- Dengarden»
According to DrinkWell, a water testing company, cloudy or turbid water could stem from a variety of well issues. According to the United States Environmental Protection Agency, it is a homeowner's responsibility to take the precautions to ensure that well water is safe to consume. Sep 1, 2014 - Pool water becomes cloudy when large numbers of tiny particles of matter are either introduced into, or fall out of solution from, the water.
Judging from the questions pool owners ask on the internet, they are having a hard time with water clarity even when they think all the chemicals are balanced. We will discuss in this article why chlorine, pH, and alkalinity are only the beginning in maintaining clear pool water, and then we will troubleshoot the problem.
In this article, you will find answers to the following questions:
- I Shocked My Pool, So Why Is It Still Cloudy?
- I Shocked My Pool, So Why Is It Still Green?
- How Much Shock Should I Add to the Pool? Did I Add Enough?
- Will the Pool Turn Green If I Don't Add Chlorine?
- How Long Should I Run the Pool Pump? Am I Filtering My Pool Enough?
Basic Chemical Requirements for Clear Pool Water
Just to summarize, these are the basic chemical requirements for a pool that stays clear. But there is a little more to it than the basics, as you can see in question 2 below.
- Free chlorine. Unless the water has a sufficient level of free chlorine, algae will grow and make your pool green and cloudy.
- Correct pH. For normal use, your pool’s pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6: for shocking, it should be between 7.2 and 7.6. Shocking a pool with too high pH will cause cloudiness.
- Correct alkalinity. The right range of alkalinity (dissolved salts that keep pH stable) makes pH and chlorine levels easier to maintain.
So What Do I Do Now With My Green and Cloudy Pool?
Read each of the five questions below: at least one should relate to the problem you are having. Most of these questions are based on real keyword searches that have found some of my articles.
Just to summarize my experience: a bad filter is the most common cause of cloudy pool water. Green pool water is caused by a bad chemical balance, usually something other than just low chlorine.
1. I Shocked My Pool, So Why Is It Still Cloudy?
If your pH is not too high, filtration issues are likely the cause of your cloudy pool. The issue may depend on the type of filter.
- If you have a sand filter, it could take a week or more for the pool to completely clear. That's even if it's a working sand filter.
- If you have a cartridge filter, it needs to have a good cartridge. A cartridge can only handle so much. If your pool is cloudy, the cartridge needs to be cleaned DAILY until the pool is clear.
- If you have a diatomaceous-earth (DE) filter and the pool is cloudy, then
- either the pump is not being run on a long enough cycle,
- the DE is not fresh because it’s not being backwashed,
- or the filter is defective and not working properly. (Do you have torn filter grids? A broken manifold? Does DE powder shoot back into the pool when you add it? If so, the filter needs to be taken apart and cleaned or repaired, and your pool will remain cloudy until the repair is made.)
So remember, a cloudy pool can be caused by a bad filter.
If the pool is being filtered properly, you won't need a clarifier solution. In some cases, you can use a flocking agent, a product called 'drop out' or 'drop and vac,' that will bind small particles together and sink all of the algae to the bottom of the pool where it can be vacuumed up as waste.
2. I Shocked My Pool, So Why Is It Still Green?
This is one of the most often searched questions. High levels of the wrong chemicals may be the issue. Let's take a look at reasons why your pool may still be green even after you've exhausted yourself adding tons of chemicals.
Stabilizer
Over time, if you use tablets (like Tri-Chlor) to supply chlorine, levels of the stabilizer from the tablets (cyanuric acid) can become elevated over time and “lock up” the free chlorine molecules (Cl2). Even if you get a very high chlorine reading on your test kit, the chlorine is simply not able to work at killing algae because it’s not in the right chemical form. This article shows you how to lower stabilizer levels.
Phosphates
High phosphate levels can definitely cause algae problems. Phosphorus, or phosphate, can enter the pool by leaching out of leaves or organic debris in the pool, or drifting there from fertilizer sprayed near or around your pool. Because algae feed on phosphates, algae blooms due to phosphorus can become overwhelming in the summer months when the water temperature exceeds 78–82° F. This condition is easily treatable with a phosphate-removing product like this one.
3. How Much Shock Should I Add to the Pool? Did I Add Enough?
'Shocking' a pool that has turned green is better known in the industry as 'super-chlorination.'
