Summer is no fun without the beach and the pool, isn’t it? But with the pandemic going on these days, it can be hard to visit and enjoy the beach due to travel and health restrictions. It’s safer to stay at home and make use of your pool if you have it.

The main problem with having a pool at home is when it turns cloudy and dirty. Nobody would want to swim that, and that’s a total bummer to have a cloudy pool for summer. Here we’ll show you how to get rid of cloudy pool water.

Step 1: Know the reason why the pool water is cloudy.

 Before you take action on cleaning the pool water, you need to make an assessment first. There are a lot of reasons why your pool water is getting cloudy. Check the below if those reasons made your pool water less desirable:

1. The pool water got mixed up with rainfall.

 Unless you have an indoor pool, this wouldn’t be a problem. When it rains, most likely, the rainwater mixes in the pool water. Both types of water are not the same. Take note that rainwater is safe and never harmful to the pool. However, the chlorine in your pool water doesn’t react so well when mixed with rainwater. This can result in a more cloudy appearance of the water.

2. Too low or too high chlorine

 Chlorine is essential for the pool water since it wards off all the harmful toxins and bacteria that could harm you while swimming. When the chlorine is too high, it gets cloudy, and if it’s too low, it gets super crystal clear. Always check the chlorine content in your pool water, and it should always stay at a normal amount.

3. Too much hydrogen concentration and calcium content

 Check the hydrogen levels of the pool water. If it’s too acidic, the pool water is wearing away, causing dirt to flow and make the water cloudy. If the pool is too basic as well, it could still cause the cloudiness of the water. Ensure that the acidity and basicity of the pool water are balanced.

Even the calcium content of the pool water has something to do with it. This should be tested as well. If there’s too much calcium, the water tends to be cloudy. Ensure as well that the calcium content shall be tested and maintain its normal levels.

4. Shocked pool water

Every pool needs to be shocked, especially when you’re trying to fix its chlorine content. However, the side effect of pool shocking is giving your pool water a cloudy and murky effect. When shocking the water, it messes up with its bicarbonate compounds. Shocking the pool water uses a high amount of calcium, which can also result in cloudy water.

Step 2: Fixing the Cloudy Pool Water

Once you’re done doing tests on your pool water, it’s time to apply some of the methods that we’ll present below.

1. Remedy with a Pool Flocculant

  • You can purchase this product in any hardware store or pool-based shop online. It’s a powder that you can use to treat your pool water.
  • Once you have the pool flocculant available, make sure to read the instructions on how to use it.
  • After getting the right dosage to use, mix the pool flocculant powder in a little bit of water creating a paste-like mixture.
  • Then, spread the mixture all over the pool and let it sit for about two days.
  • Ensure that the water pump is off, and no one should swim at this point yet.
  • After two days, you will see all the dirt and gunk floating on the surface, causing your water to be murky. Pull it out using a manual vacuum making sure that no traces of dirt shall be left.

2. Using a pool clarifier

  • A pool clarifier is another product that you can use to prevent your pool water from clouding and getting murky. (Note that this won’t be effective when used with super cloudy water)
  • When you notice that the pool water is getting slightly cloudy, apply some of the pool clarifiers into the water. Make sure you follow the packet instructions and let it sit there to do its work.
  • The pool clarifier does the same job as the pool flocculant. It gathers all the bad stuff from the water and makes it visible by having it float on the surface.
  • Once you see all the dirt build-up floating, take it out by using a pool filter. Ensure that you’ve cleaned all the dirt on the surface.

3. Maintaining your pool filter

  • A dirty pool filter can also be the culprit of why your pool water is cloudy. Always do regular cleaning and replace the pool filter when it’s old and too used up.
  • Check for any debris, dirt or gunk clogging up the pool filter. When it’s clogged, it’s not working as it should be by successfully filtering all the first from the pool. Make sure it’s not clogged up and well cleaned.
  • You can use a filter cleaner at least twice every three months to avoid it from clogging up.
  • If the pool filter looks helpless, consider changing it, and get a new one.

