Why Is My Pool Cloudy? Common Causes & How to Fix It
Who wants to jump into a cloudy pool? Who knows what's growing inside there, and the number of germs might be enough to throw you off your rocker.
The annoyance must be next level if you were planning to take a swim on a hot summer day only to be disappointed by the appearance of your pool.
You can put an end to the disappointment and carry on reading to find out the reasons behind a cloudy pool, as well as how to fix it.
Why is the pool water cloudy?
A cloudy pool water is probably the number one turn-off factor for swimmers. It affects not only their comfort but also their safety.
How can you swim safely in a pool you can't even see through properly?
Let's see who the real culprit is behind your cloudy pool and learn how you can tackle them.
- Chemical Imbalance: The Silent Culprit
- Filtration Woes: When Your Pool's Kidneys Fail
- Algae Growth: The Green Menace
- Troubleshooting Your Cloudy Pool: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Prevention: Keeping Your Pool Crystal Clear
Chemical Imbalance: The Silent Culprit
There is a difference in the chlorine that runs around your pool water, where free chlorine kills bacteria. However, it can also combine with other chemicals in your pool, especially calcium leading to a milky appearance. Its combination with organic compounds from sweat and urine can lead to the formation of chloramines, which are responsible for the distinct chlorine smell and add to the cloudy effect.
The optimum pH usually falls around 7.4 - 7.6, close to neutral water. Anything higher or lower can lead to a cloudy pool.
The slightly high pH helps in keeping the pH under control, where chlorine combines with water to form hydrochloric and hypochlorous acid lowering the pH of the water. Alkaline substances like carbonates and hydroxide combine with acid and have a neutralizing effect on the environment.
Filtration Woes: When Your Pool's Kidneys Fail
Don't forget to take care of your pool kidneys if you want to avoid a cloudy pool.
Clogged Filters: A Common Nemesis
Poor circulation and reduced flow are some of the top signs to tell whether or not your filter is clogged. Clean your filters at appropriate times, where sand filters require lower maintenance than DE or cartridge.
However, it isn't as effective in removing particles smaller than 20-40 microns, which itself can lead to a cloudy appearance very quickly.
Inadequate Filtraation Time
Another thing that could be causing cloudiness is that you are not running your filter long enough. The filtration time varies according to the size of your pool, where larger pools need more time for proper circulation. The average time you should run the pump is at least 8-12 hours.
Worn Out Filter Media
There's a time limit to your pool filters after which they wear out and must be replaced. The usual lifespan is around 3-5 years, where cartridge filters might need more frequent replacement than sand or DE filters.
Algae Growth: The Green Menace
Although it doesn't make sense for something green to cause a cloudy appearance, algae is here to prove you wrong.
Types of Algae in Pools
The most common type that you may have observed is the green algae. Black algae build up in areas of lowest circulation in your pool and are quite hard to get rid of, while yellow algae are found on the floor and might appear as dirt at first glance.
Although it becomes colored once grown, algae cells are quite colorless when growing up, leading to the cloudy appearance. Their waste products also affect the pool's chemistry where they can combine with chlorine, like sweat and urine, to form chloramines.
Factors Contributing to Algae Growth
Algae thrive in warm water with poor circulation and pools where chlorine levels are low. An imbalance in the pool pH can also invite algae to grow.
When your pool becomes too alkaline, the higher concentration nitrates and phosphates serve as the basic source of nutrients for the algae. However, if it becomes too low it renders chlorine useless for sanitation.
Troubleshooting Your Cloudy Pool: A Step-by-Step Guide
- Test the pH and chlorine levels of your pool.
- Check and clean the filter if it's clogged.
- Shock your pool by giving an extra dose of chlorine to get rid of algae and bacteria.
- Clean your pool surfaces with vacuums and brushes.
- Run the filter overnight or more for proper circulation.
- Use a pool clarifier and flocculant that clump together small particles to form larger pieces of dirt and grime to help your filter and vacuum clean the pool easier and better.
Prevention: Keeping Your Pool Crystal Clear
Want to avoid cloudiness at all costs? Then, you better adhere to the maintenance schedule of your pool and keep an eye on its chemistry and temperature.
If the circulation rates are optimum and your filter is in good condition, you've already done half the work to keep your pool clear.
Using a pool cleaner can also help by easily picking up dirt and reducing strain on your filter. Don’t forget to clean the skimmer baskets, brush the pool surfaces, and run the pump efficiently. With a little effort, you can maintain sparkling water and enjoy your pool all season long.
Conclusion: Enjoying Your Clear, Sparkling Pool
The main goal behind the hard work of keeping your pool clear is to enjoy it. The chemistry is a bit more technical to get a hold of than cleaning your pool, but once you get the hang of it, it becomes pretty easy.
All you need to do is to keep an eye on the temperature, since warmer temperatures can promote algae growth, along with the filtration system that has to run according to the size of your pool.
Once you have got these things under control, don't be afraid to plunge into the pool and have a good time!