When shocking the pool, consider a few factors. How big is the pool? How 'green' is it? If your pool is a normal residential-sized pool of 13,000-25,000 gallons (the pool pictured at the top of the article is around 18,000 gallons), then your options are liquid chlorine or granular shock. The choice depends on what type of filter it has.
- If it is a sand or cartridge filter I will use liquid chlorine, about 10 gallons, or four of the yellow 'Jerry-jugs.' The reason I use liquid chlorine is that granular chlorine will leave a residue that is harder to filter out.
- If the pool has a DE filter, then I will use granular chlorine (about 5 pounds). This article shows how I shock a pool with a DE filter. Remember to test the water before adding shock. The pH should ideally be low when shocking the pool (around 7.2) because shocking the pool will raise the pH level.
Remember that shocking alone does not clear up a green or cloudy pool; that is what the filter is for. It doesn't matter how much shock you put in the pool if you have a bad filter.
4. Will the Pool Turn Green If I Don't Add Chlorine?
Believe it or not, I have seen this keyword search pop up more than once. There is a short answer: YES, IT WILL turn green if you don't add chlorine. Pool water must have a sanitizer or something that will kill bacteria and algae. Algaecide alone without chlorine will not prevent the pool from turning green.
5. How Long Should I Run the Pool Pump? Am I Filtering My Pool Enough?
Always run the pump when shocking the pool and allow it to circulate for 24 hours. The water should then be a blue or cloudy blue color.
Test the water 24 hours after shocking and start adjusting pH and alkalinity levels. The chlorine will still be elevated, but over a few days it should stabilize. To lower the chlorine level, you could add sodium thiosulfate, but I do not recommend this, because adding too much can cause the chlorine level to seesaw back and forth.
After the shocking process is complete, and you are back to normal operation, you need to set your timer so the pool is filtered for a long enough time each day to deal with any algae or debris. How long to run the pump depends on the turnover rate: the time it takes for the circulation system to move the entire volume of water in the pool (the number of gallons) through the filter equipment.
During the hot summer months, an average-size residential pool that is in use should be filtered for a minimum of eight hours. During the cold season (since algae grow slowly in cold water), or when no one is using the pool, the filter time can be cut in half. But the pool water does need to be filtered whether it is being used or not.
This article is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge. Content is for informational or entertainment purposes only and does not substitute for personal counsel or professional advice in business, financial, legal, or technical matters.
- How long do I backwash the sand filter of my pool?Sand filters require a longer backwash time than a DE filter. Both work by reversing the flow and blowing buildup and debris to waste (or backwash hose) In my personal experience with sand filters, a solid 2 minutes is sufficient. I have heard that backwashing a sand filter for 5 minutes is good. Unfortunately, you'll lose several inches of water if it's backwashed that long. So, a good tip would be (and this is what I do for sand filters). Backwash for 90 seconds. Bring valve back to filter position and run for one minute. Backwash again for another 60 seconds. Should be good to go after that. If you have a 'multi-port' valve then there should be a rinse cycle. Run the rinse for 30 seconds after following the above steps.112
- My pool is green. The alkalinity is 180 and the pH is 6.8. What can I do to make it clear?Balancing the chemistry will be the first step. Start with chlorine, pH, and alkalinity. Without knowing the volume (gallon size) of the pool, I can not answer this accurately. Please try this pool chemical calculator for adjustment and dosage amounts.After chemicals are balanced, filtration will be the most important factor in clearing the water. Run the pump as often as possible, cleaning the filter every 2 days until pool is clear79
- After vacuuming the pool how long should I wait before checking chemical balance?Vacuuming the pool will not affect the chemistry readings. It can be tested before, after or even during vacuuming and the results will be the same.41
