Why Your Pool Water Smells Weird
Mark thought the sharp smell coming from his backyard pool meant it was clean. “Must be the chlorine doing its job,” he told his wife as their kids cannonballed in. But by the next day, everyone had red, itchy eyes, and the water had gone from “just a little smelly” to “what died in there?” Spoiler alert: it wasn’t the chlorine — it was what the chlorine had failed to fight off.
If your pool water smells like a chemical plant or has a funky odor you can’t quite describe, your water’s trying to tell you something — and it’s not good.
That Chlorine Smell Isn’t What You Think
Let’s clear this up first: clean, balanced pool water shouldn't smell strong at all. That sharp chlorine odor people associate with “clean” pools is actually a sign of a problem.
The real culprit is chloramines—chemical compounds formed when chlorine mixes with sweat, body oils, sunscreen, and, yes, pee. When chlorine binds to these contaminants, it becomes less effective, and the smell gets stronger.
So if your pool smells like a public locker room, that’s not a badge of honor. That’s your pool crying out for help.
What Causes Pool Water to Smell Bad?
Several culprits can create off-putting odors in your pool. Understanding what’s behind the smell can help you treat the problem accurately instead of throwing more chlorine at it and hoping it works.
Chloramines
As mentioned, these are the byproducts of chlorine doing battle with contaminants. When they build up, they not only smell bad but also irritate skin and eyes.
Imbalanced Water Chemistry
Low sanitizer level, poor water balance, and inconsistent pH can make things go sideways fast. You might notice a musty, metallic, or even sour smell depending on which chemical levels are off.
Contaminated Water
A buildup of organic material — leaves, algae, sunscreen, or body waste — contributes to stagnant, foul-smelling water. If your water flow is poor or your hot water system isn’t circulating properly, odors can follow.
Dirty Pool Filters
If you haven’t cleaned your filters in a while, that’s a party for bacteria and debris. A clogged filter compartment can affect water flow and overall water quality.
What That Weird Smell Might Mean
Different smells can signal different problems. Below are some specific odor clues and what they usually indicate, along with how to fix them:
Strong Chemical/Chlorine Smell
Likely cause: High chloramine levels
Fix: Shock the pool and retest chemical levels
Musty or Earthy Smell
Likely cause: Algae growth
Fix: Brush pool surfaces, add algaecide, clean filters, and adjust chlorine levels
Sour or Rotten Odor
Likely cause: Decomposing organic matter (like leaves or bugs)
Fix: Net out debris, vacuum the pool, and double-check water balance
Metallic or Rusty Smell
Likely cause: High iron or copper content in your water supply
Fix: Test for metals and use a metal sequestrant as part of regular maintenance
How to Fix It (And Prevent It Next Time)
Smelly water doesn’t mean your pool is doomed—it means it needs attention. Here’s your checklist to get your swimming pool back on track.
1. Shock the Water
Break up chloramines with a proper shock treatment. Don’t just toss in extra chlorine—use a pool shock product and follow the directions carefully.
2. Check Your Water Chemistry
Grab a test kit or take water samples to a local pool shop. Look at:
Chlorine levels
pH
Alkalinity
Calcium hardness
Stabilizer levels
Metals
3. Clean or Replace Your Hot Tub Filters
Dirty filters contribute to contaminated water and poor water flow. Use a proper filter cleaner on a regular basis and replace them when needed.
4. Improve Daily Maintenance Habits
Start a routine:
Skim debris daily
Check chemical levels regularly
Clean skimmer baskets
Brush the walls
Keep the spa cover on when not in use
When to Call the Pros
If you’ve shocked your water, cleaned your filters, and checked chemical levels—and that smell still won’t quit—it’s time to call in maintenance services. A lack of maintenance or overlooked chemical imbalance can lead to expensive repairs down the road.
At American Dream Pool & Spa Service, we help hot tub owners and pool lovers throughout Northern California—including Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, Sheridan, Loomis, and Penryn—get their water clean and their systems working right.
Let us sniff out the problem (so you don’t have to). Call us today to schedule expert cleaning or repair services.
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.
