Why Has My Pool Water Got Cloudy Now?

by LIn
(Auckland New Zealand)

I have used trichlor tablet feeder for my pool for long time but now I just stopped.

When I used test strip to test, the stabilizer was very high (over 100ppm) and pH was very low (lower than 6.2ppm).

I drained water to waste more than 4 times and put pH increase about 1.3kg and some buffer (3kg) into the pool. The water became too be cloudy all the time (now the pH is about 7.4 and buffer is still low about 70-80).

I have tried to use clarifier and algaecide, but the water is still cloudy. I can see some stick things on the floor.

The time is lasting about 10 more days but water condition is same.

Can you please give a advice to resolve the problem.

Many thanks!

Lin

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Thanks for the question Lin

First I would encourage you to get an FAS-DPD K-2006 Taylor test kit. It's the best on the market. A little getting used to but it's worth the investment. I used it during my pool maintenance time in Arizona and for the YMCA pool.

The pH is 7.4, so I wouldn't do anything with that. If it comes up a little bit, it's o.k. I would ask what the chlorine level is? The chlorine should be between 1.5 - 3.5ppm. I will assume the buffer, which is used for both pH and alkalinity, is the alkalinity reading of 70 - 80.

You need to get the alkalinity up. Go to this page to do it. It's very simple. The fill water we use for the Y pool has a pH of 8.2 and an alkalinity level of 30. I use these techniques to lower the pH, raise the alkalinity, and can have the pool completely balanced out within 24 hours from a completely new refill.

I use gallons, pounds, and ounces so you

might need a conversion table to get to the metric system that you use.

Your cloudy pool water might be an early algae growth. Be sure to keep the chlorine level between 1.5 - 3.5ppm. You may need to shock the pool if it is algae.

Your issue might be too much pool stabilizer (CYA) cyanuric acid. That should be between 30 - 50ppm. With a pool chlorine level between 1.5 - 3.5 you need the CYA between 30 - 50ppm. Anything more or less and the chlorine will be less effective. If you have too much CYA the only way to get it down is to drain 1/3 - 1/2 of the water, refill, and start over again.

But, doing this will will alter the other chemical readings as well because you're adding alot of fresh water. You can get the water tested at your local pool store. More than likely they use the test kit I recommend.

To sum it up, this is what I recommend:

- Get the CYA down between 30 - 50ppm. Test this with an FAS-DPD water test kit.

-Leave the pH alone. 7.4 is good

-Alkalinity between 80 - 100 using the link above

-Chlorine between 1.5 - 3.5ppm. If your losing alot of chlorine, then algae might be the issue. Shock the pool.

-Filter 24/7

-Stop using chlorine tabs until the CYA is balanced out. Use them again when it is balanced but test the CYA each week.

-Watch the algaecide use. A pool algaecide is used for preventative measures against algae, it doesn't get rid of it. If you keep the chlorine level correct there shouldn't be any
need for algaecide.

This isn't an overnight fix, but with patience you'll have a great pool and a fun Summer

Hope this helps and let me know how it turns out for you

Robert