- I have an above ground 24 x 52 round pool. I have cleaned the pool and started with clean water. We have rust in our water. I have put 32 ounces of algaecide along with 4 shocks, and 5 bottles of chlorine. The water is green. I have a sand filter with brand new sand. What can I do?Above ground pools can be difficult when trying to get rid of algae, only because there is no 'Main drain' or a drain at the bottom of the pool which helps the filtration process greatly. An above ground pool usually only has a surface skimmer. If you've started with clean water, small amounts of chlorine should be added while filling. As far as rust being in the water, you need a metal sequestering agent which will remove the metal from the water. There are a couple of different ways to address the 'green' in the pool. Since you have a sand filter, there should be a backwash mode in which the water is pumped to waste. Ideally, if your filter is equipped with a 'multi-port' valve, then there should also be a 'waste' setting on the valve. Brush the pool, add a floccing agent (this will drop all algae to the bottom of the pool) and then vacuum everything that has dropped to the bottom out to waste. Another option would be to brush the pool often and run the filter as much as possible. Unfortunately, sand filters have a higher micron count and take much longer to clear a green pool, especially if there is no main drain. The water would need to be continuously stirred up to be able to filter it through the surface skimmer. If all else fails, drain the pool and re-fill being sure that a metal sequestering agent is added to counteract the rust in the water.35
- How long after increasing the alkalinity do I wait to shock the pool?Before shocking the pool, be sure the pH is between 7.2 and 7.6. Alkalinity should be at least 80 ppm and no higher than 120 ppm. (90 - 100 ppm is ideal) If an increase is needed, add the sodium bicarbonate or 'alkalinity up', then allow the water to circulate for at least one hour and then re-test the alkalinity level. Once these levels are balanced, the pool can be shocked.3
© 2012 Rob Hampton
- Help PLEASE, my pool is 10500 gal, I’m having a hard time bringing PH up, and lowering my alkalinity ..... any suggestions?
- I ran into this problem several years ago. My pool was green even at ridiculously high chlorine values. The problem then was that I was using Dichlor labeled as 'pool shock' which is basically stabilizer with chlorine attached. I had so much stabilizer that it was keeping the chlorine from doing anything. The only way I got rid of the problem was to drain the pool (for the first time in about 10 years). Now I only use sodium hypochlorite for shock and I haven't had the problem again. I still use trichlor for daily management which has slowly built up my stabilizer since it doesn't every really go away (even in winter).I think the biggest reason for this being the highest googled question is the labeling of dichlor as shock. As a one-time beginning of year treatment, maybe. I would be willing to bet that most of the people suffering from the green shocked pool were doing it with dichlor. That's what all the non-pool stores (Costco, Sams, Walmart) have now and it's all labeled 'shock'.
- We didnt cover the pool this past winter. It turned cloudy blue like milk. Been trying to clear it for two months now. The chemicals are all within normal limits. What can we do?
- You need flock directions will tell you how to use
- If chlorine is high will the water trun green coz of high chlorine
- Hi, for the first time in 20 years of owning this pool, we've struggled with cloudy water and algae all summer. We've never before had an issue managing the chemistry, and usually have crystal clear water. Have had the water tested multiple times and local pool store is out of ideas.We brush the walls/bottom then shock, then after the water starts to clear, use a floc to settle out the remainder and vacuum to waste. But pool never completely clears, and algae starts to grow again within a week, even with high remaining chlorine (5+ ppm).Currently (48 hours after most recent brush and shock) we have:Stabilizer: 20 ppmFree chlorine: 11.4 ppmpH: 7.4TA: 120 ppmCalcium hardness: 190 ppmPhosphates: 0 ppb16,000 gallons. Sand filter running 24/7. Sand was replaced in June.Pool is green--is the same color it was 48 hours ago when we shocked it, using liquid shock. There has been zero change.Help? Any ideas? We're at a total loss, and so is our local pool store!
- Hello,I have a 5500 gallon pool that has had issues staying clear. we have had people fired over and still cant find the issue. we took the water to be tested and shocked it, got all new spider valves. Vacuum it and scrub it every other day. It has rained a a lot however the color started before hand. The temp is around 78, ALK varies from 60 to 80, and the PH Level is 7.4 to 7.6. chlorine has varied a lot in the last week.Thaks you
- I just opened my above ground pool (15ft round x4 ft high) and it was super green and yucky. I purchased a new pump and filter and shocked my pool Sunday night and took some water to the pool store and was told it was locked up so to shock again so I did that last night. I have had the filter running since Sunday afternoon. the pool is still green and cloudy and all levels are showing very low. I don't know what to do next? wait it out? we clean the filter 3 times a day.
