Which is a common cause of water imbalance in a pool?

A poor filtration system is a common cause of water imbalance in a pool because it plays a crucial role in maintaining water quality by circulating and filtering the water. If the filtration system is inefficient or malfunctioning, it may not effectively remove contaminants, debris, and organic matter from the water. This can lead to issues such as elevated levels of phosphates and nitrates, which can affect pH levels, alkalinity, and overall water balance.

Additionally, an ineffective filtration system can fail to properly circulate water, resulting in stagnant areas and allowing for the potential growth of algae and other harmful contaminants. Regular maintenance and ensuring that the filtration system is functioning properly are key aspects of keeping pool water balanced and safe for recreational use.

While the other options may have some impact on pool water quality, they do not directly contribute to water imbalance to the same extent as a poor filtration system does. For example, excessive sunlight can lead to increased evaporation and temperature changes but is generally not as impactful in terms of chemical balance. Low bather load and low usage of pool chemicals can influence water quality in different ways, but they are not as definitive in causing an imbalance as a malfunctioning filtration system.