Swimming in a pool should be a relaxing experience. Part of that experience is being able to see clearly through the water. When pool water becomes cloudy, it can put a damper on your fun. The good news is that there are some simple things you can do to clear up your pool water and enjoy those lazy days of summer.
Cloudy Pool Water - Balance free chlorine (FC) levels.
If your pool’s pH level is too high, it will cause the chlorine levels to drop. This can lead to an increase in algae growth and a decrease in the effectiveness of the sanitizer. To adjust the pH level, you can use a pH increaser or a pH decreaser. If your pool’s pH level is too low, it will cause the chlorine levels to rise. This can lead to a decrease in the effectiveness of the sanitizer and an increase in eye irritation. To adjust the pH level, you can use a pH increaser or a pH decreaser.
It is important to keep your FC levels balanced in order to maintain a healthy pool. An imbalance in the FC levels can lead to cloudy water, algae growth, and eye irritation. By keeping an eye on your FC levels and adjusting them accordingly, you can help ensure that your pool is healthy and clear.
Eliminate ammonia
Ammonia is a common cause of cloudy pool water, and it can also lead to skin irritation and red eyes. If you’re experiencing these problems, regularly check your ammonia levels and breakpoint chlorinate if necessary. You can also use an ammonia remover to help get rid of this problem quickly.
For example, if your ammonia level is above 1 ppm, you should breakpoint chlorinate to lower it below 0.5 ppm. You can do this by adding 5-10 ppm of chlorine to the water and letting it circulate for several hours. If your ammonia level is above 3 ppm, you may need to drain and refill your pool.
An ammonia remover can also be helpful in getting rid of cloudy pool water caused by ammonia. These products work by binding to the ammonia molecules and removing them from the water. This can quickly clear up your pool and make it look its best again.
Get rid of young algae
Algae spores are always present in the air and can easily find their way into your pool water, even if you take measures to prevent it. The best way to get rid of young algae is to shock your pool on a regular basis. This will kill the algae spores before they have a chance to take root and grow.
Shocking your pool is one of the most effective ways to get rid of young algae. Shocking involves adding a large amount of chlorine or other algaecides to your pool water, which will kill any algae that are present. You should shock your pool at least once a week during the summer months, and more often if you notice that algae are starting to grow.
If you don’t have time to shock your pool every week, you can also use an algaecide tablet or powder to help keep algae under control. These products work by killing algae cells and preventing them from reproducing. Algaecide tablets or powder should be added to your pool on a regular basis, depending on the manufacturer’s instructions.
Monitor and balance pH and TA levels
The pH level of your pool water should be between 7.4 and 7.6; anything outside of that range can cause problems, including cloudy water.
Test your pH levels regularly and adjust as needed using acids or bases. You should also test for total alkalinity (TA) and aim for a range of 80-120 ppm.
Correct calcium hardness (CH) levels
If your calcium hardness levels are too high, you can try to lower them by adding a calcium sequestering agent to your pool. These agents work by binding to the calcium in the water and making it easier to remove. Some common sequestering agents include:
Polyelectrolyte
This is a synthetic polymer that binds to calcium and other minerals, making them easier to remove from the water. Polyelectrolytes are available in both liquid and powder form and can be added directly to the pool.
Sodium Bicarbonate
Also known as baking soda, sodium bicarbonate is a natural sequestering agent that can help lower your calcium hardness levels. Add 1 lb. of sodium bicarbonate for every 10,000 gallons of water in your pool.
Calcium Chloride
If your pool has high levels of magnesium or iron, adding calcium chloride can help to sequester these minerals and improve clarity. Calcium chloride is available in a granular or powder form and should be added according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Backwash filter or replace filtering agent
If you have a cartridge filter, it may be time to backwash it or replace the filtering agent altogether. A dirty or clogged filter will make it difficult to keep your pool clean and clear. If you have a sand filter, you may need to add new sand to restore proper filtration.
Clean out your skimmer basket on a regular basis as well, as any other baskets in your filtration system. You should also clean out your pump strainer basket at least once a week during the swimming season.
Remove foreign particles and mineral deposits, scrub, and vacuum up the pool
If you’ve taken all of these steps and your pool water is still cloudy, you may have some build-up of mineral deposits or other foreign particles in your pool.
First, brush down any areas where you see colored stains or discoloration on surfaces such as the tile line, ladders, or handrails, and then vacuum up this debris with a pool vacuum cleaner. If stains persist, you may need to acid wash the pool which should be done with caution and only by a professional experienced with this technique.
Conclusion:
If you’re experiencing cloudy pool water, don’t despair! There are some simple things you can do to clear it up quickly so you can get back to enjoying those lazy days by the poolside. By following these tips, you’ll have crystal clear water in no time!
You can also watch this video – Why Your pool water Is CLOUDY
