We can all agree that a cloudy pool is not a pleasant sight. It is not only unsightly, but it also indicates that your pool need upkeep.
A foggy pool is most usually caused by the presence of germs, which can harm your pool and its equipment. Yet, the manner in which bacterium has shown itself might vary, implying that multiple solutions to the problem exist.
Consequently, we’ll walk you through the many issues and treatments that will eradicate the germs in your pool and erase the hazy appearance—hopefully permanently if you continue to do normal maintenance.
This is a really typical problem—one we’ve seen hundreds of times—with straightforward answers. If you follow the instructions in this post based on the problem with your pool, you should be able to bring it back to normal in no time!
How does a pool become cloudy?
Most of the reasons for a cloudy pool revolve around the filtration and sanitization of the pool water.
You see, the filter system is designed to remove debris and solids like sweat, sunscreen, other beauty products, and algae from the pool water and return sanitized water to the pool. When these solids aren’t properly removed, small amounts may remain in the pool and absorb the sanitizer. If this is the case, a few things can occur.
Low sanitizer level
A low quantity of sanitizer, specifically chlorine, is one of the catalysts of hazy pool water. Chlorine, as you may know, is the chemical that keeps your pool clean, clear, and ready to swim in. When there is a lack of chlorine, germs can form within the pool, putting additional strain on the filtration system to clean it. Since the filtration system has to work harder, bacteria can linger in the pool for extended periods of time, exposing swimmers to it as well as causing the foggy look.
Incorrect water chemistry
This almost goes without saying, but because murky water is caused by low chlorine levels, the water chemistry (pH and alkalinity) will be thrown off.
The pH level of the water might rise, indicating that it is less acidic than it should be. As a result, scale can accumulate on the pool’s surface, making it easier for germs to proliferate and cause filtration problems.
If the chlorine level is low, the alkalinity level might rise, causing calcium buildup on the pool surface and clogging the filter system.
Each part of water chemistry depends on the other to be at the appropriate level in order to maintain the pool clean and clear, and as you can see, if one aspect goes out of whack, they all go out of whack.
Filtration issues
As previously stated, debris can accumulate in the pool and reduce the sanitizer level. As previously stated, inadequate sanitizer levels might result in residual germs. It’s a cascading effect since these difficulties might lead to a problem with the filter system.
As debris accumulates in the pool, it is the filter’s obligation to remove it. Because the filter system has been overworked for so long, if the dirt mounts up or becomes too huge, it might get blocked or die out.
A blocked filter system prevents pool water from passing through the normal sanitization process, resulting in the hazy look of the pool.
Algae buildup
The three triggers for hazy pool water that we outlined above can lead to the last, and probably worst, results-algae accumulation.
As trash and germs accumulate in the pool, algae might develop because the pool is not being cleaned properly. A murky pool is one of the earliest symptoms of algae growth. This might eventually result in a green pool, which necessitates a lengthy cleaning procedure. Yet, if you discover it early enough, you can prevent a hazy pool from worsening.
How to Eliminate Cloudiness
Now that you’re aware of the potential reasons of a cloudy pool, you’re probably asking how to remove the cloudiness and restore your pool’s crystal clear look.
The technique for cleaning the pool and transforming the cloudiness into the clear, blue water you’re used to seeing in your pool is outlined below!
Clean the pool
The first step in restoring a hazy pool to its clear, attractive form is to thoroughly clean it. This entails using a pool brush to clean the pool walls, removing dirt, and then vacuuming the pool.
If you suspect the foggy pool may be a consequence of algae development, you’ll want to set the filtration system to “waste” so anything that is sucked out will not return.
Shock the pool at night
Pool shock might be a terrifying thing to put to your pool for the first time, but trust us when we say it’s perfectly safe for the pool. Furthermore, shock your pool at night to avoid the sun’s UV rays from destroying part of the chlorine and preventing it from being as efficient as possible.
Pool shock includes more chlorine than ordinary chlorine, which is required in this scenario since the level is likely so low that a typical quantity will not suffice.
Applying more chlorine than usual will aid in the elimination of the bacteria that has accumulated and created the cloudiness. To totally remove the cloudiness, you may need to add pool shock many times.
Filter the pool water
We recommend that you restart the filtration system after adding pool shock. The filtration system should be operated for roughly 8 hours each day. This is ample time for the excess chlorine to pass through the system and be filtered out.
It should be noted that the filter should be properly cleaned before turning the system back on for effective cleaning.
Balance the water chemistry
As previously stated, one reason of a foggy pool is incorrect water chemistry. As a result, balancing the pH, alkalinity, and chlorine levels is a critical step in returning it to its clear and appropriate state.
We recommend adding little amounts of chemicals at a time to ensure that the chemistry is as close to the exact levels as possible—and to avoid overdosing.
How to prevent cloudy water from appearing again
Avoiding cloudy pool water is actually quite simple—you simply need to keep up with basic pool maintenance. This includes monitoring the water chemistry 2-3 times a week, adding chemicals as needed, removing debris when it enters the pool, and scrubbing the pool walls on a regular basis. These actions will aid in the fight against algae development, the maintenance of your filter system, and the maintenance of sanitizer levels.
Of course, this does not ensure that you will not have a foggy or green pool, but it will significantly boost your chances of maintaining your pool in the correct condition.
If you seek professionals help, feel free to get in touch with us!
