A pool with clear, sparkling water is very appealing and makes you want to swim. However, cloudy pool water is not inviting at all. To fix it quickly, you need to find out what’s causing the problem.
Is It Safe to Swim in Cloudy Pool Water?
Cloudy water can be dangerous because it makes it hard to see swimmers who might be in trouble underwater. The CDC suggests checking if you can see the drain at the deep end of the pool before getting in.
Why Is the Water in Your Swimming Pool Cloudy?
Cloudy water usually happens due to a low filter runtime, chemical imbalance, or algae. Each problem has its own way of being diagnosed and fixed, but it can generally be cleared up in a few days with the right attention. The following are the most possible causes:
- Improper Chlorine Levels: If chlorine levels are too low or too high, it can make the water cloudy.
- Imbalanced pH and Alkalinity: High pH can cause calcium to form scales and make the water cloudy. Low pH can make chlorine disappear quickly.
- High Calcium Hardness (CH) Levels: Too much calcium that can’t dissolve in the water leads to cloudiness and scaling.
- Faulty or Clogged Filter: A bad or clogged filter can’t remove debris and particles, causing cloudy water.
- Early Stages of Algae Growth: When algae start to grow, it can make the water look cloudy.
- Presence of Ammonia: Ammonia buildup from bacteria can make the pool water cloudy.
- Debris, Dirt, and Foreign Particles: Leaves, pollen, and waste from swimmers can introduce particles that cloud the water.
How to Get Rid of Cloudy Water in Your Pool?
Fixing cloudy pool water can be hard, especially if you’re new to owning a pool. Following steps can help you find the cause and get it clear again:
Step 1: Check Your Filter
Look at your filter to see if it needs cleaning, service, or replacement. For cartridge filters, check the pressure gauge, hose down the cartridge, and soak it in water with filter cleaner for 12 hours. Rinse it well afterward.
Replace cartridge filters every two years. Run your filter for 6-8 hours daily in summer and 4 hours in winter. For media filters, backwash every 2-4 weeks. If backwashing doesn’t clear the water, it may be time to replace the sand or media, which typically lasts 5-7 years.
Step 2: Check the Pump
Ensure your pump is the right size for your pool and not too old. If it’s over 10 years old, consider servicing or replacing it. If it’s new, run it for 8-10 hours a day during heavy pool use in summer.
Step 3: Balance Your Chemicals
Check pool chemistry weekly. Fix low chlorine by adding chlorine tablets or liquid chlorine, and consider stabilizing it with cyanuric acid. Shock the pool at night for quick chlorine boost.
Fix high pH with pH Down or Liquid Pool Acid to reach 7.2-7.6. Adjust high calcium hardness with Calcium Down or fresh water. Aim for 200-400 ppm for concrete/tiled pools and 100-250 ppm for vinyl/fiberglass pools. Correct high total alkalinity with pH Down or Liquid Pool Acid.
Step 4: Remove Environmental Debris
Clear leaves, twigs, and debris from the skimmer and pump basket. Use a skimmer net, brush the walls, and vacuum manually. Use a pool clarifier for tiny particles, running the pump for 24 hours. For very cloudy water, use a pool flocculant to bind particles, then manually vacuum them from the pool floor.
Final Wrap Up
Nobody likes to swim in a cloudy pool water. If you’re in a hurry or can’t find the cause, give your pool a shock or use a clarifier to remove stubborn particles. Once the water is clear, maintain it with a weekly pool maintenance schedule.
For more information on your pool condition, contact Millennium Custom Pools. We specialize in all kind of pool customizations, installations and renovations. Dial (713) 766-6580 to reach out.
