Sometimes, the smell isn’t chloramines but algae or certain bacteria. Musty algae can produce a swampy, fishy odor, especially if your pH is off. It’s Mother Nature’s way of saying, “Hey, scrub me please!”
Why Does My Pool Smell Like Fish: Common Causes & Solutions
If the smell is accompanied by cloudy water or slimy walls, you’ve got a biofilm problem. Imagine a tiny, invisible layer of gunk that releases stinky gases. Gross, yes—but fixable with a good brush and a balanced pH.
How to Banish the Fish (and Have Fun Doing It)
First, grab a test kit—it’s like a detective kit for your pool. Check free chlorine (should be 1–3 ppm) and pH (7.2–7.6). If chlorine is low, shock it with a non-stabilized chlorine or a potassium monopersulfate shock. You’ll feel like a chemist, and it is oddly satisfying.
Next, run your filter for 24 hours after shocking. And here’s the fun part: invite a friend to help you “super-chlorinate” at dusk. The sun destroys chlorine, so evening is perfect. Plus, you get to wear goofy goggles and pretend you’re a pool superhero.
