Cloudy water is a common problem for pool owners, but the good news is it’s also one of the easiest to fix once you understand what’s causing it.
Causes and solutions for cloudy pool water
Cloudy pool water can be caused by a few different things. Most of the time, it comes down to one of these common causes; however, one or more might be linked.
Imbalanced water chemistry
When your pool’s pH or alkalinity levels are off, your sanitiser can’t do its job effectively.
That means bacteria, algae, and tiny particles start to build up, making the water look dull or cloudy.
Solution & prevention: Test the water and then get Total Alkalinity between 80 and 100ppm, and pH between 7.2 and 7.6. After this, it will likely be necessary to add more chlorine or even shock-dose the water to help clear it. After this, keep the levels balanced.
Low chlorine
With heavy use, exposure to UV and contaminants being brought into the pool, chlorine levels will likely drop as it is working much harder than usual.
Solution & prevention: Test and adjust the chlorine more frequently. Use chlorine granules for quick results and multi-function tablets for an ongoing steady flow of chlorine.
Poor Filtration or Circulation
If your pool filter is dirty or not running long enough each day, debris and fine particles won’t get removed properly, and this will result in cloudy water.
Solution & prevention: Replace filter cartridges, clean sand filters and check that your filter is running for the recommended amount every day.
Environmental Factors
Pollen, rain, suncream, sweat, insects, leaves, grass and mud from wet feet all introduce contaminants that make the water cloudy.
Solution & prevention: Clear any dirt and debris from the surface and bottom of the pool, check the filter and chlorine levels. Consider getting and using a pool cover and a foot bath to clean feet before they get in the pool.
Algae Growth
Early-stage algae blooms can make water appear cloudy before you see green. If left untreated, it can quickly turn into a full algae bloom, and that's not something you want.
Solution & prevention: Use Algaecide to clear and prevent algae
Quick guide to clearing cloudy pool water
-
Step 1: Check and balance your water chemistry Start by testing your pool water and making sure Total Alkalinity, pH and Chlorine are all in range. Our Pool Chemicals Guide can help you.
-
Step 2: Clean your filter A clogged or dirty filter is one of the main reasons for cloudy water. Backwash your sand filter, or rinse your cartridge filter. Make sure your pump is running long enough to work effectively.
-
Step 3: Skim the surface, brush, and vacuum the pool Brush the walls and floor to loosen up any dirt, algae, or debris that might be there. Then, vacuum everything out with a manual or automatic pool cleaner.
-
Step 4: Shock the pool If your chlorine level has dropped or algae might be starting to take hold, give your pool a chlorine shock treatment. This kills bacteria, breaks down contaminants, and helps your water clear up faster. See our Shock Dosage Guide if you need.
- Step 5: Use pool clarifier (Optional) A pool clarifier helps tiny particles stick together so your filter can catch them more easily. It’s not always necessary, but it can speed up the clearing process if your water is still hazy after cleaning and shocking.
One final tip for keeping pool water in good condition is to use a ClearWater AbsorbaBall™. Specially designed for pools and hot tubs, these reusable balls float on the surface of the water and absorb oils & contaminants.
