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7 Causes of Cloudy Pool Water & How To Fix It
Keeping your pool water clean and fresh may seem like a constant battle and the use of chemicals and additives may also seem a daunting task - but it needn’t be with regular testing and monitoring! At Splash & Relax we stock a range of pool water additives and cleaning kits to help you to maintain sparkling, safe pool water all year round.
Read our 7 point checklist to learn the causes of cloudy pool water and how to fix it:
Balance Chlorine Levels
The most common cause of cloudy pool water is low free chlorine (FC) levels - caused by heavy usage, substantial rainfall or excess sunshine which oxidises the chlorine. If your FC levels are low, this indicates that the water contains chloramine (combined chlorine or CC). When the chloramine levels are too high, harmful germs and bacteria are not controlled and the water is not sufficiently sanitised - this in turn allows algae and ammonia to grow rapidly.
Testing your chlorine levels daily is recommended - we have a range of chlorine testing kits available here. If the free chlorine (FC) levels are too low or the chloramine (CC) levels are too high (check the guidance on your test kit) you will need to shock your pool water immediately to kill bacteria and fix the cloudy water - as the water is unsafe to swim in until this is addressed. We have a range of water shock treatments here.
Ammonia, Phosphate, Bromine and Cyanuric Acid
Ammonia in your pool water is caused by low FC and cyanuric acid (a stabiliser, known as CYA) levels and high CC levels. Ammonia can only be properly eliminated and prevented with the use of chlorine, regular testing and balancing of chlorine levels.
If you are using cyanuric acid (CYA) as a stabiliser often, ensure that the levels are balanced along with the phosphate and bromine levels. Unbalanced levels can cause very cloudy water when bacteria converts the CYA to ammonia. We stock a range test kits and chemicals here:
Phosphate test kits and removers
Bromine test kits and removers
Dealing with Algae
Algae is also caused by low FC levels. To prevent an outbreak use an algaecide when algae first appears in your pool water. This is best used once in a while as a preventative measure and will not necessarily be effective once an outbreak is visible. The best way to get rid of algae once it is visible is to scrub and clean your pool and kill the algae with a liquid shock treatment, as well as monitoring and balancing FC and CC levels regularly.
Check and balance pH and TA levels
Unbalanced pH levels will affect how pool chemicals like chlorine work. We recommend regular pH checks and we have a range of testing kits available here. If the pH level is too high, chlorine becomes ineffective and you will need to use a pH reducer, also known as pH minus. If the pH is below 7.0, the water will become cloudy - causing harmful bacteria to flourish thus creating ammonia and algae formation. To raise the pH levels, use a pH increaser, also known as pH plus.
The level of total alkalinity (TA) needs to be monitored and balanced too - a high TA leads to pH and calcium scaling creating cloudiness as a result. We stock a range of TA products here.
Calcium Hardness
Higher than normal calcium hardness (CH) levels in your pool can lead to excess calcium that cannot dissolve in the water. This can result in cloudy water that will not clear and calcium scaling inside your pool - this can sometimes clog your filters, leading to poor filtration of your water. One of the ways to fix this is to partially drain your pool and refill it with fresh water, but regular testing and balancing the water with a calcium hypochlorite additive moving forward can help prevent this. We have a range of testing kits and calcium control additives here.
Check your filtration system
Regularly checking your filtration system is good practice, by removing built up dirt and debris by backwashing sand filters and replacing cartridge filters. Our range of sand and replacement cartridge filters can be found here. For a home pool system, your filtration system should be running at least 8-10 hours a day to maintain cleanliness.
General pool maintenance & covers
If your pool is left uncovered you will probably find debris collecting in your pool water - this can include dust, pollen, leaves, insects and bird droppings. Runoff water entering your pool from excess rain can also add mineral deposits including nitrates, phosphates, silicates and sulphates to your water. Body oil and sunscreen also washes off into the water and accumulates - using a water clarifier can help to clear the water. Regular cleaning with a net or pool vac will also help - you can see our range here.
Using a cover for the pool when it is not in use will also prevent dirt and debris collecting in your water. Summer heat retention covers float on the surface of the water and will help to maintain the heat in your pool water as well as keep out debris and dirt. Winter pool covers are harder wearing for harsher weather conditions and extend over the sides of the pool preventing dirt, debris, bacteria or extra minerals from reaching the water.
If you plan to use your in ground or above ground pool all year round, it is beneficial to test and maintain the chemical, pH and mineral levels regularly. Together with cleaning the pool to keep the water clean and protecting it with a cover when not in use, you can be sure that your pool water will be safe and sparkling whenever the urge for a dip arises! Order online or call us today on 01403 800325 where a member of our team will be happy to assist you.
