GUIDE / SWIMMING POOLS
Cloudy pool water. How to fix it the right way
Why?
It usually takes a while for your pool water to become cloudy. Some water problems can cause noticeable cloudiness overnight. So what happened?
1. Low sanitizer level
Lack of chlorine or bromine in your water can lead to bacterial growth and increased strain on your filter. Your sanitizer level may be low for various reasons…
- Natural debris (leaves) depletes your sanitizer. If debris is not removed quickly by you or your filter, it will consume your chlorine or bromine.
- Sweat, sunscreen, cosmetics and even urine deplete chlorine.
- Ultraviolet rays from the sun break down the hypochlorite ions created when you add chlorine to your pool.
So, while the chemicals are tackling a pile of leaves in the bottom of your pool, they are less effective at killing pathogens and bacteria quickly, making your pool water cloudy and dangerous.
2. Filtration problems
Circulation and filtration problems are one of the main causes of cloudy pool water. They can be avoided by keeping the circulation system in good condition…
- The filtration system is not blocked.
- Your pump is not dying.
- Your filter media (sand, DE or cartridge) does not need to be replaced.
- You run your filtration system at full capacity.
Your pool mechanics may fail you as you age, or they may be damaged by improper chemical levels or neglect. When your filter can’t remove contaminants as well as it should, you get cloudy pool water and probably a handful of other water problems.
3. Inadequate water balancing
High pH and alkalinity can form scale on pool surfaces and inside plumbing while making your sanitizer less effective. This can also lead to problems with algae growth.
And if chlorine levels aren’t stable, you can also end up with a lot of chloramines – the byproduct of chlorine – which can be irritating and even corrosive. Never take whitish pool water lightly.
How to clear your pool water
1. Deep clean your pool
First, give your pool a good scrubbing. Remove large debris with a well. Brush your walls well with a pool brush, then vacuum.
If you have pool algae, you need to deal with it first!
2. Apply your shock treatment in the evening
To get rid of all the dirt in your cloudy pool water, shock (use Ultra shock and Pristiva Premium shock for salt pools). This dose of chlorine eliminates disorders caused by bacteria, organic contaminants and algae.
Note: Always do your shock treatment at dusk or night.
3. Filter your pool water non-stop
Make sure your pool mechanics are maximized
- If you have a variable speed pump, increase the speed of it.
- Make sure your filter media is cleaned or changed.
- Make sure your pool pump is running 24 hours a day.
4. Use your background drain
The main skimmer sits on the surface of your pool. It can’t reach the debris on the bottom. Your bottom drain is your best friend; atthis point, the suction should come from the bottom drain first.
5. Balance your pool water
Once you are sure your water is as clean as it can be, test it or take a sample to your local pool store. Adjust the chemicals if necessary.
6. Use a water clarifier
You can incorporate this additive as the Dazzle New Nature sheen pool clarifiers into your weekly water maintenance routine as a preventative measure. Water clarifiers won’t solve any of the more serious problems that can cause a cloudy pool, but they will help by coagulating debris, making it easier for your filter to catch it.
How long does it take for the water to clear?
Depending on the condition of the pool, it can take 2-3 days for your water to clear. Just be sure to run your filter 24/7. Maintain the chemical balance of your water and add the right water clarifier for good results!