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5 Top Tips on How To Clean a Cloudy Pool

A crystal-clear swimming pool can be the centerpiece of any backyard. However, cloudy pool water can significantly diminish its appearance. It can also indicate underlying safety issues.

Over the years, Cleverblu LLC’s professional pool cleaners have restored water clarity for countless customers. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll share our expert advice on how to clean a cloudy pool. These proven strategies will help you achieve crystal-clear water. Continue reading below for practical tips on pool cleaning.

What Are the Common Causes of Cloudy Pool Water?

Before treating your cloudy pool, it’s important to determine the root cause. Understanding the source of the problem will help you target your cleaning efforts more effectively and prevent future issues.

Here are some possible reasons your pool water looks dull:

• Poor filtration: Dirty or old filters don’t remove debris or other particles from the water properly, leading to cloudiness.
• Chemical imbalances: Improper pH levels, chlorine levels, or other chemical imbalances can cause foggy water.
• Algae growth: Early stages of algae growth can cause cloudiness, even before visible blooms appear.
• Environmental factors: Pollen, dust, and debris carried by the wind or rain can contribute to murky water.
• Organic matter: Leaves, grass clippings, and other organic debris can decompose in the water, causing muddy water.
• Heavy pool use: Oils, lotions, and other products from swimmers can accumulate and cloud your water.

Once you’ve determined the cause of the issue, it’s time to resolve it. Here are various ways to clean your cloudy pool.

1. Clean or Change Your Pool Filter

Keeping your pool water clear starts with proper filtration. Filters are designed to remove debris from the water, which is why it’s important to clean or backwash them regularly. Medium-sized filters should be cleaned every two weeks, while larger filters should be cleaned every three to four months.

If your pool water is still clouding up despite regular filter cleaning, it could be an indication that your filter cartridge needs to be replaced altogether. Generally, filter cartridges last around two to four years, depending on how they’re maintained and how often a pool is used.

To gradually treat cloudy water caused by poor filtration, run your pump for at least 8 to 12 hours a day—longer if the water is really cloudy. If necessary, consider making the switch to a more powerful pump.

A well-maintained filtration system can help prevent many pool problems down the line.

2. Test and Adjust the Chemistry of Your Pool Water

Having safe pool water means maintaining the right balance of chemicals. Regular testing and adjustments ensure that your water remains clean and clear.

To optimize the quality of your water, use a pool testing kit to check its chemical levels. You should test your pool’s pH, chlorine, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Based on your test results, you may need to make some adjustments.

For example, unbalanced pH levels might necessitate the use of a pH increaser or decreaser. If your pool’s chlorine levels are off, you may need to add chlorine tablets or liquid chlorine. You can raise pool alkalinity by adding baking soda with a small amount of muriatic acid. To balance calcium hardness, consider adding calcium chloride to increase levels or replacing pool water with fresh water to decrease levels.

After making any necessary adjustments, remember to retest your water.

Regular testing is crucial for maintenance. You should be testing your pool water at least once a week.

3. Address Algae Growth

Pool algae can be caused by poor filtration and inconsistent chlorine levels. In addition to muddying up the water, it can cause various health issues, such as rashes and eye infections. It can also attract mosquitoes.

To choose the right algaecide treatment, identify whether the algae in your pool is green, black, or mustard algae. Brush any affected areas vigorously, and then apply an algaecide according to the product’s instructions. Run your pool’s pump continuously for 24 hours to circulate the algaecide, and then vacuum any dead algae.

“Shocking” your pool is another great way to eliminate algae and other contaminants. Shocking involves adding chemicals to your water to raise free chlorine levels and destroy harmful bacteria.

Steps to Shock Your Pool

Here’s a step-by-step on how to shock your pool:

• I. Calculate the volume of your pool.
• II. Choose a pool shock treatment based on the size of your pool.
• III. Apply the product in the evening to prevent sun degradation, distributing it evenly around the pool’s perimeter.
• IV. Run your pool’s pump for at least 6 hours after shocking.
• V. Retest your water’s chemistry before swimming (usually 24 to 48 hours after shocking).

Left unaddressed, excess algae can pose serious health risks. If you notice algae forming in your swimming pool, it’s vital to resolve the issue before it accumulates.

4. Brush and Vacuum Your Pool

Brushing and vacuuming your pool is essential for prolonging its lifespan and maintaining water quality.

To keep your pool free of pollen, dust, and debris buildup, it’s important to scrub the entire surface area regularly using a sturdy brush. You may need to wait a few hours for any dislodged debris to settle before vacuuming. Make sure to vacuum after scrubbing, as this removes any fine particles that may have been left behind, preventing them from recirculating into the water.

Remember to make brushing and vacuuming a regular part of your pool maintenance routine. Once a week should be more than enough.

5. Use a Pool Clarifier or Flocculant

Pool clarifiers are designed to clear up cloudy water. These handy products work by clumping together small particles in your pool, making it easier for your filter to catch and remove them.

After adding the clarifier to your pool, run your pump continuously for 24 to 48 hours. During this process, it’s important to keep an eye on your filter and clean it out, as it will be collecting the excess particles suspended in the water.

Pool clarifiers should only be used once a week at most, as too much clarifier can clog your filter.

When your pool is extremely cloudy and other treatments aren’t cutting it, a flocculant can be a powerful solution. While flocculants are similar to pool clarifiers in their functionality, they work somewhat differently and are considered ideal for pool owners with a sand filter.

This chemical works by clumping tiny particles together, causing them to sink to the bottom, where they can be easily vacuumed out.

To use a flocculant, add it to your pool according to the product’s package directions. Turn off your pump and allow it to settle. After 12 to 24 hours, vacuum the debris and refill your pool. This method involves a bit more labor, but it’s considered faster compared to pool clarifiers.

It’s recommended to use flocculants semi-weekly.Ensure Crystal-Clear Pool Water With Cleverblu LLC

Looking for seasoned pool maintenance experts to help you with your cloudy pool? Cleverblu LLC offers professional cleaning services to keep your water clean, safe, and clear all year round. Give us a call at (407) 922-8947!