Can’t seem to get your pool to stay clear? Consistently cloudy pool water doesn’t just look uninviting; it can be a breeding ground for hazardous bacteria and may even damage the surface of your pool. Luckily, cleaning up the cloudiness isn’t tough, especially if you hire a swimming pool maintenance tech to diagnose and fix the issue for you.
That said, as a pool owner, you should also have a general understanding of how to remedy the problem yourself. Take a look below at the three most common causes of cloudy pool water and what you can do to clear it up.
Inadequate Amount of Sanitizer
If there’s not enough chlorine, bromine, or other types of sanitizers in your pool water, bacteria will flourish and put more stress on your filter. Even if you are diligent about adding sanitizer, your levels can get low due to:
● Exposure to UV rays. Ultraviolet rays degrade the hypochlorite ions in chlorine, so if your pool is fully exposed to the sun all day, the chlorine will evaporate faster than it should.
● Debris accumulation. If you don’t have a pool enclosure and you don’t make use of a retractable pool cover, plenty of natural debris will enter your pool water on a daily basis. Leaves can eat up your pool sanitizer very quickly, as can many other forms of outdoor debris.
● Frequent swimming. Every time you get in your pool, you introduce substances to the water. Sweat, sunscreen, bodily fluids, cosmetics — they all deplete the amount of chlorine in the water.
How do you fix the issue? Shock your pool. But make sure you do it in the evening so the mega dose of chlorine has time to work before the sun starts breaking down the hypochlorite ions. If you think the cloudiness is the result of algae buildup, you may need to shock your pool twice or even three times to clear up the problem.
Improper Water Chemistry
When your pool water is too acidic or alkaline, the sanitizer won’t work as it should. And when the sanitizer doesn’t work properly, it can lead to bacteria growth, algae proliferation, issues with filtration, and ultimately, cloudy water. Improper chlorine levels can also cause excessive chloramine buildup, which can irritate skin and eyes and may even lead to pool corrosion.
How do you fix the pH of your pool water to clear up cloudiness? Take a water sample to your local pool maintenance store for testing. Adjust the chemicals as needed based on the results of the test. If you’re unsure how to do that, it’s in your best interest to hire a pool maintenance tech for the job.
Water Filtration Issues
When your pool water isn’t circulating through the filter as it should, you’ll inevitably end up with cloudy water. Why might you have a circulation problem? Common culprits include:
● A clogged pool filter
● Filter media that needs to be changed
● A dying pool pump
● Inadequate filtration system runtime
If you’re always dealing with cloudy water, it may time to give your filtration system an overall. Improper swimming pool maintenance, wonky pH, and neglect can all cause problems with this system, and no pool pump is designed to last forever.
Your best for fixing the problem? Consult a pool repair specialist. A pro can alert you to the need for pump repair or replacement and give you helpful tips for keeping your filtration system in top condition.
Bottom line: If you’re not keen on taking the DIY route, the best way to keep your water from getting cloudy is to set up a routine swimming pool maintenance schedule with the pros.
Need Pool Maintenance or Repairs Near White Bear Lake, MN?
If you’re dealing with pool water that just won’t stay clear, let our team at Royal Pool & Spa help you fix the problem! All of our swimming pool maintenance and repair technicians have at least a decade of experience, and we’ve proudly served pool owners throughout the Twin Cities since 1988. To learn more or get started, feel free to give us a call today at 651-779-7606, contact us online, or request a quote, and we’ll get in touch shortly!