- HELP! I am very frustrated. We have a pop up 15 x 48 pool. Just got back from a 1 week vaca and the pool was a very dark green from algae growth. I shocked it and added algae killer. Now its been 2 days and it still has some green but VERY cloudy! I am cleaning the filter cartridge 3 times a day. No cover on the pool, exposed to the sun. What am I doing wrong? How long will this take to totally clear up? Why do my test strips say there is NO chlorine in the pool (even though I've shocked and have added 6 oz of chlorine 24 hours later) and the PH is way too high even though I have added PH minus? Do the test strips even work?? Do I now have too much chlorine in it so the strips won't read it??
- We've tried everything that we've googled, that's applicable. Why is the pool water still green? This has been an ongoing issue for about 3 weeks now.
- hi is this colour water dangerous to swim in or just unpleasant because of its look? thanks
- No wonder my neighbors pool is green! Lots of insight thanks so much.
Swimming Pools/Pool Care and Cleaning/Pool Heating
- Cloudy water can be caused for a number of reasons: poorfiltration, imbalance of chemicals in your pool such as totalalkalinity, pH, calcuim hardness and chlorine, imbalance of totalchlorine and free chlorine (referred to as chlorine demand),etc.
- It could also be that your have a lot of micro particles thatyour filter cant catch. You might want to try a chlorifier thatmakes the tiny particles clump together and easy to remove with avacuum.
- This condition occurred with me twice last year. The diagnosisfor me was 'mold'. I was using Bacquacil, and the dealer told me totest for mold by pouring 1 gallon of bacquashock directly into theskimmer. If the return subsequently starts blowing white instead ofclear water, it's mold. The only recourse was to superclorinate,which of course made a big mess, then vacuum and restart withbacquacil again after pool cleared up.
- The water is cloudy due to poor water chemistry. Most likely apH problem. Take water into a pool store. Sometimes cloudiness isalso due to using a calcium based shock. Such as the brandsock-it
- Double shock your pool with liquid chlorine (12.5%). A doubleshock is 2L of chlorine for every 10000L of water in your pool. Thecloudiness is likely the start of algae. You may also find aclarifier helpful after double shocking to help eliminate theparticles that will settle to the bottom of the pool.
- Make sure all of your levels are balanced. then if there is noimprovement add a clarifier ONLY if you are using a sand orcartridge filter. it will clog a filter.
- First make sure ALL your levels are good depending on thefilter type that is used perform a backwash vacuum. if using a sandfilter try some DE in small doses for it will clog the filter letit run through the filters watch your pressures when they get tothe point you normally backwash than do so.
- Have a complete water analysis to find the cause for cloudywater.
- I disagree with all the above answers: There are only two maincauses for a white cloudy pool #1 is lack of Sanitizer. #2 is lackof filtration due to a poor filter or a clogged pump. I would startwith #2 turn your system off make sure there are no blockages inyour pump basket,skimmer & main drain.Make sure your filter isproperly cleaned.Then #1 check your sanitizer level make sure it isin a safe operating range. Your pool water should be turned overevery 6-8 hours.
- Cloudy pool water is usually the result of one or more of thefollowing: filter/ filtration problems, high calcium hardnesslevel, high conditioner level, high pH, low pH, high totalalkalinity, high level of total dissolved solids, low chlorinelevel, algae, large volume of microscopic particles in the poolwater.
What is cloudy pool water?
pool water that is cloudy don't swim in it Read More
What makes pool water blue and cloudy?
The major reason for cloudy blue pool water would be inconsistent chlorination. For a list of other reasons, please refer to the related link. Read More
Why is it cloudy?
The water in a pool can be cloudy because the chemicals are not balanced. If people wear sunscreen and go in the pool before it has soaked in it can also cause the water to become cloudy. Read More
Green cloudy water in pool?
Can you swim in cloudy pool water?
Why does your pool water turn cloudy after it rains?
Why would the pool water be cloudy when all chemical levels are okay?
Maybe there are particulates in the water, indicating that the filter needs maintenance. Read More
How do you clean cloudy pool water?
Is it safe to swim in cloudy pool water?
no its probably not safe to swim in cloudy pool water. reason number 1 is because you might not know how deep the pool water is and you could endanger yourself. Read More
Cloudy pool water after shock?
