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
What is Algae?
The Three Types of Swimming Pool Algae
Green Algae - Green algae are free-floating, can turn a pool green in a matter of hours, and can be found in all types of pools. It's the most common type of algae - it’s also the easiest to prevent or eliminate.
Black Algae - Black algae is a blue-green filamentous algae that grows as black, slippery spots on rough surfaces of concrete and plaster pools. It forms a protective coating around itself and if not checked, can grow into a dense black mat.
Mustard Algae - Mustard algae appears as orange, yellow or mustard spots on pool walls and floors. It’s a difficult algae to eliminate and can be found in all pool types.
The Causes of Swimming Pool Algae
Algae growth is usually caused by one of the following conditions:
Inadequate free available chlorine levels - Free available chlorine levels can be depleted quickly by heavy rains, high bather loads or poor maintenance procedures. During such conditions, check free available chlorine levels frequently and add an Aqua Chem chlorine sanitizer as needed, according to label instructions.
High pH - Alkaline (high pH) water prevents chlorine from effectively killing algae. Aqua Chem pH Decreaser, used as directed on the label, will lower pH to the correct level of 7.2-7.6.
Dirty Pool Surfaces - Dirt and slime accumulation on pool surfaces provides the perfect location for algae problems to start. Weekly brushing and vacuuming eliminate this source of trouble.
Green Algae Treatment & Prevention
- Check filtration and circulation systems for malfunctions.
- Check the pH and adjust (if necessary) to 7.2 - 7.6.
- Following label directions, add Aqua Chem Algaecide ELIMINATOR MAX or ELIMINATOR algaecide. Allow algaecide to work overnight. Then brush and vacuum pool surfaces. Backwash the filter to remove accumulations of dead algae and debris.
- For major infestations, a second treatment may be needed.
- Return to normal maintenance with Aqua Chem chlorinating products, shocks and balancers.
- As an algae preventative, add Aqua Chem Algaecide ELIMINATOR MAX or ELIMINATOR per label directions as listed for preventative maintenance.
Black or Mustard Algae Treatment
- Check the pH and adjust (if necessary) to 7.2 - 7.6.
- Vigorously brush away any visible algae.
- Vacuum pool surfaces and backwash to remove as much debris as possible.
- Following the label directions, add Aqua Chem Shock PLUS®.
- Following label directions, add Aqua Chem Algaecide ELIMINATOR MAX Algaecide (for all pool types). Allow algaecide to work overnight. Then brush and vacuum pool surfaces. Backwash the filter to remove accumulations of dead algae and debris.
- For major infestations, a second treatment may be needed.
- Return to normal maintenance with Aqua Chem chlorinating products, shocks and balancers.
- To prevent black algae, add Aqua Chem Algae ELIMINATOR MAX or ELIMINATOR Algaecide per label directions as listed for preventative maintenance.