A swimming pool is a great source of relaxation, fun, and exercise. You can enjoy your time at the pool with your family or friends. However, the pool might have several problems or issues. Cloudy pool water is one of the most common problems. This problem makes the pool water unsightly. In addition, it indicates the build-up of harmful microorganisms, like bacteria. If you’re looking to clear cloudy pool water, you’re in the right place. This article provides a comprehensive guide on how to clear cloudy pool water.
What is Cloudy Pool Water?
Cloudy pool water refers to water in a swimming pool appearing murky, discolored, or hazy. Research shows that it’s a common problem that most pool owners face. Experts link cloudy pool water to various factors. For instance, imbalanced chemical levels, algae growth, lack of proper sanitation, and particulate matter in the water are the main causes. Besides making the water appear unappealing, it also indicates underlying issues. It may signify potentially harmful bacteria and other microorganisms. Thus, it’ll be important to take the appropriate step to clear the cloudy pool water.
What Causes Cloudy Pool Water
Identifying the causes is the first step to clearing cloudy pool water. Studies have linked cloudy pool water to several causal factors. It’s good to identify the causal agent before fixing the problem. Let’s look at the potential causes of cloudy pool water:
Poor circulation and filtration
Malfunctioning circulation and filtration systems are the major causes of cloudy. How does the system affect your pool water? Poor filtration and circulation in the pool make the water stagnant. Stagnant water encourages the growth of bacteria and algae. In addition, leaving your filter clogged or dirty leads to improper filtration. Most cloudy pool water cases result from improper filtration.
High pH and alkalinity levels
You need to ensure you’ve balanced the pH and alkalinity levels of pool water. Balanced levels enhance water clarity and proper sanitation. However, high pH and alkalinity levels result in cloudy and scaling water. What are the ideal ranges? The ideal pH range is between 7.4 and 7.6. In contrast, alkalinity should be between 80 and 120 ppm.
High levels of chlorine
Chlorine is vital in sanitizing pool water. Despite helping sanitize pool water, higher levels can result in cloudiness. How does it cause cloudy water? Chlorine can react with organic matter like sweat, urine, and sunscreen. The reaction creates chloramine that clouds the water.
Poor water chemistry
A lack of proper water chemistry can lead to cloudy water. Improper water chemistry includes imbalanced calcium hard and high levels of metals. High levels of calcium hardness can cause scaling. Alternatively, metals can stain the pool surface and cloud the water.
High levels of total dissolved solids (TDS)
Total dissolved solids (TDS) are the number of minerals, chemicals, and salts. These components represent the total amount of dissolved material in the pool water. Researchers reveal that higher TDS levels make the water cloudy. In addition, you may find this pool challenging to manage.
Poor pool maintenance
Improper pool maintenance can also cause cloudy water. Neglecting to clean the pool regularly can lead to the build-up of organic matter. The build-up of organic matter causes water cloudiness. In addition, your pool water may turn cloudy if you fail to maintain proper water chemistry and sanitation.
What are the Negative Effects of a Cloudy Pool Water
Besides making the pool unattractive, cloudy pool water may also have other negative effects. The effects range from increasing the maintenance cost to posing potential health risks. Let’s look at the negative effects of cloudy pool water.
Unappealing pool appearance
Unappealing pool appearance is the common and most obvious effect of cloudy pool water. It makes the pool look uninviting and unattractive. This appearance deters or prevents swimmers from using the pool.
Increased risk of accidents
Cloudy water increases the risk of accidents. It makes it hard to see the bottom or the other side of the water. The limited vision results in most swimmers tripping or slipping. Researchers reveal that slipping and tripping result in more potential injuries.
Bacteria growth
Besides making the pool look unattractive, cloudy water signifies an underlying issue. It could indicate the growth or build-up of bacteria and other microorganisms. These microorganisms result in various health implications. For instance, they cause illnesses, infections, skin, and eye irritation.
Chemical imbalances
Cloudy water could be a warning sign of chemical imbalances in the pool. Chemical imbalances cause various issues in your pool. For instance, it may lead to increased chemical usage, more frequent maintenance, and causes corrosion of the pool equipment.
