A pool is a source of countless hours of fun and relaxation, but nothing puts a damper on the enjoyment like cloudy water. Understanding the causes behind cloudy pool water and knowing the steps to remedy it is crucial for every pool owner. In this article, we will break down the potential causes of cloudy water and will provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to clear it up. By following these straightforward steps, you can restore your pool to its pristine, inviting state, and ensure that it remains a safe and refreshing spot for swimming all summer long.
Causes of Cloudy Water
Several factors can cause cloudy pool water, each contributing to that less-than-inviting murkiness. The most common culprit is an imbalance in the pool’s chemistry, particularly with its pH level, which can lead to poor water clarity. Inadequate filtration or a malfunctioning pool filter can also play a significant role, as it would fail to efficiently remove debris and other contaminants.
Pool Chemistry
pH Levels
Acidic water (low pH) can hold more particles, such as calcium, in suspension than basic water (high pH). When particles are suspended in the water, they don’t make the water cloudy, but when the pH rises, the water can no longer hold them in suspension, and they are released into the water, making it cloudy.
Check Your pH Levels:
- Check your pool’s pH level using test strips or a test kit. The ideal pH range is between 7.2 and 7.8.
- If your pH is higher, your water is too basic, which is likely causing the cloudiness.
Fixing the Problem:
- Add pH Minus to your pool water; a full bucket may be needed for a medium to large pool.
- Change your water suction to your main drains or hook up your pool vacuum to the skimmer and place the vacuum at the bottom of the pool to circulate the water at the bottom.
- Let your pool run for a day or until the water clears up.
Chlorine
Low chlorine levels and algae growth are other potential causes of cloudy water. Cloudiness from low chlorine often occurs after heavy rainfall or after really hot weather, which can cause algae to grow. Your ideal chlorine level for your pool is between 1 and 3 ppm. If after testing your water, you find that your chlorine levels are low, then liquid chlorine should be added to your pool. Liquid chlorine will act the quickest to clear up your pool if algae is the problem.
Filtration
Sometimes, cloudiness in pool water is caused by particles getting through the filter. This may be due to a problem with the filtration system or because the particles are too small to be filtered out.
Fixing the Problem:
- Clean the filters.
- Find and fix any damaged parts.
- Add a clarifier to help filter smaller particles.
Sand Filters
For sand filters, you need to backwash them to clean them, this should be done about every other week.
Backwashing:
- Roll out your backwash hose if you have one.
- With your pool pump off, switch the filter to the backwash setting and turn on your pump.
- Wait until the water turns clear by watching the water either in the eyeglass on the filter’s head or at the end of the backwash hose.
- When clear, turn off the pump, switch the filter to the rinse setting, and turn on the pump for 10 seconds.
- Then turn off your pump, and switch back to the filter setting before letting your pool run.
Other Issues:
The sand in your filter needs to be replaced roughly every five years. If this has not been done, then it might be contributing to your cloudy water. This is because the grains of sand become rounded and smooth due to the constant flow of water, reducing their ability to trap debris. Another problem that can occur is a crack in the lateral assembly or the standpipe. If this is the problem, the filter won’t be able to filter debris and may release filter sand into the pool. In such cases, the part will need to be replaced.
Cartridge Filters
With cartridge filters, the cartridges will need to be taken out and sprayed down to clean any built-up debris and algae.
Cleaning:
- Drain the water out of the filter’s tank if possible.
- Remove the top of the filter by removing the clamp around it.
- Take the cartridges out of the tank and spray them off with a hose or pressure washer.
- For a deeper clean, soak the filters in a pool filter cleaning solution for 24 hours. Then spray them with a pressure washer.
- Once clean, reassemble the filters and the tank
Other Issues:
After washing the filters, look for any tares that might be present. If the filters are torn, particles are likely getting through. When you find a possible tare, make sure that it goes through all the layers in the filter. If it’s only one layer or if it’s only some fraying of the layer, then it may still be good. If the filter is torn all the way through, then you will need new filters to clean your pool.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean and clear pool requires diligence and regular monitoring of both water chemistry and filtration systems. By understanding the various causes of cloudy pool water—such as water chemistry, and filtration issues—you can take the necessary steps to prevent or remedy these problems. Whether it’s adjusting the pH, adding chlorine, cleaning or repairing the filters, or using clarifiers, these straightforward measures will help ensure your pool remains a sparkling and inviting place to swim and relax.
