Cloudy water is the calm before the storm, and more often than not, your first visible warning sign of a potential problem.
All pool owners have been there, even the experienced! It starts the same every time: the water looks a little off, and by the next day, it’s cloudy.
Cloudy pool water is usually a sign that something in your system is off, whether it’s chemistry, filtration, or circulation, and a few quick checks can help you pinpoint the cause. Here’s where to look first:
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Pool Chemistry: Perform a comprehensive check-up and adjust chemicals as necessary, hitting the primary five.
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Free & Total Chlorine
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pH
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Calcium Hardness
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Total Alkalinity
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CYA (Cyanuric Acid)
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If you have a salt system, now is the time to confirm the PPM.
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Filtration: Your filter should be running at least 8 - 12 hours a day. If it is, and your chemistry is in alignment, it’s time to inspect the cartridge.
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If you notice the PSI is higher than normal, backwash your filters and empty the skimmer baskets for the pool and motor.
QUICK TIP: Old cartridges lose efficiency; swapping them out can make all the difference!
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Circulation: Check that your returns are angled properly and nothing’s blocking flow. Proper circulation is what allows your treatments to reach each corner of the pool. If the water’s still anywhere, especially near steps, ladders, or in cut-off corners, algae has the perfect environment to attach to surfaces and begin growing.
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Bather Load: Recently had a pool party? With more swimmers comes more debris, oils, and other types of organic waste! During high-use weeks, a quick shock treatment can help oxidize these contaminants before they build up.
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Skim and Brush: Little summer storms can introduce some runoff contaminants, and the introduction of other oils and dirt that can cling to the waterline and surfaces can contribute to your pool problems. Brushing walls, skimming the surfaces, and vacuuming can dislodge unseen buildup and ensure your chemicals work effectively.
Solving cloudy water is only a little bit of guesswork, primarily, it’s chemistry, circulation, and regular maintenance that will get you back in the game.