to low chlorine	Pool is unsafe for swimming	Shock the pool with chlorine, brush walls, and check filtration system
Brown or Rusty	Iron or manganese in water	Metal contamination, often from source water or corrosion	Use metal sequestrant, test for metals, consider water replacement
Black or Dark Green	Black algae or severe debris buildup	Advanced algae issue or organic matter overload	Call a professional cleaner; requires deep clean and multiple treatments
Yellow or Mustard	Mustard algae	A chlorine-resistant algae type	Use specialized algaecide; scrub thoroughly and maintain proper chlorine levels
Blue-Green Tint	Copper presence or algae beginning	May be from copper pipes or algaecide reaction	Test for metals; reduce copper; use chelating agent or sequestering solution
Foamy or Bubbly	Surfactants from lotions, detergents, or algae	Too many bathers or improper chemical use	Remove foam with enzyme products and adjust chemical balance

2. Foul or Unusual Odors

Does your pool smell like something’s not right — musty, overly chlorinated, or just plain weird? A strong chlorine smell is actually a warning sign, not a badge of cleanliness.

• Overpowering chemical odors often mean chloramines have built up — byproducts formed when chlorine binds with contaminants like sweat or urine.

• A musty smell could indicate stagnant water or algae growth.

• As Executive Blue Pools explains, unpleasant odors can signal poor circulation and a high organic load.

A deep clean removes contaminants and rebalances the water to eliminate that lingering stink — and make your pool safe again.

3. Algae, Scale, or Surface Stains

Visible discoloration or buildup on your pool walls and floor should never be ignored. It’s more than just cosmetic — it’s a sign of chemical imbalance, contamination, or neglected cleaning.

• Algae can range from green and yellow to dangerous black spots, clinging to walls and steps.

• Calcium scale forms gritty, white crusts from high water hardness or pH imbalance.

• Stains may be organic (from leaves or debris) or metallic (from iron or copper in the water).

Source: Texas EnviroBlast, LLC

Left untreated, buildup like this can permanently damage your pool’s finish. A professional deep clean scrubs and treats the root cause, restoring your pool’s surfaces and water chemistry.

4. Increased Irritation or Skin Reactions

Are swimmers complaining about red eyes, itchy skin, or breathing issues after a dip in your pool? These aren’t just inconveniences — they’re signs your water chemistry is off or your sanitizer levels aren’t keeping up.

• Eye and skin irritation often mean pH and chlorine levels are unbalanced.

• Executive Blue Pools notes that bacteria and chloramine buildup can cause respiratory discomfort as well.

• These issues often fly under the radar when you’re only doing basic testing or chemical additions.

A deep clean with full-panel water testing ensures your pool is safe, comfortable, and enjoyable for everyone.

5. Clogged Filters or Weak Circulation

If your pump sounds strange, your jets aren’t pushing out strong water, or your filter is constantly dirty — your pool’s circulation system may be struggling.

• Ash, pollen, and organic debris can clog filters and strain pumps.

• According to Aqua-Tech, wildfire smoke and ash can overwhelm your pool water with organic loading, phosphates, and fine particulates that clog filters.

• When filters can’t trap contaminants effectively, you’ll see dull water, algae growth, and rising chlorine demand.

Our weekly service includes regular filter inspections and cleaning to help you avoid expensive repairs and keep your system running strong.

Why Regular Skimming Isn’t Enough

Even when you’re on top of your day-to-day pool tasks — skimming, testing, adding chlorine — there are things only professional deep cleaning can accomplish. Tools like phosphate removers, vacuuming systems, filter backwashes, and specialty algaecides go far beyond anything the average homeowner has access to.

And in wildfire-prone areas like El Dorado Hills, organic debris and air pollutants can overwhelm your pool even if you’ve done everything right.

As this Reddit thread warns, many pool issues go undetected until it’s too late — especially if you don’t have professional-grade test kits or pump diagnostics.

Schedule a Deep Cleaning With Lakeside Pool Service

At Lakeside Pool Service, we offer professional pool cleaning for homes throughout El Dorado Hills and Folsom, including custom neighborhoods like La Cresta Village, Serrano, and The Promontory.

We’re not just here to skim leaves. We inspect your system, scrub surfaces, balance water chemistry, and clean your filters — so your pool stays beautiful, safe, and ready for summer fun.

📅 Request a free estimate today or contact our team to schedule a deep clean.