Some Common Causes of Cloudy Pool Water With Solutions to fix them.

Keeping your swimming pool crystal clear and ready for a refreshing dip is a top priority, there’s nothing better than going for a dip in your own backyard. But every now and then, you may wake up to find your pool water looking less than pristine, it could look cloudy or dull. Don’t panic though, you’re not alone. It’s a common issue with a variety of causes, which can make it a bit tricky to pinpoint and treat but we have a few solutions you can try.

A cloudy pool progresses through four distinct stages. It starts with dullness, where the water subtly loses its sparkle. As the cloudiness intensifies, it progresses to a hazy state, where the pool bottom remains visible but appears blurry. Next comes the cloudy stage, characterised by a milky appearance, making it challenging to see the deep end of the pool. Finally, the pool reaches the opaque stage, where the bottom becomes completely invisible, signalling extreme cloudiness. 

Why is your pool water cloudy?

In basic terms, cloudy pool water occurs when countless tiny particles gather in your pool and reflect light, giving your pool an uninviting, murky appearance. These particles can turn your once-clear pool water into something resembling milk. The issue could start after a pool party (sunscreen) or after heavy rain, it can even arise from dust and pollen in the air. Pool cloudiness can also be caused by poor circulation due to a clogged skimmer box or perhaps your pump simply isn’t running for long enough. 

How to fix cloudy water in your pool

Let’s break down how to fix some common issues:

• Environmental factors like bird droppings, pollen, and dust – Remove any large debris (like leaves or twigs) from the pool, skimmer or pump basket. Regular skimming and vacuuming of the pool surface, along with the installation of a pool cover will help prevent further contamination and keep your pool water looking pristine.
• Poor circulation (clogged skimmer boxes) – Similar to what is mentioned in the point above, regular cleaning and maintenance of skimmer boxes is essential. This is to ensure proper water flow and filtration which will help keep your pool sparkling. Issues may also stem from the pump being undersized for your pool or being too old, potentially struggling to circulate and filter water effectively.
• Filtration equipment problems (dirt buildup or damage) – Routine inspection and cleaning of filters, along with repair or replacement of damaged equipment is equally important. Remember to replace cartridge filters every two years for effective filtration. Media filters should be regularly backwashed to remove debris buildup. The media should ideally be replaced every 5 years or when it becomes ineffective.
• Inadequate filtration time (pump doesn’t run long enough) – If your filtration system is not running for enough time everyday, your pool will soon run into cloudy water issues. Adjust the pump schedule to ensure sufficient filtration time based on pool size and usage, talk to a pool expert for more information.
• An imbalance in pool chemistry, (including chlorine levels, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness) – Regular testing and adjustment of chemical levels, along with the use of appropriate chemicals and additives to maintain balance will help to keep your pool water clean and clear

If you’re still scratching your head about what’s causing the cloudiness, swing by the Master Pool Care store for a friendly chat with a pool professional. You can also give us a call on (07) 3857 8530 to schedule an equipment check or pool clean, just in case there’s an underlying issue that needs immediate attention.Remember, a little know-how goes a long way in keeping your pool water sparkling and inviting. Dive in and enjoy!