Why Your Pool Might Smell Weird (And What You Can Do About It)
Jennifer had just hosted a pool party at her home in Rocklin. The weather was perfect, the drinks were cold, and the kids had a blast. But the next morning, she stepped outside and caught a strong, sharp smell that hit her like a chlorine-scented slap to the face. Her pool was sparkling, but it definitely didn’t smell right. Jennifer figured it was just leftover pool chemicals, but a week later, the smell lingered—and so did her confusion.
If you’ve ever walked into your backyard and wondered, "Why does my pool smell so strong?" or "Is this odor normal?" you’re not alone. Weird pool smells are more common than most pool owners realize, especially in places like Northern California where weather swings and debris from surrounding trees can influence your water chemistry. Let’s break down the causes of pool odors and how to fix them.
That "Chlorine" Smell Isn’t What You Think
You might assume a strong chlorine smell means your pool is clean. Surprisingly, it's the opposite. That overpowering scent usually means your pool has too many chloramines, which are byproducts that form when chlorine mixes with body oils, sweat, and other organic matter. They indicate your chlorine is busy reacting with contaminants instead of keeping the water clean.
A properly balanced pool should barely smell at all. So if your pool is giving off that public-gym vibe, it’s time for a water chemistry check.
Musty or Earthy Odors
A musty smell usually points to algae growth or bacterial colonies hiding out in corners, plumbing, or your pool equipment. Algae thrive in stagnant water and in pools where the chemical balance is even slightly off. This kind of smell might creep up more often during warm, wet spells—just the kind of weather Northern California sees between storms and sunny days.
The scent may not be strong at first, but if it smells like a damp towel that’s been left in the corner too long, don’t ignore it.
Rotten Egg or Sulfur Smells
Now this one’s unpleasant. A rotten egg odor is often the result of hydrogen sulfide gas, which can form when there’s decaying organic matter in the pool—like leaves, twigs, or even dead algae. It might also stem from poor circulation or bacterial growth inside your pool heater or plumbing lines.
If your pool smells like a high school science experiment gone wrong, it could be time to clean out filters, vacuum the floor, and shock the system.
The Culprits Behind Pool Odors
Before you jump to conclusions, it helps to know the most common causes of pool odors:
High chloramine levels from heavy pool use without proper sanitation.
Algae buildup that leads to bacterial growth and off-putting smells.
Poor water circulation that allows dead zones to form.
Neglected filtration systems that hold trapped debris.
Unbalanced chemical levels, especially low free chlorine.
In Northern California towns like Lincoln, Loomis, and Penryn, where backyard foliage can dump all kinds of organic debris into pools, it’s easy for this stuff to pile up fast.
How to Get Rid of the Smell (And Keep It Gone)
Once you’ve identified the cause, it’s time to get your pool smelling like fresh water again—not like a science project.
Shock the Pool
Use a pool shock treatment to oxidize and eliminate chloramines. This will also destroy bacteria and algae spores that might be hiding in the water. Be sure to do this at night so the sun doesn’t burn off your chlorine too quickly.
Test and Balance Chemical Levels
Regularly test your water with a reliable test kit or bring a water sample to a professional. Free chlorine should be in the proper range (typically 1-3 ppm for residential pools), and pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6.
Clean Filters and Skimmers
Remove leaves and other organic debris from the skimmer basket and pump basket. Check your filter—whether it’s cartridge, sand, or DE—and clean or backwash as needed. Clogged filters can harbor bacteria that make the pool smell worse over time.
Improve Circulation
Make sure your pool pump is running long enough each day. Most pools need 8-12 hours of circulation, especially during swim season. Poor circulation allows dead spots where bacteria and algae can thrive.
Brush and Vacuum the Pool
Algae and bacteria love to cling to surfaces. Brush your pool walls and floor thoroughly and follow with a good vacuuming to remove debris.
When to Call in a Pro
If the smell returns even after you’ve cleaned, shocked, and tested, it could be a sign of a deeper issue, like a biofilm buildup in your pipes or an issue with your pool heater. That’s where a professional service like American Dream Pool & Spa Service can save you time and stress.
Our team knows the pools in Roseville, Rocklin, and the greater Northern California region inside and out. We’ve handled funky smells from all kinds of backyard pools—concrete, fiberglass, saltwater, you name it.
Prevent Pool Odors Before They Start
You don’t have to wait until your pool smells off to take action. The key is regular pool maintenance:
Keep up with water testing (at least once a week).
Run your pool pump daily, especially during warmer months.
Clean your filter and skimmer baskets weekly.
Brush and vacuum regularly to prevent algae and buildup.
Use enzyme treatments if you get a lot of organic debris.
Rain, wind, and tree debris can all change your pool’s chemistry in a hurry, especially in areas like Sheridan and Loomis. Keeping a consistent maintenance routine goes a long way.
Your Backyard Should Smell Like Summer, Not a Locker Room
There’s nothing relaxing about stepping outside and getting a whiff of strong chlorine or musty pool water. Fortunately, most pool odors are easy to fix with a little effort—and even easier to prevent with regular service.
If your pool smells off or you’re just not sure what’s going on with your water, American Dream Pool & Spa Service is here to help. We provide expert maintenance and repair for pool and spa owners across Northern California, including Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Loomis, Penryn, and Sheridan. We’ll help you get your pool back to fresh and clean—without the science lab vibes.
Ready to say goodbye to weird pool smells? Give us a call today.
American Dream Pool and Spa Service is a trusted provider of pool and spa maintenance, repair, and cleaning services. They serve the areas of Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, CA, offering comprehensive care for both residential and commercial pools. Their services include everything from routine maintenance to specialized repairs for pool and spa equipment, ensuring that every pool owner enjoys a clean, safe, and well-maintained pool or spa throughout the year. With a focus on customer satisfaction, American Dream Pool and Spa Service strives to keep pools in top condition, regardless of the season.
