Why Do I have Cloudy Water?
The Causes of Cloudy Water
Cloudy water can be caused by several issues.
Inadequate Filtration - Failure to run the filter long enough, insufficient or inconsistent backwashing, or a dirty/ worn filter are the most commons causes for cloudy water.
pH Imbalance - If you're eliminated filtration as an issue, pH is the next likely cause. pH is the single most important aspect of pool maintenance. The correct pH for your water should be between 7.2 and 7.6. When pH rises above 7.6, calcium precipitates out of the water in the form of scale or suspended particles that can cloud the water.If your total alkalinity is low, the pH level will be very sensitive and may suffer drastic swings that can cloud your water. On the other hand, high alkalinity can keep your pH rigidly fixed at a level that contributes to cloudy water and scaling.Proper total alkalinity levels are listed below according to pool type:
| Plaster |
80 - 125 ppm |
| Gunite |
80 - 125 ppm |
| Concrete |
80 - 125 ppm |
| Vinyl |
125 - 150 ppm |
| Fiberglass |
125 - 150 ppm |
| Painted |
125 - 150 ppm |
Chlorine Level Deficiencies - Failure to maintain adequate free available chlorine levels and shock regularly can also cause cloudy water. When chlorine levels are too low, algae and other microbes multiply freely, creating an organic haze. Always maintain a free available chlorine residual of 1.0-4.0 ppm and shock the pool according to label directions. Do not use the pool until the chlorine level is between 1.0 and 4.0 ppm.
Cloudy Water Treatment
There are several solutions that will help you clear cloudy pool water. Aqua Chem Shock PLUS and Shock Xtra Blue are formulated to clear cloudy water fast. In addition, you will want to verify that you’re properly doing the following activities routinely.
- Check the filter for worn or broken parts and replace as necessary
- Check operating instructions and increasing filter running time to an 8-hour daily minimum
- Backwashing your filter until a clear stream of water flows
- Cleaning a dirty filter with Aqua Chem Filter Cleaner
- Adding Super Water Clarifier or Natural Clarifier to gather smaller particles into larger masses that can be filtered out of the water
The solution to high pH imbalance is to add Aqua Chem pH Down according to label directions to achieve a pH level of 7.2 – 7.6