How to Get Rid of Foam in Pool: Causes & Solutions

Having foam in your pool is typical and irritating because it makes it impossible to swim comfortably. Suffice it to say that foamy water is an eyesore, and in most cases, it indicates the presence of excess chemicals or impurities. In this blog, you will learn what causes the formation of foam in your pool and, more importantly, about anti-foam pool treatments and how to use them properly and efficiently.

In this article:

• How to Get Rid of Foam in Pool Effectively
• What Causes Foam in Pools?
• How to Prevent Pool Foam From Coming Back

How to Get Rid of Foam in Pool Effectively

If you wonder how to get rid of foam in the pool effectively, follow the actionable steps below.

Step 1. Test and Balance Your Pool Chemistry

Start by testing your pool’s chemicals. Use a pool test kit to check the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. The ideal pH is between 7.4 and 7.6. Alkalinity should be 80 to 120 ppm, and calcium hardness should be 200 to 400 ppm. Balancing these levels helps prevent foam from forming and keeps your water safe.

Step 2. Shock the Pool

Shocking your pool helps break down dirt and oils. Add a chlorine-based shock treatment to kill contaminants like sunscreens and body creams. Run your filter for at least 24 hours after shocking. This will help clear the foam and improve water quality.

Step 3. Use an Enzyme-Based Pool Cleaner

Enzyme cleaners can effectively reduce foam. They break down oils and organic materials in the water. Add the cleaner according to the package instructions. This step will help keep your water clear and reduce foam.

Step 4. Dilute the Pool Water

If foam continues, partially drain the pool and refill it with fresh water. This will dilute excess chemicals and residues. Clean water helps improve overall quality and can quickly reduce foam.

Step 5. Skim and Vacuum the Surface

Remove foam manually using a skimmer. Skim the surface to collect foam and then vacuum the pool floor. This immediate action clears the water and makes swimming more enjoyable.

Step 6. Check for Air Leaks in the Filtration System

Air leaks can cause bubbles that form foam. Inspect your pump, filter, and connections for leaks. Seal any leaks you find. Fixing air leaks helps reduce foam and improves filter efficiency.

Step 7. Limit Chemical Overuse

Avoid using too many chemicals in your pool. Overdosing with algaecides can create foam. Always follow the recommended amounts for pool chemicals. This will help keep your pool foam-free.

Step 8. Use an Anti-foam Product (Optional)

For quick results, you can add an antifoam product. These products work fast to reduce foam on the surface. However, remember that they only provide a temporary solution. Use them along with the other steps for the best results.

What Causes Foam in Pools?

Understanding the underlying causes of foam in your pool is crucial for effectively tackling the problem. By identifying what contributes to foam formation, you can better apply the solutions we've discussed and prevent future occurrences.

High Levels of Organic Matter

Most people experience foam formation in swimming pools where a lot of organic waste is carried into the swimming pool, and foaming occurs on the water. This foam is often off-white to white and may settle in spots like those with little or no water movement. Organic debris can find its way into the swimming pool because of the bathers (dead skin, hair, sweat) and other things they bring, such as lotions, sunscreens, or hair gels.  External agents like insects, falling leaves, or simply vegetation around the pool area can also contaminate the pool with organic matter. Bather load or low throughput filtration pool waters can also have high organic matter accumulation, hence, foaming.

Chemical Imbalance

Imbalanced pool chemistry is another frequent cause of foam formation. Low levels of calcium hardness, as well as unbalanced pH or alkalinity, create an environment where foam can form easily. Keeping these chemical levels balanced helps prevent foam and maintains overall water quality.

Excess Algaecide or Chemical Usage

Using too much algaecide or opting for a low-grade product can introduce foam. Many cheaper algaecides contain surfactants, which can lead to foaming if overdosed. Cheap algaecides may not treat algae and will instead create foam on the water's surface.  If you ask yourself how to get rid of algaecide foam in a pool, you better mind that information from the algaecide’s instructions. Avoid low-cost options with only 10% polymers. Instead, choose algaecides with 30% to 60% polymers or copper-, silver-, or gold-based options, which are practical and non-foaming.

Air Leaks in Filtration Systems

Air leaks in the filtration system can also create a foam-like effect on the water's surface. The suction of air into pumps or filters disrupts the water flow, leading to the formation of bubbles that rise and collect at the surface as foam. This is common with pump systems, so if there is an air leak problem within the system, the source should be investigated thoroughly.

How to Prevent Pool Foam From Coming Back

• Rinse off Before Swimming: Encourage swimmers to rinse off any lotions, oils, and soaps that sit on their bodies to minimize organic matter, especially in the pool.
• Use Chemicals as Instructed: Adhere to the recommended use rate of foaming agents and other pool chemicals to avoid overfilling and the accumulation of bulky particles.
• Test and Chemically Balance the Pool Water on a Regular Basis: Testing will allow you to adjust the chemistry of your pool and prevent condensation from occurring within the pool.
• Care for the Swimming Pool Gear: Inspect the swimming pool internally for leakages in the filtration system and service it to contain air in the system and thus avoid foam.

Conclusion

Dealing with pool foam can irritate most people; however, it is not hard to resolve and avoid when dealing with the right strategy. In most cases, foamy pools result from chemical abuse, dirty water, or improper setup, which is why someone would need to clear their foam pools. Regular maintenance, proper chemical usage, and consistent water testing are the keys to keeping your pool foam-free and ready for enjoyment.