Say Goodbye to Cloudy Pool Water

As pool owners, we all have to deal with cloudy pool water at some point. Determining the cause of the cloudiness is the first step in remedying the situation. Cloudy pool water can be caused by improper chlorine levels, pH and alkalinity imbalance, broken or clogged filters, algae, or debris. Use this guide to help determine the culprit behind your cloudy pool.

Why is my pool water cloudy?

1. Are your chemicals properly balanced? (Check your chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.)

• Did you shock your pool recently? Is there too much or too little chlorine?
• Is the pH and alkalinity out of balance?
• Does the water have high calcium hardness levels?

Solution: Too little chlorine is a leading cause of cloudy pool water. Chlorine sanitizes the water, and without it, contaminants build up, resulting in cloudiness.

Make sure your pH, total alkalinity (TA), and calcium are all in the acceptable range and that the combination of the three isn’t on the high end. If they are, your water is likely out of balance. When the water temperature is also high, the imbalance of these chemicals is even more likely to cause cloudiness. High pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness are common culprits.

If any of the above are out of range, first scrub, skim, and brush your pool walls, then vacuum thoroughly. Once complete, adjust the chemicals to get them back within the acceptable range. Re-balance your water by adjusting the pH. Use a pH reducer or increaser as needed, or add muriatic acid to lower TA.

Be aware that even shocking a clean and balanced pool can cause temporary cloudiness. Still, shocking your pool is essential to remove harmful bacteria, organic contaminants, and algae. After shocking, run your filter and test your water sample. Use a chlorine stabilizer (cyanuric acid) to protect chlorine levels.

If your pool is 100% balanced and still cloudy, try a clarifier product such as Omega Pool Clarifier, available in our store.

2. Is your pool filtration system operating properly?

Poor water circulation and filtration can occur when your filter doesn’t run long enough, becomes clogged, or needs cleaning. Circulation can also be reduced by skimmer and pump baskets full of debris.

Solution: Turn over your pool water by running the filter continuously for at least 12 hours each day. A diatomaceous earth (DE) filter may achieve results in just a few hours because it offers the finest level of filtration. A cartridge filter may take 2–5 times as long, while sand filters can take multiple days. Add DE powder to your sand filter for more effective results.

Is your filter clean? Have you backwashed or cleaned it recently? If not, we recommend doing so. Most contaminants will be removed if your pool filter and sanitizer are working together. During dry, leaf-heavy seasons, empty your baskets daily.

3. Are environmental factors to blame?

Leaves, pollen, and dust can build up in your filter and hinder cleaning. Other factors such as animal waste or rainwater runoff can cause water to become cloudy and unbalanced. Runoff water brings nitrates, phosphates, and other chemicals into your pool, disrupting the balance. Algae growth also leads to cloudiness while rapidly using up chlorine.

Are swimmers causing the cloudiness? Sunscreen, hair products, bug spray, and other contaminants all contribute to poor water clarity.

Even the sun alone can deplete sanitizers: “Its powerful ultraviolet rays break apart the sanitizing hypochlorite ions created when you add chlorine to your pool, causing them to evaporate into the air around your pool. This means less sanitizer and more dirt in your water.” – Swim University

Solution: See Solution #2 above (hint: run your filter!). Using an enzyme product such as Natural Chemistry Pool Perfect will help manage contaminants introduced by swimmers. Maintaining proper levels of cyanuric acid (stabilizer/conditioner) will also prevent the sun from depleting your chlorine too quickly.

The Bottom Line

The best way to eliminate cloudy pool water is to prevent it in the first place. We recommend working with our team of professionals to create a customized pool maintenance schedule that keeps your water clean, clear, and inviting. Sign up for our Hassle Free Pool Care program or contact us to learn more!