Why is the Pool Water Cloudy?

There are few things more beautiful than a crystal clear pool on a very hot day, and according to pool industry standards, your pool should be just that, crystal clear. If your water does not carry the same clarity as drinking water, there is probably something wrong.  ​

Why is Cloudy Pool Water an Issue?  
Not only is cloudy water in the pool unsightly, it is a safety issue, and sign of dirty water. If you cannot see clearly through to the bottom of the pool you will not be able to notice if all swimmers are safe at all times in your water.  The CDC ( Center for Disease Control and Prevention) recommends that you are able to see the drain at the bottom of the deep end of the pool when you are standing on the pool deck.  

Why is the Pool Water Cloudy?  
Though it seems like cloudy water may be the result of unbalanced chemicals in the water, it is actually a physical problem not a chemical one. Cloudiness can be caused by a few different things including particles in the water that entered from the air such as dust and pollen. It can also be caused by things that bathers bring in with them for example, deodorant or even hair, skin can even be a culprit.  

To Fix Cloudiness, First Check the Filter 

There are three main types of pool filters: sand, cartridge, and Diatomaceous Earth (DE). Sand filters can become clogged and trapped with debris or may need additional sand to continue working at the capacity in which it needs. Periodically, a sand filter will need to be backwashed to remove a buildup of trapped particles. This is done by reversing the flow of the water through the filter. DE filters can become overly dirty by, or slow down with, scale. Additionally the holding grid could be torn or broken. A cartridge filter can get dirty, worn, calcified, or scaled. A cartridge filter can be fixed by pulling the cartridge and cleaning it according to the manufacturers recommended instructions.  

It is also good to check on the pump after checking the filter. Make sure that the pump has proper flow rate sizing and check the pump impellers to make sure they are in good working condition.  

What if Checking the Filter Doesn’t Fix the Cloudiness?  
If your cloudiness is possibly the result of a large party or influx of use, you may need to use a chemical remedy.  Swimmers contribute a number of different contaminants to a pool such as sweat, deodorant, makeup, hair, shampoos, soaps, and other things. Animals can also contribute; one swimming dog is the equivalent of 50 human swimmers.  

In the case of a large amount of particle contaminants where a filter cleaning does not do the trick to clear up the cloudiness, a super chlorination or non-chlorine shock oxidation can help to break down excess particles. This process is called super chlorination, it not only kills germs and breaks down particles it also destroys combined chlorine. This is a clump of chlorine compounds, or disinfectant, and nitrogen from swimmers. Combined chlorine forms in the water and gives off a harsh odor that smells like the pool has too much chlorine.  

To super chlorinate the pool, 10 times the amount of the combined chlorine that has been measured should be added to the water. No swimmers should be allowed in the water after super chlorinating until the free chlorine level drops between 1 and 4 parts per million.  

What if the Water is STILL Cloudy?  
Cloudy pool water that is still around after filter cleaning and super chlorination is probably due to particles in the water that are too small to be held in the filter. To fix this a clarifier can be added to the water. A clarifier will attract the tiny particles and stick to them creating larger ones that will then get trapped inside the filter.  

If you need help getting your pool water crystal clear again it is a good idea to call in a pool care specialist. For professional pool care in Lake Havasu City contact Everclear Pool Service today.

More Great Tips for Pool Owners:

• How do you know if your pool filter is working?
  Why you need a cover on your pool or hot tub
  The best way to care for your pool in hot weather
  
  

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