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How to Clear Cloudy Pool Water
June 7, 2024
-
By
John Harrington
Cloudy pool water is a common problem that can be caused by various things from a dirty filter to poor water chemistry.
In this post, we’ll be going over how to determine the root cause as well as how to fix it. Keep reading to learn more!
Common Causes of Cloudy Pool Water
Determining the root cause of the cloudiness is crucial when it comes to maintaining your pool’s water clarity. Here are some of the most common scenarios:
Chemical Imbalance
The pH level of your pool is super important if you want to maintain clean, clear water. For optimal clarity, the pH range should be between 7 and 7.6.
Anything higher or lower can lead to murky water.
High total alkalinity can also cause carbonate materials to remain suspended in the pool water, and that can result in cloudiness.
Similarly, high calcium hardness levels can contribute to murky water.
Issues With the Filter
If your pool water is cloudy, it can be a sign of a blocked cartridge filter.
That’s why it’s so important to maintain the filter regularly.
That means cleaning it every few weeks according to the manufacturer’s instructions, using filter aids, and replacing them when necessary.
Environmental Elements
Rainstorms and heavy rainfall can dilute chlorine levels and introduce contaminants into your pool, leading to murkiness.
Debris, run-off water, and foreign contaminants can also enter the pool area, contributing to cloudiness.
Keeping Your Pool Water Clear
There are several things you want to do to keep your pool clear, including cleaning the filter, removing dirt and debris, and balancing the chemicals.
How to Clean Your Pool Filter
Having a well-maintained filtration system, is essential if you want to keep your pool water clean.
Step 1: Turn Off the Pump
Before cleaning the filter, turn off the pool pump (including any automatic timers)
Step 2: Remove the Filter Cartridge
Open the top of the filter after taking off the valve and remove the cartridge. Using a hose, wash off any loose dirt and debris.
Step 3: Measure the Cleaner
In a large container, mix 16o.z. with 4 gallons of water, then submerge the filter cartridge in the solution for 12 hours.
Step 4: Rinse and Reinstall
Remove the filter cartridge from the solution and rinse with clean water before reinstalling.
Supply:
- ACTIVE Hot Tub Filter Cleaner
- Water
- Hose
- Container
ACTIVE Hot Tub & Spa Filter Cleaner
A clean filter is crucial for maintaining clear pool water.
How to Balance Your Chemicals
Maintaining balanced pool chemicals (e.g. pH, free chlorine levels, combined chlorine levels) is crucial to preventing algae growth and ensuring the effectiveness of chlorine.
Supplies:
- Test strips
- Muriatic acid
- Sodium bicarbonate
- Soda ash
- Calcium chloride
Step 1:
If your pool alkalinity level is below 80 ppm, you’ll need to raise it by adding diluted sodium bicarbonate.
If it’s too high, add muriatic acid. Remember, you want the levels to be between 80 and 150 ppm.
Step 2:
Your pool water can become cloudy if the pH level is too high. On the other hand, the water can irritate the eyes if the pH is too low
To raise your swimming pool’s pH level, add soda ash. To lower it, add muriatic acid. You want the pH to be between 7.4 and 7.6
Step 3:
If your water’s calcium hardness level is under 200 ppm, you’ll need to increase it with calcium chloride.
If it’s above 400 ppm, you can fix the problem by draining some of the water and replacing it with fresh water.
Don’t forget to shock your pool as well – that will increase the amount of free chlorine in the water.
How to Remove Contaminants and Debris From Your Pool
Over time, debris can accumulate and eventually clog the pool’s filter or drain. That’s why regular skimming, vacuuming, and brushing is so important.
Supplies:
- Pool skimmer (if pool doesn’t have a built-in skimmer)
- Pool vacuum
- Pool brush
Step 1:
Consider using a robotic skimmer if your pool doesn’t come with a built-in skimmer.
Simply plug it in, put it in the pool and it will automatically glide across the water surface, removing debris.
Step 2:
Run your pool vacuum for two hours a day, two to three days a week. Don’t forget to clean the basket weekly as well, otherwise, debris will build up.
Step 3:
Brush your pool 2-3 times a week with a swimming pool brush. That will prevent algae from growing and stains from developing.
Monitor and Maintain Regularly
We recommend using pool water test strips to monitor the quality of your water. If necessary, add chlorine or bromine to ensure that the pool sanitizer remains effective.
Monitoring your pool’s water chemistry regularly will also allow you to identify any imbalances early, allowing you to take corrective action before the problem escalates.
DIY Tips for Clearing Cloudy Water
Sometimes, you can treat chemical imbalances with household products. For example, you can increase the pH with baking soda.
In terms of how much to add, it’ll depend on the size of your pool and the current pH levels. For example, if you have a 10,000 gallon pool, you’ll need to add between 3 and 4 pounds of baking soda to raise the alkalinity.
It’s also important to run the pool pump for at least 8 hours every day (ideally during the day). That will ensure proper circulation, which will help prevent pool algae and cloudy water.
Checking the chlorine levels is also important. Ideally it should be between 1 and 3ppm. Anything lower can lead to cloudiness. For example, rain and sunlight can cause the chlorine levels to drop, in which case, you’ll want to re-balance the levels.
And remember, it’s not uncommon for the water to turn cloudy temporarily after shocking the pool – it’s a common reaction when you use high doses of chlorine, so don’t panic. It’s a temporary situation and will clear up by itself eventually.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid using flocculants and clarifiers with cartridge filters.
That can clog the pool filter system, which will defeat the purpose of trying to clear the water in the first place.
Also, avoid entering the pool if the swimming pool water is noticeably cloudy. Even if it doesn’t seem harmful, it’s better to err on the side of caution. As a general rule, the pool water should be clear before you dive in.
Knowing How to Clear Cloudy Pool
Regular maintenance is key to maintaining a clear swimming pool. From poor water chemistry to tiny particles in the water, there are several things that can turn your pool cloudy. Fortunately, there are easy fixes to these problems.
Remember, you should only swim in a pool if the water is clear – avoid cloudy pool water as it may pose health risks.
Key Takeaways
- Cloudy pool water can result from chemical imbalances, inadequate filtration, or environmental factors
- Identifying the root cause is essential for effective treatment and maintenance
- You can keep the pool water clear by cleaning the filter, removing dirt and debris, and balancing pool chemicals.
- Avoid common mistakes such as using flocculants with cartridge filters in swimming pools
Fixing a Cloudy Swimming Pool – FAQs
What causes cloudy pool water?
Cloudy pool water can be caused by poor water chemistry, poor filtration, or environmental factors like rainstorms and debris.
What’s the best way to clear up cloudy water quickly?
If your above ground pool is cloudy, use pool shock, also known as pool clarifier, to remove combined chlorine molecules and debris, bacteria, or algae.
Also, check that there’s proper filtration – there shouldn’t be any worn or broken parts.
How long should it take to clear a cloudy pool?
Depending on the cause and severity, it may take up to 2-3 days for a cloudy pool to clear. Using a pool clarifier and maintaining balanced water chemistry can help expedite the process.
Will shock clear a cloudy pool?
Yes, adding pool shock can help clear up a cloudy pool caused by chlorine issues or poor circulation/filtration.
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John Harrington
John Harrington, with over 20 years of experience in pool and spa maintenance, generously shares his expertise on the ACTIVE blog. His in-depth knowledge and practical advice provide invaluable guidance for maintaining pristine pools and hot tubs. John's insights help enthusiasts and homeowners ensure their aquatic havens are always in top condition.
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