Increased Costs
Treating a cloudy pool may be expensive. You’ll be required to use specific clarifiers and additional chemicals. You may also need to hire a professional pool maintenance service. With the issues affecting the pool and users, it’ll be appropriate to use the proper procedure to clear the cloudy water.
How to Clear Cloudy Pool Water
Clearing cloudy pool water is important. It helps reduce the effects they cause on the pool and the users. Let’s look at a stepwise guide on how to clear cloudy pool water.
Step 1. Test the water
Start by testing the water. Testing the water helps you know what’s causing the cloudiness. The results will give you a good idea of what you need to do to clear it up. How do you test the water? You can test the water by taking a sample of your pool water to a pool store. Alternatively, you can use a pool testing kit at home.
The testing kit helps you measure the pH, total alkalinity, and chlorine levels. Ensure that the pH and alkalinity are within the correct range. The correct ranges should be 7.2-7.6 for pH and 80-120 ppm for alkalinity. In addition, the chlorine level should be at least 1 ppm.
Step 2. Check the filtration system
The pool filtration system is important in keeping the water clean and clear. Ensure that you inspect your pool’s filters. These filters should be clean and properly functioning. Remember, a dirty filter may also contribute to cloudy water. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions when cleaning the filters. You can contact a professional service provider to help you replace or repair malfunctioning filters.
Step 3. Consider applying a flocculant
You can also use a flocculant to clear your cloudy pool water. What is a flocculant? It’s a special chemical that helps to clump tiny particles together.
Thus, it makes it easy to remove the pool water. You can use flocculants in place of clarifiers. Nonetheless, experts only recommend the process when vacuuming the particles. Thus, it makes the procedure inappropriate for some pool types.
Step 4. Shock the pool
Experts recommend you shock the pool if everything
is in the correct range and functioning properly. What should you do when shaking the pool? Shocking the pool involves adding a large dose of
chlorine to the water. Adding chlorine helps to kill bacteria and other contaminants in the water. The contaminants may be the main cause of cloudiness. Follow the product’s manufacturer’s instructions when shocking the pool. Allow the pool to circulate for approximately 24 hours. Then test the water once more.
Step 4. Use clarifiers
You may have to use a clarifier if the water remains cloudy after shocking. How do clarifiers work? Clarifiers make small particles in the water clump together. Thus, it makes it effortless for the filters to remove them. You can use different types of clarifiers to clump the small particles together. Most clarifiers come in liquid, powder, and tablet forms. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using them. Remember to backwash the filters after using the clarifier.
Step 5. brush the pool walls and floor
Debris and algae growth can be the main cause of cloudy pool water. You can remove the cloudy pool water by removing this debris. Start by brushing the pool walls and floor. The cleaning process helps you to remove any debris, algae, or dirt. It’s key to reducing the factors contributing to the cloudy pool water. Ensure you scrub the walls and floor thoroughly.
Step 6. Maintain proper filtration and chemistry
It’ll be good to maintain proper chemistry and filtration after clearing the cloudy water. Why is it important to maintain proper filtration and chemistry? It helps to prevent the cloudy pool water from reoccurring in your pool. Ensure you also perform other routine maintenance on the pool. The maintenance involves testing the water regularly. Testing the water regularly ensures that you monitor and achieve optimal conditions.
In addition, ensure you adjust the pool’s chlorine, alkalinity, and pH levels. Check the manufacturer’s instructions to clean or replace the filters. Proper maintenance will help keep your pool clear. In addition, it’ll help ensure your pool sparkles all season long. Experts also advise that you shock the pool weekly and run the filter at least eight hours per day.
Wrapping Up
Clearing cloudy pool water is essential for maintaining a safe and healthy swimming environment. This article outlines the steps you can use to clear cloudy pool water. Start by testing and addressing the underlying causes of cloudiness, such as improper filtration, pH imbalances, etc.
Regular pool maintenance is important to prevent cloudy pool water from reoccurring. The maintenance may include proper water chemistry testing and balance, filter cleaning, and regular shock treatments. Investing your resources and time in maintaining your pool improves its aesthetics and ensures the health and safety of those who swim in it.
