What action should be taken if high levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) are detected?

High levels of total dissolved solids (TDS) in a pool can lead to a variety of issues, including cloudy water, compromised sanitization, and difficulty in maintaining proper water balance. When TDS levels rise significantly, the most effective method to address this issue is to regularly drain and refill the pool with fresh water. This process dilutes the concentration of dissolved solids, thereby bringing the TDS level back to a more manageable range.

Draining and refilling helps to reset the water chemistry, as certain contaminants and dissolved materials that accumulate over time can be effectively removed, leading to improved water clarity and overall pool health. This method is particularly useful because simply adding more chemicals or other treatments won't lower TDS; it may even increase it further.

While increasing chemical additions, adding clarifiers, or adjusting water temperature may provide temporary relief or affect certain aspects of the pool's water quality, they do not directly address the underlying problem of high TDS levels. Therefore, regular draining and refilling is the recommended approach to ensure the pool remains safe and enjoyable for all users.