Tips on Clearing Up Cloudy Swimming Pool Water

When a swimming pool has cloudy water, there are some common issues that cause the pool water to go from crystal clear to cloudy, and it can happen very quickly. If the swimming pool water is cloudy, use the following tips to help identify and solve the problem.

Why does the pool water turn cloudy?

Early Algae Growth - in most cases cloudy pool water is simply a sign of the earliest form of algae growth. Make sure you take action immediately at the first signs of cloudy pool water because algae can take over your pool very fast, sometimes in as little as 24 hours!

Tips for identifying why the pool water has turned cloudy

Use the following tips to help identifying why the pool water has turned cloudy

Insufficient Filtration - The most common reason for cloudy pool water is insufficient filtration. The most common reason for insufficient filtration is simply having a dirty filter that needs to be cleaned. Start troubleshooting with the assumption that the pool filter is dirty. Clean the filter and then run the filter for 24 hours to see if the water will clear. If the filter is already clean, check the filtration cycle time to make sure the filter is running for enough hours during the day. Try increasing the filtration cycle time and see if this solves the problem.

Not Enough Sanitizer Along with the proper amount of filtration, make sure there is an adequate level of sanitizer or chlorine. Without a sufficient level of chlorine, bacteria and algae can start growing very quickly and will soon cause the pool water to get cloudy and eventually will lead to a full bloom of algae. Also, remember that the pool water needs to be balanced in order for the chlorine to be effective. Make sure the pH reading is between 7.2 and 7.8.

Insufficient Circulation The next tip is making sure the swimming pool equipment is providing a healthy amount of circulation. After checking to make sure the pool filter is clean, the filtration cycle is long enough, and that there is enough sanitizer in the pool, turn the swimming pool pump on and make sure it is providing enough circulation. Without good circulation there will definitely not be good filtration, even if the filter is clean and the filtration cycle time is sufficient. First check the pump basket to make sure it is not clogged and completely filling with water when the system is on. Then check to make sure the return flow to the pool is healthy. Sometimes debris gets caught up in the impeller of the pump and restricts the amount of circulation. If there is debris caught up in the pump it will restrict the amount of water that gets pulled into the pump and returned to the pool. Remove the debris and turn the pool equipment back on to see if that solved the problem.

If none of these tips find the problem, some more advanced troubleshooting tips will need to be explored. Following is a quick summary of some of the other issues that could be causing cloudy swimming pool water.

Breach in Filter Media Sometimes the filter media can have a rip or tear that is allowing debris to be returned to the pool during filtration. When cleaning the filter always inspect the filter cartridges or grids to make sure there aren't any breaches that are preventing the filter from providing an adequate level of filtration.

Conditioner Level Too High If the conditioner level (otherwise known as stabilizer or cyanuric acid) is too high, the chlorine in the pool will be rendered ineffective. Test the water and make sure the conditioner level is between 20 and 80. If it is too high the pool will have to be partially drained until the conditioner level is within an acceptable range.

High pH Level If the pH is too high, adjust it to between 7.2 and 7.8.

High Calcium Hardness If the Calcium Hardness is greater than 500, the pool will need to be partially drained until the level is within an acceptable range (150 - 500).

Identifying why swimming pool water gets cloudy can sometimes get complicated. If following the tips above doesn't solve the problem, consider calling a local swimming pool professional for assistance.