No one wants a cloudy pool. A green pool is even worse. If you do not clear up a cloudy pool quickly, you will end up with a green pool before you know it.

There are four main reasons your pool water has gone over to the dark side: poor filtration, incorrect chlorine levels, contaminants in the water or poor water chemistry.

No need to panic though. There are some solutions to these pesky problems that will get you back to sparkling water in no time!

Filtration

Poor or incorrect filtration is the number one reason your pool is looking murky. If you can’t remember

the last time you cleaned out your pool filter, then start there. It could be as simple as a backwash to fix this problem.

Next check your basket is empty and that your skimmer is working properly, as both of these contribute to cloudy water. If your filter has seen better days, it is no longer doing its job and may need to be replaced.

Chlorine Levels

Think of Chlorine as a water sanitiser! If you do not have the correct levels, then this could be causing cloudy water. Start by testing the levels of “free chlorine” in your pool – this is the amount available to keep the water clean.

If these are low then this could be why you have cloudy water. If your free levels are lower than the total level of chlorine you could be irritating the water with the production of chloramines – a byproduct caused by this imbalance.

A quick way to up these levels is to shock your pool with cal-hypo. This can be done once a week during the warmer months and just give your pool the boost it needs.

Pool Chemistry

If your pool’s chemistry is not right, it can cause bacteria growth and cloudy water. Make sure you are also checking the pH levels, the total alkalinity and the calcium hardness regularly.

The proper levels of each are as follows:

• pH 7.4 – 7.6
• Alkalinity 100 parts per million to 150 parts per million
• Calcium hardness 175 – 225 parts per million in vinyl pools, 200 – 275 in concrete or plaster pools

Keep these levels in check often, and make adjustments as needed – cloudy water is not the only problem caused by poor pool chemistry.

Contamination

Contaminants can cause algae growth, and this can lead to cloudy water. The best way to treat algae is by catching it early, and cleaning and shocking your pool.

Be especially watchful after a rainstorm as extra debris often ends up in the pool and can cause issues. Rainwater will also dilute the pool water, meaning chlorine levels drop. Clean, test and balance your pool after every storm.

Pool Solutions

Now that you know how to prevent cloudy pool water, you are all set. Nevertheless, if you have further questions or need more advice, feel free to contact Pool Spa at 011 793 1381 and one of our friendly representatives will be happy to assist you.