Add clarifier, available at your local pool supply. Read More
How do you get rid of cloudy pool water?
first you should check why its cloudy but if you don't know you could shock it. Read More
How do you clear the cloudy water in your pool?
Cloudy water is NOT NECESSARILY algae growth. Cloudy water can be caused by LOTs of things. Algae, poor filtering, bad circulation, a dirty filter, poor water balance Read More
What is the easiest way to get rid of cloudy pool water?
Why does pool water become cloudy after being vacuumed?
Cloudy and greenish looking water in vinyl swimming pool?
Shock treatment for the green part. If it is still cloudy you can add a clarifier sold at your local pool supply. Read More
Will swimming pool water be cloudy if the stablelizer is low?
Not likely, make sure all chemicals are balanced. If still cloudy, use a clarifier sold at pool stores. Read More
What is a pool filter for?
A pool filter is there to remove particles of foreign matter from the pools water. Without a filter to remove this material it would not take long for the pools water to become cloudy and dangerous to the health of the swimmers. Read More
What is cloudy?
When there are clouds. :) If you are talking about cloudy pool water, it could be a number of things. Take a water sample to a retail pool store for testing. If the cloudiness remains after you balance the water, try adding a flocculent. If it still remains, try shocking the pool, then adding a flocculent again. Read More
Why did my cloudy pool water turn green after shock treatment?
Trace amounts of copper in your water. Use a metal remover from your pool store. Read More
How much soda ash per gallon do you add in a swimming pool for cloudy water?
You don't really add soda ash for cloudy water; in fact depending on the situation it can cause cloudy water. Soda ash increases pH. You have to use large quantities of liquid chlorine 12.5% and 24/7 filtration. Normal run time for filter would be in the neighborhood of 12 hrs depending on size of pool. Read More
Why pool water cloudy while using solar cover?
cloudy water is due to bad filteration pump needs to be run for at least 12 hours aday . i keep mine on all the time unless pool is in use . i never used to and always had cloudy water a friend told me what to do now i have clear water all the time hope this helps you. Read More
Why did your pool turn cloudy after adding pH increaser?
when you add pH increase to the pool water directly it will turn the water cloudy for 3-4 hrs and then it iwill dissipate. add to the skimmer and while you loose some pH effect the pool remains pristine.o o Read More
Why does the pool water taste sour?
Hmmm, without seeing the water, I would guess that you have somewhat cloudy water. It is cloudy if you can not see a quarter next to the main drain grate at the bottom of the pool. Balance the rest of the chem. pH and total alkalinity. How old is the water. More than 8 to 10 yrs old -- then drain or change all or most of the water - adding fresh water. Read More
Why is the swimming pool water cloudy?
Make sure the filter is working properly and not broken. Maintain a proper chemical level (sanitizer and water balance) and run your filter. Cloudy water is among the most common pool problems, and the causes for it are extensive and varied. Read More
Your return water makes the pool water cloudy why?
What type of filter do you have? It may be D. E. Read More
Does covering pool with solar blanket make water cloudy?
No. Assuming the water has been treated/is balanced. Read More
Cloudy green pool water?
Clean out all your skimmer baskets and remove any debris from the pool. Then shock it. Back wash the filter for at least 5 minutes and then rinse for 1 minute. Depending on pool size you should see the green dissipate to clear cloudy water. Use clarifier to remove the cloudiness from the water. Read More
How can you remove skunk spray from swimming pool water?
Use extra chlorine for about a week to shock the pool. As long as the water stays clear, you don't have a problem. If the pool gets cloudy, consult a professional. Read More
Could dirty sand in filter of pool make water cloudy?
Why does the pool water get milky after swimming in it?
if you use a chlorinator in your pool you will get a white milky substance in your pool form the chlor-tabs. some brands as Pace have a high amount of inert ingredients that cause this problem. you can alleviate this problem by 'sweeping' your pool bottom to the drains and back wash your filter often. sweeping should be done every few days to help keep this substance from building up and swimmering activities mixing it… Read More
You used 32 ounces of clarifier to your 30 round above ground pool for cloudiness The pool still looks cloudy what do you do?
Why is my 30 foot round pool still cloudy after adding clarifier Arre you filtering the water more than 18 hrs per day? Hum, why not? Read More
If the pH level is good and the water is still cloudy what can i do?