4. Conduct regular pool maintenance

Having a pool is a lot of work but worth it. Make sure that you do water checks and tests. Observe the cleaning and inspections schedule. Most importantly, practice good habits to prevent problems in the water. Prepare a checklist to monitor at all times.

How do you clear up cloudy pool water fast?

Why is my pool clean but cloudy?

When pool water is cloudy, you may wonder why. Pool chemicals could be out of balance or the pH might be off. Chlorine levels and the right pH are key to keeping a pool clear. If a pool’s pump or the filter isn’t working right, the water may look murkier than usual.

How do you clean a cloudy pool in 24 hours?

Clean Filter and Pool Surfaces

Properly clean your pool surfaces. Skim water surface, brush walls, vacuum, remove any visual debris, and empty skimmer baskets. Allow your pump and filter to operate continuously for at least 24 hours so that your pool’s entire gallonage has the chance to be filtered.

How do I make my pool clear?

How to Clear Up Cloudy Pool Water
  1. Give Your Pool a Deep Clean. Before you do anything else, start by giving your pool a good scrub down.
  2. Shock Your Pool At Night.
  3. Filter Your Pool Water 24/7.
  4. Use Your Bottom Drains.
  5. Balance Your Chemistry.
  6. Floc Your Pool.
  7. Use Pool Water Clarifier.

How long does it take for pool clarifier to work?

A clarifier requires less work and less water but can take to two to three days to achieve the results you are looking for.

Can I use pool shock and clarifier at the same time?

Shocking your pool and adding an algaecide to the water are two ways to get rid of the sickly green color caused by algae growth, but you shouldn’t do these things at the same time. Algaecide and clarifier should not be combined in the same bottle.

Is shock and chlorine the same thing?

1) What is the difference between chlorine and shock? Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly. Chlorine tabs (placed in a chlorinator, floater, or skimmer basket) maintain a chlorine residual in the water. You do need to use both tabs and shock.

How long after putting shock in pool can I add clarifier?

After Adding pH, Alkalinity and Clarifier

It is recommended to wait at least 20 minutes to an hour after adding water balancing chemicals.

Do I use shock or algaecide first?

While shocking and adding algaecide is effective in getting rid of algae, it should not be done together. This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.

What time of day is best to shock a pool?

BEST TIME OF DAY TO SHOCK? After you have cleaned the pool of all debris it is best to shock in the evening because the sun’s UV rays will dissolve the chlorine too quickly before it has a chance to attach and oxidize.

How long after adding algaecide can you shock?

It’s important to know that using pool shock and algaecide together can create bad chemical reactions if you don’t take the necessary precautions. Your chlorine levels won’t return to normal right after you shock your pool anyway, so we recommend waiting at least 24 hours to add algaecide.

What happens if you put too much shock in a pool?

Although, if you overdo the shock treatment, you risk getting green hair from chlorine due to the excess chlorine oxidizing the copper in the water. You can execute a shock treatment with a few different types of pool shock, just be mindful of how much you‘re using.

How often should you put chlorine in pool?

According to NSPI standards for public pools, the ideal frequency for a super dose is every week, depending on use and water temperature. For high use pools, superchlorination may be required three times a week or more as a preventive measure.

How long does it take for chlorine levels to drop?

Follow package instructions, which will guide you in how long to wait after shocking before swimming. Heavy shocking with granular chlorine will generally require 24-48 hours before the chlorine level has dropped to safe swimming levels (below 5 ppm).

How do you shock pool water?

Should I use chlorine free shock?

For many of the reasons outlined in point 2, Non Chlorine Shock can help improve water clarity fast. If you have milky or cloudy hot tub water but your chlorine levels, PH and alkalinity are ok then Non Chlorine Shock will oxidise the products causing this and help restore your water to crystal clear.

How long after shocking pool can I test water?

Wait for FAC Level to Drop

Continue letting the pump to run for about 6 hours and then re-test the water. The Free Available Chlorine (FAC) level may be very high, making it unsafe to swim.

What can I use in my pool instead of chlorine?

There are alternatives to chlorine including bromine, ionizers, and ozonators, though with each you’ll still need to use some chlorine. A fourth alternative is PHMB, which doesn’t require the use of any chlorine. All four have drawbacks, including cost.