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When the water is murky and you aren’t sure why, it can be easy to wonder if you have done something wrong. For many people, asking why is my pool cloudy? Usually results in a simple fix.
We’re going to diagnose every possibility and find the solution. You’ll have crystal clear water again in no time.
Reasons Why You Shouldn’t Swim In A Cloudy Pool
It might be safe to swim in a cloudy pool, but there are times where it can be detrimental to your health. With chemical imbalances rife, swimmers may suffer from itchy eyes, skin, rashes, and even respiratory issues.
The cloudiness is essentially small particles that reflect water and could be full of harmful bacteria such as E. coli and other nasties. It can also damage your pool filter. This is because of the high calcium labels, and a buildup of deposits can damage the plumbing and cause expensive repairs.
The risk of illness and infection can also affect your pets and children, so it is best to prevent everyone from swimming before cleaning it.
Why Is My Pool Cloudy? Most Common Reasons
Chemical Disbalance
The most common reason why people ask why is my pool cloudy: pH or chlorine levels could be imbalanced. If calcium is not dissolving properly, it can cause cloudy water. Low pH can mean chlorine levels deplete faster than usual and create chloramine which turns the water cloudy.
This is also when chlorine becomes ineffective at killing bacteria and algae so you will need a cloudy pool fix.
High calcium hardness leads to too much calcium which can’t properly dissolve and starts collecting around the pool. This can clog the filter which leads to poor filtration.
High TA (Total Alkalinity) can also be to blame. This causes calcium scaling and pH scaling which cause cloudiness. Raise the pH levels using muriatic acid when this happens.
Bad Pumps and Filters
If your pool water is cloudy but chemicals are fine, it might be a case that a faulty pump or filter is not doing its job. When this is the case, there isn’t enough clean water circulating, hence the cloudiness.
Maybe the filter is not running enough, especially when the filter cartridges are clogged and need changing. There could be scaling on the filet which means water cannot circulate through as it should.
Heavy and Dirty Rain
It is always a good idea to check the condition of the pool after a storm, and even after it has rained for a prolonged period.
Cloudy pool water after rain can be caused by debris collecting on the surface, and runoff water contains minerals such as nitrates and phosphates that make pool water cloudy.
Sunscreen and Oils
The summertime means extra protection, and when you jump straight into the pool, sunscreen dissolves into the water. This causes it to react to chemicals such as chlorine, causing an imbalance.
This is why it is always a good idea to shower before and after getting into a pool.
How To Clear A Cloudy Pool?
It depends on the cause, so it is always best to use a pool water testing kit to find out what you need more of.
For low chlorine levels – use a chlorine stabilizer to stop UV levels from depleting it. For combined chlorine levels above 0.5 ppm, use a pool shock to clear it.
If the reading shows you need to lower pH, use muriatic acid or sulfuric acid. pH levels below 7.0 need to be raised to an optimal 7 to 7.6.
If the levels are fine, check your pool filtration system. It may be a matter of cleaning the filter cartridges by rinsing them with warm water or replacing them altogether.
Use a pool shock once a week to keep the water clean and hygienic.
Tools I Need To Clear My Cloudy Pool
The main tools needed are a water test kit. This will help determine the cause.
Once you have used this, use muriatic acid to lower pH levels, and a pool shock to clear the cloudy water if chlorine is too low.
Why Is My Pool Water Cloudy After I Shocked It?
The main reason a pool is cloudy after shock is that it needs more time to pass for it to be effective. It can take between 12 – 24 hours for it to work properly.
Be sure to follow the instructions, and run the filter for the correct amount of time to allow the shock to get around the entire system.
It could also be that your filter system is not clean or in good working order. Check the filter cartridges, and rinse them if necessary.
Use a different brand of shock the next day, or a water clarifier to bind chemicals and gunk so your filter can remove them easier.
Conclusion
Staying on top of pool water maintenance isn’t easy, but it can be.
Stay on top of the chemical levels and check those filter cartridges from time to time, and having to ask why is my pool cloudy will feel like a thing of the past.
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