How to fix a cloudy pool – 5 ways to make the water inviting and clean again

Cloudy pool water is an issue that you’re going to want to fix in a hurry. No one wants to swim in water that’s showing evidence of contaminants or contains debris or algae. A cloudy pool is an eyesore, too, compromising the appeal of the backyard.

There are some common reasons why pool water can become cloudy, but these are issues you can tackle yourself to make water healthy as well as inviting once again. What’s more, it needn’t take long to solve these problems and make the most of your pool ideas once again.

Our expert guide has the details on what can make pool water cloudy, and how to fix whichever problem you’ve encountered so family and friends can get back into the water.

Discover how to turn pool water from cloudy to clear

Cloudy water is a sign that all is not well with the water in a pool, and fixing this is essential to create healthy water for swimming, relaxing and playing in and that’s the inviting centerpiece of pool landscaping ideas. 

Typically, cloudy pool water is the result of issues such as the wrong chlorine levels, improper water chemistry, a filtration problem, or contaminants. 

These are the ways to identify what’s gone wrong with the water in your pool and fix the cloudiness quickly.

1. Remedy low chlorine levels

Low chlorine levels might be the cause of a cloudy pool. ‘There are several reasons that chlorine levels might drop in a residential pool,’ explains Corey Coughenour, director of operations, Anthony & Sylvan Pools.

‘The most common cause of a cloudy pool is the presence of organic materials in the water. This includes leaves, branches, and dirt. Certain substances like rainwater dilute the amount of existing chlorine in a pool which helps keep it clear. The excessive presence of substances like sunscreen and soaps, which are easily deposited into pools by swimmers, can also contribute to dropping chlorine levels. 

‘Another factor that impacts a pool’s clarity is exposure to UV rays from sunlight. Bright UV rays turn chlorine particles into gas and release them into the atmosphere, lowering chlorine levels. On a bright, sunny day, a pool can lose almost all its chlorine due to the UV rays. 

‘Chemical imbalances within the pool can also cause chlorine levels to drop,’ Corey notes. ‘Anthony & Sylvan service experts recommend ensuring that the pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels of the pool are within the proper ranges.’ See more on these below.

‘When the chlorine levels drop, pools become more susceptible to contamination by materials including metals, algae, and bacteria,’ adds Corey. ‘The accumulation of these substances results not only in a cloudy pool, but one that is unsafe for swimming.’

You’ll need to assess what is called the free chlorine level since this is the chlorine that sanitizes the water in the pool. The level of free chlorine should be at least 1 part per million (ppm), and ideally in a range between 2 and 4 ppm. If free chlorine is low, then there isn’t enough chlorine in the pool for sanitization and chloramines, a type of combined chlorine where chlorine combines with contaminants, can turn the water cloudy. Chloramines are also irritating to both skin and eyes and they smell strongly of chlorine, and it’s vital not to let levels get too high.

Use a test kit that will read the level of free chlorine and total chlorine in the pool. To discover the level of chloramines in the pool subtract the level of free chlorine from the level of total chlorine. If the chloramine level is 0.5 ppm or over, chloramines need to be removed from the pool. A level of 0 ppm is ideal. These JNW pool test strips from Amazon will give help you take chlorine level readings, or this 3-in-1 pool test kit, also from Amazon, will test the total chlorine, total bromine and pH levels.

Discovered the chloramine level is too high? The answer is to use pool shock to reduce them and increase free chlorine levels and sanitize the water.

2. Address poor pool chemistry

Pool chemistry is crucial to keep the water clear and sanitary. If the pH is too high, or the total alkalinity or the calcium hardness, then water that’s cloudy can be the result. 

‘The pH, total alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels all play a role in avoiding cloudy pool water,’ explains Anthony & Sylvan’s Corey Coughenour. ‘It is crucial that these levels stay within the optimal ranges to prevent cloudy water. If the pH of the water is too low, it can cause the corrosion of metal particles in the water system which results in cloudy water due to the metals in the pool. If the pH is too high, it will cause scale deposits to form and cloud the water. Pool pH levels should stay between 7 and 7.6 to avoid cloudy water. 

‘Similarly, the total alkalinity helps to prevent sudden pH changes. If it is too low, the water becomes prone to an imbalanced pH level. If it is too high, it can lead to the formation of scale deposits. The total alkalinity level should be between 80 and 120 ppm (parts per million) to prevent cloudy water. 

‘The calcium hardness measures the level of calcium ions in the water. High levels of calcium hardness can cause scale deposits and result in cloudy water. The calcium hardness level should ideally be between 200 and 400 ppm. These factors must stay balanced and within the optimal levels to prevent cloudy water.’

You may be able to take advantage of in-store chemical testing at a pool retail store, or you can use a test kit to check the pool chemistry. Once you’ve tested, balance levels if required to bring them into recommended ranges, adjusting the alkalinity before the pH.

3. Troubleshoot pool filtration issues

A fully functioning pool filter is key to removing everything from general dirt to pollen from your pool.

If pool filtration isn’t adequate, then the water can become cloudy. Check the filter for any buildup or blockages, and clean it regularly following manufacturer’s instructions. The filter itself should also be replaced according to the recommended schedule. An older pool filter system can need replacement parts in time.

Be sure, too if the water is cloudy, that you’re running the filter long enough each day. Depending on how much the pool is used, figure on running it from at least eight to 12 hours a day.

4. Deal with contaminants

There are a whole host of things in your pool area or from your pool deck that can contaminate a pool and result in cloudy water that needs attention. Debris can cause a buildup in the filter that results in cloudy water, and the measures detailed above should be employed to tackle this. And run-off water can also introduce contaminants to the swimming pool that cause cloudy water.

A pool net, such as this heavy-duty ProTuff mesh pool skimmer net from Amazon, will enable you to get rid of larger debris that finds its way into the pool that can bring cloudiness in its wake. The early stages of green algae growth can also be a culprit, so clean and shock the pool to get rid of it.

To deal with the consequences of run-off test the pool water and balance it as necessary after a rainstorm as well as cleaning out debris.

5. Use a pool clarifier or flocculant

If you’ve dealt with the issues that make a pool cloudy and it has the right chlorine level, the pool chemistry is correct, the filter system is running effectively and algae growth has been stopped in its early stages but the water is still cloudy, there may be particles in the pool.

To deal with these you can use a pool clarifier or a pool flocculant. The former collects them so your pool filter system can pick them up, and will take around two to three days. A pool flocculant, on the other hand, clumps particles together at the bottom of the pool so they can be vacuumed up. This is a quicker process, but you’ll be doing the cleaning up. Follow manufacturer’s instructions whichever product you use.

FAQs

‘Pool water should be tested two to three times a week to ensure that its chemical composition is balanced,' advises Corey Coughenour. 'Taking these steps proactively can ensure that pool water stays balanced and safe for recreational use throughout the swimming season. And, if the cloudy water is more than you can handle alone, we recommend reaching out to a professional to help you.’

If you also have a hot tub in your backyard, you should take a similar approach to cleaning and maintaining it.