6 Top Methods to Treat Cloudy Pool Water Properly
When we think of a swimming pool, especially if it is hot, we imagine crystal clear, bluish water, in which the bottom of it is perfectly visible because there’s no cloudy pool water.
To keep your pool in these conditions, it is necessary to carry out a series of maintenance and cleaning tasks. However, sometimes, even when carried out correctly, you can find it difficult to rid of the cloudy pool water, which at first glance, looks ugly and disgusting.
In the event of cloudy pool water, identify the problem as soon as possible, since it can lead to more serious problems if it is not treated quickly and properly.
If the only words that come to mind are ‘my pool is cloudy and can’t receive guests yet’, this article can help find an accurate solution.
Causes of a cloudy pool
In the case of cloudy pool water, the first thing you should check is the levels of alkalinity, pH, chlorine, and hardness.
1-pH
It indicates whether a substance is acidic or basic. In a pool, the pH must range from 7.2 to 7.6. High levels of pH cause cloudy pool water, as well as irritation and damage to the skin and eyes.
To correct the pH levels, there are several specific products that can boost and reduce the pH in a cloudy pool.
2-Alkalinity
It quantifies carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides in the water. That is, the existing alkaline substances. Optimal levels regulate pH. Alkalinity should oscillate between 125 and 150 ppm.
3-Hardness
It refers to the volume of calcium and magnesium that is present in the liquid. The more it contains, the harder the water will be. In some countries like Spain, normal figures can range from 150 to 250 ppm.
When hardness is excessive, use a product to modify it. This stabilizer can be used when the cloudy pool water is caused by metal ions.
4-Chlorine
There are three types of chlorine in a pool you should consider when measuring chlorine levels:
Free chlorine: it works as a disinfectant. The optimal level is between 1 and 2 ppm.
Residual chlorine: it has no negative effects. Its maximum value should be 0.2 ppm plus or minus.
Total chlorine: is the total amount of chlorine, which should be 1.5 ppm.
As in the rest of the cases, use a chlorine stabilizer to eliminate the chlorine that causes cloudy pool water. However, you can still encounter a pool cloudy after shock. Don’t fret, there are other strategies to cleanse the pool as follows.
Specific products
There are also specific products to treat cloudy pool water. They are strips that show chemical reactions through colors.
You can also find devices called electronic photometers that allow analyzing chemicals in cloudy pool water. There are several devices and models with functions to meet specific needs. These gadgets work according to the size and type of the pool (public and private)
What to do if pool is cloudy but chemicals are fine
If you’ve checked all levels, and they are within the parameters, and you still have cloudy pool water, there may be some particles that the filter cannot absorb and remain on the water surface.
If that’s the case, follow the steps below. You will be closer to sorting out the cloudy pool water issue after all.
Step 1- Cleanse the filter. At worst, you’ll need to change it.
Step 2- If there’s pool cloudy after shock, probably, you should increase the filtration hours, since they are not enough.
Step 3- Follow the manufacturer’s instructions painstakingly. Filtration should last 12 hours when the pool is constantly in use.
Step 4- If you still have cloudy pool water, make use of a water clarifier. Be careful when using it. The abuse of water clarifiers can be counterproductive.
Step 5- Once you apply the product to the cloudy pool water, let it act for 6 and 12 hours. After this period, the dirt should come off the surface and pool walls, making it easy for the filter to absorb it.
Just follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding the amount of clarifier to pour. This depends fundamentally on the capacity of the pool.
Once the clarifier starts acting, check the chemical levels to see if they are OK.
Step 6- If even after this step, there’s no cloudy pool water fix, try this last resort: flocculant.
This product increases the size of the particles in suspension and helps them reach the bottom of the pool. If we use it with a pool cleaner, it is more efficient.
As with the other product, be careful with the quantity. You can get the situation worse if you overuse flocculant.
Summary
Finally, another consideration when using flocculants is that not all of them are suitable for all pool types to remove cloudy pool water. Therefore, it is important to choose the right product and peruse the instructions before use.
