Cloudy Pool Water & Swimming Pool Algae

Swimming Pool Chemistry

Sometimes cloudy water seems to happen overnight. What can you do about it? Glad you asked because here we go.

Where Does Cloudy Pool Water Come From?

That's like asking how many rocks are in the world. There could be many reasons for this situation, so check out this list and see if any apply to your swimming pool.

1. Bad or inconsistent chlorination
This might be the main reason which can cause a whole host of problems.
2. Excess dead or dying swimming pool algae
3. Your pump is not running long enough
4. Too much Sodium Bicarbonate (for alkalinity and pH)
5. Too much Calcium Chloride (for hardness)
6. Calcium Hypochlorite (for chlorination)
7. pH too high
8. Cracked or leaking pipes from skimmer or pump causing bubbles in the pool
9. Bather load too high for a period of time or too many people at once
10. Too much Baquacil or Softswim
11. The DE pool filter is cracked, not cleaning correctly, or is leaking DE back into the pool
12. Sand in sand filter too old, has low sand, not back-washed fully or correctly, or sand has "channeled" down the side of the filter housing
13. Multi-Port Valve damaged, is cracked, damaged gasket, or plumbing is wrong
14. Pump worn out or impeller broken or blocked
15. Pipes are clogged up with a foreign object or gummed up through chemical use
16. Refinished plaster pool will release plaster
17. Over-brushing of newly plastered pool
18. Dust, pollen, or mud
19. Use and/or over-use of phosphate removers such as "Phosfree"

As you can see from this list, there are many reasons why you can have cloudy pool water. With a good dose of the proper pool tips, and your pool will look crystal clear and inviting to swim.

Myths About Cloudy Swimming Pool Water

These are a few things I have learned that won't cause cloudy pool water.

1. Too much chlorine
This will keep the pool algae away but will make swimming uncomfortable. Only Calcium Hypochlorite will cloud your pool, especially when you do a pool shock.
2. Low calcium and low alkalinity
3. Low cyanuric acid level (CYA) but this will lead to lower and less effective chlorine levels

How To Treat Cloudy Pool Water

Normally, the main reason for cloudy swimming pool water is swimming pool algae growth. Knowing this, you'll need to shock the pool to kill the pool algae or you will have what every pool owner loves, GREEN POOL WATER. Some may say to use a clarifier. That's good advice but a clarifier will only work after the algae is dead, it will not kill the algae.

First off, be sure to:

1. Get your readings in line. Use a good Taylor K-2006 Reagent Test Kit.
2. Scoop out as much debris as you can and vacuum
3. Run the filter 24/7 until the water clears up

After you have effectively killed all of the swimming pool algae, then you can use a claifier, but only after you've allowed the filtration system to do its job. A partial water change might be in order, but allow this to work first before going that route. Remember when dealing with swimming pool care, patience is needed.

Don't worry if you have something go wrong. Even the best pool owners with a good understanding of basic pool care and using the best pool tips will slip up every now and then. Things may happen, but now you have the swimming pool care knowledge to take control of the problem properly.

So go clear up your cloudy pool water and safe swimming to you and your family.

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