Cloudy pool water is the most common problem for pool owners. But trust us, crystal clear water is within reach.
In this article, we’ll explain:
- The causes of cloudy water
- How to clear up cloudy water
We want to help you keep your pool sparkling throughout the entire swimming season!
Why is my pool water cloudy?
When you know what causes cloudy pool water, you can solve – and prevent – it quicker and return to crystal clear water.
Low sanitizer levels
Chlorine is the most common sanitizer, whether from tablets or a salt generator. Not enough chlorine is one of the leading causes of cloudy pool water; when the chlorine level is too low, it’s unable to sanitize pool water adequately. The result: contaminants in the water build up and compromise clarity.
Water is out of balance
Improper water balance typically results in cloudiness. This is why testing your water regularly is important. Keeping water within the correct levels helps keep it clear.
Total Alkalinity (TA): 80 – 120 ppm
pH: 7.2 – 7.8
Total Hardness: 250 – 400 ppm
High pH levels
When the pH rises above the recommended range of 7.2-7.8 it can cause cloudiness and inhibit chlorine effectiveness. High pH levels mean chlorine cannot do its job properly.
Elevated pH can also cause minerals like calcium and magnesium to precipitate out of the water, forming scale and deposits on pool surfaces and equipment.
Poor Filtration
Filter troubles are another common cause of cloudy pool water. If your pool’s filter system is not working properly, it can’t remove the contaminants that cause cloudy pool water.
If you’re not running the pump at least 8 to 10 hours a day, your pool water is not getting the filtration it needs to keep the water debris-free.
Keep your filter clean so it can do its job. Backwashing your sand or DE filter or rinsing your cartridge filter is good maintenance.
The environment
Everything around your pool can cause cloudy water. Trees, bushes or grass near your pool can contribute to cloudy water.
If construction sites are nearby or other sources of dust and debris, it’s possible for those particles to enter the pool and make the water cloudy.
If your pool is uncovered, heavy rainfall means additional water with contaminants is in your pool. Plus, wind can carry dirt, pollen, leaves and other foreign particles into your pool.
Pets are another source of contaminants. One dog in a pool = 50 swimmers. It’s best to keep your dog out of the pool, but if not, know you’ll be battling contaminants from your “best friend” – including dog hair in the filter.
When your pool is uncovered, prolonged exposure to sunlight and ultraviolet (UV) rays causes chlorine and other pool chemicals to breakdown, reducing their effectiveness.
All to say, more contaminants from sources like those just mentioned mean more chlorine is needed, more often. And without adequate levels of chlorine, microorganisms can grow and cloudy water can happen.
Pool use
Swimmers may introduce even more organic and inorganic matter into the pool. Who knew? Sweat, sunscreen and cosmetics are a few things each swimmer contributes to water problems.
Chemicals break down the various substances, which uses up chlorine reserves and leaves less chlorine available to kill germs and keep the water clear.
More swimmers introduce more substances, and the more often swimmers use the pool, the harder chlorine must work. But hey – that’s what the pool is for, right?
It’s just a fact that if more swimmers use the pool more often, it’s more likely you’ll battle cloudy water.
Algae growth
Algae and cloudy water go hand-in-hand. Algae thrives in a pool where water is out of balance, pool filtration is inadequate or a lot of organic matter like leaves or twigs are allowed to linger in the pool.
Chlorine’s job is to fight bacteria. However, when water is out of balance, chlorine can’t work effectively. When debris is in the water, it uses up chlorine.
Old and/or dirty filters make chlorine work harder. Inadequate circulation means chlorine struggles to keep all the water clean.
If any of these factors occur, even a small amount of algae present in your pool’s water can cause cloudiness.
That’s why the instant you detect algae, we recommend you treat it before correcting the cloudy water.
Don’t fret- we have an article on how you can get rid of algae in your pool aquí.
Key takeaway: if you notice your pool water is even a bit cloudy, it’s time to take action.
How to Fix Cloudy Pool Water
Now that you know the causes of cloudy water – learn how to correct it.
Make sure your water is balanced
It’s worth repeating: keep your pool water balanced, and you may avoid all kinds of pool problems.
Water balance describes the ideal condition of pool water. That means the water is within ideal levels of Total Alkalinity, pH and Total Hardness.
If your water is cloudy, test it.
Balanced water is within the following ranges:
- Alcalinidad total: 80 – 120 ppm
- pH: 7.2 – 7.8
- Total Hardness: 200 – 400 ppm
Frequent testing and adjusting as needed will help you achieve and maintain water balance. Check out our water balancing guide for pools here.
Keep testing your water and making adjustments until it falls within the ideal ranges.
Use a chlorine shock
Low levels of chlorine can be a common reason for cloudiness in your pool, so it’s a great idea to shock the water to elevate the chlorine levels. This will sanitize the water and clear any buildup of contaminants.
Follow the manufacturer’s directions on the shock treatment you use to get the adequate amount of shock for your size pool.
Check your filter
Verify that your filter is working properly.
If you haven’t cleaned it, it’s time. Check with the manufacturer’s directions on how to clean your pool filter – when and how to clean a filter often depends on the type of filter you have.
Check for broken parts and replace if needed.
Keeping filters clean and in good condition goes a long way toward maintaining clean, clear water.
Run the pump
One of the easiest fixes for cloudy water is to increase your pool pump run time per day. If you have cloudy water, run the pump 24 hours a day until water clarity is reinstated.
This kickstarts water filtration – an essential part of pool maintenance. Water must pass through the filter at least 2-3 times per day to properly filter and remove contaminants.
Vacuum debris
Why vacuum? Vacuuming your pool can temporarily agitate debris particles that caused the cloudy water. When these particles become suspended in the pool water, they are more likely to be filtered out.
If cloudy water persists, it may be time to use a pool clarifier to get those foreign particles out. Speaking of getting those stubborn particles out, we recommend RANA® Adiós a las nubes en 90 días® to help keep your pool water crystal clear. These easy-to-use, prefilled Pool Pods dissolve in your skimmer basket within 24 hours, helping prevent cloudy water and maintain clear, inviting water for up to 90 days.
And, there you have it – clear, balanced pool water!