Add a clarifier, available at you pool supply store Read More
How do you clear a cloudy pool?
You should check your chemical balances. If they are not in the ideal range the pool will becom cloudy. I would go to your nearest pool store and ask them for the chemical testing kit which will include instructions as well as the chemicals needed to balance your pools chemical levels. Read More
How do you fix an aboveground pool with Baquacil that has been shocked and clarified and its levels are good but it is still cloudy?
The first thing to do would be to test for the Total Alkalinity. If it is not within the 60-120 range the water will be cloudy and nothing will clear it up except adjusting it. Another thing would be to chemically clean the filter. Baquacil recommends that you chemically clean it at least once a month, if the filter is clogged up it could cause the pool to be cloudy. The last resort would be… Read More
What to do if your aquarium water is slightly cloudy?
I would suggest you to change the water ASAP. Cloudy water indicates low oxygen levels. Read More
You have cloudy water with air bubbles?
You also have Algae this can usually be treated with bombing the pool and hitting it with an algaecide. Just to be on the safe side take a sample of the water along to your pool shop and have it tested. Read More
Clear a cloudy pool when the chlorine is high and pH range is normal?
# Test the swimming pool water for Combined Chlorine, pH, Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness. The two areas that are most likely to cause cloudy pool water are the pH and the Calcium Hardness. # If the pool chemical levels are not within the following suggested ranges, adjust the chemicals and run the pool filter system for 12-24 hours before re-testing. Free Chlorine: 1-3 ppm, pH: 7.2 - 7.6, Alkalinity: 90 - 120 ppm and Calcium… Read More
Why did my pool turned green after I shocked it the water seems clear when you put it in a cup and it isn't cloudy?
Should you put salt in swimming pool water when the water is cloudy?
It is fine but do not swim in it because it can be harmful to your lungs and ESPECIALLY children too. Read More
Why is the swimming pool water cloudy and greenish?
It sounds like you have a problem with algae Try shocking the pool and adding an algaecide. While you are getting the chemicals you need at the pool shop take in as ample of water and have it tested. The pool shop wil be able to tel you how to balance your water to avoid the problem in the future. Read More
How do i clear cloudy water in a intex pool?
You might want to try a longer filter run and chlorine. Read More
How much shock for a cloudy pool?
Check your Ph level. This can also make pool cloudy. Read More
Why is your pool water cloudy?
It can depend on the type of pool. If it is a salt pool that's usually the salt being turned up. If it is a chlorine pool then they may have put a bit more chemicals then necessary. This should not have any negative effects on you. Read More
With a new pool surface installed- Diamond Brite or any aggregate surface- is it possible or doable to acid wash the pool with water in the pool?
If you did you would end up with very acidic water. a good way to clean pool surfaces with the water still in in most case, it is to simply use a high pressure water sprayer with nothing but water. You will end up with cloudy water that you can then hit with a clarifier allow it to settle for a couple of days and vac the layer at the bottom to waste. Read More
How much bleach in a pool?
One half teaspoon of non scented regular bleach will sanitize 5 gals of water. If the water is cloudy, it is safe to double the recommended amount. Now for the pool size ? you do the math. . . :} Read More
What do you do with the water in a new pool?
Check the chemicals with a pool test kit sold at most stores like Walmart or Kmart or a pool store. It shows how to check for PH balance and Chlorine. You must keep your chemicals balanced or the water will get cloudy or worse, green. Read More
Will buffer clear your cloudy pool?
Phosphate buffers put in cloudy pools will clear it up. The buffer clears the pool by reducing CH levels. Read More
How do you clear up an AG pool that has blue-gray cloudy water that feels almost slick?
my 21 ft ag pool was blue and cloudy. The cause was leaves and pine needles at the bottom. Once I got them out - i shocked it again (3 gallons) and that helped Read More
Why is pool water salty green and cloudy?
The water must be old. It lacks the proper chemicals. It lacks filtration - - lots of it. It lacks some with the knowledge to properly maintain a pool. (Those of you who want a pool but do not want to take care of it.) Get a test kit and get to work. Read More
How do you get your green cloudy above ground pool water clear?
Drain & refill it or you can try to shock it. I suggest putting leftover chlorine tablets in a bucket with holes in it in your pool for your off season to keep the water from greening or just emptying the water altogether. Read More