Why Is My Pool Water Cloudy? Causes and Fixes
Cloudy water is your pool telling you something is off. Here is how to work out what, and fix it properly.
Cloudy pool water almost always comes down to one of three things: not enough sanitizer, water that is out of balance (usually high pH, alkalinity or calcium), or a filter that is not keeping up. Test your water first to find the cause, fix the balance, clean the filter and run the pump longer. Most cloudy pools clear in a day or two once the real cause is fixed.
The most common causes
| Cause | What is happening | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| Low chlorine | Not enough sanitizer to keep up with contaminants | Test, balance pH, then raise chlorine or shock |
| High pH or alkalinity | Chlorine works poorly and minerals start coming out of the water | Lower alkalinity and pH gradually |
| High calcium hardness | Calcium comes out of solution and clouds the water | Lower pH, and partial water replacement if very high |
| Dirty or worn filter | Tiny particles pass straight through | Clean the filter, check for worn media or cartridges |
| Not enough run time | Water is not being filtered often enough | Run the pump longer each day |
| Fine debris or pollen | Particles too small for the filter to catch easily | Clean filter, then use a clarifier |
| Recently shocked or early algae | Dead or starting algae in the water | Keep filtering, brush and retest chlorine |
Start with a water test
Cloudy water has several possible causes, and they need different fixes. Adding chemicals without testing can make things worse, for example raising pH even higher or overloading the water. A quick test tells you whether you are dealing with a sanitizer problem, a balance problem or a filtration problem.
Not sure what is clouding your pool? Bring a water sample to our Alpharetta store at 2900 Holcomb Bridge Rd for a free computerized water test. We will tell you exactly what is wrong and what it needs, nothing more.
How to clear cloudy water, step by step
- 1Test your water for chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium and stabilizer.
- 2Balance alkalinity and pH first so your chlorine can work properly.
- 3Raise chlorine or shock the pool if sanitizer levels are low.
- 4Clean your filter thoroughly, and check sand, cartridges or grids for wear.
- 5Run your pump longer, ideally around the clock, until the water clears.
- 6If fine particles remain once the water is balanced, use a clarifier to help the filter catch them, then retest.
Clarifier vs flocculant
A clarifier gathers tiny particles into slightly larger clumps that your filter can catch. It works gradually while the pump runs. A flocculant, or floc, makes particles clump and sink to the floor so you can vacuum them out, usually to waste. Floc works faster for very cloudy water, but it takes more effort. For most mildly cloudy pools, fixing the balance, cleaning the filter and using a clarifier is enough.
Cloudy after shocking?
It is normal for water to look hazy for a day or so after shocking, especially when killing algae. Keep the pump running, brush the pool and clean the filter as it catches the dead algae. If your pool went from green to cloudy, you are on the right track. Read our guide to clearing a green pool.
How to prevent cloudy water
- •Test your water regularly, especially after rain or heavy use.
- •Keep pH and alkalinity in range so your chlorine stays effective.
- •Clean your filter whenever pressure rises noticeably above its normal clean reading.
- •Run your pump long enough each day to turn over the full volume of water.
- •Keep leaves and debris out, especially in fall.
Learn more about what each chemical does in our pool chemical basics guide.
Frequently asked questions
Still cloudy?
Bring a water sample to Pool Supply Atlanta, 2900 Holcomb Bridge Rd, Alpharetta, GA 30022 for a free computerized test and honest advice. Open Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm and Saturday 9am to 4pm. Serving Alpharetta, Roswell, Milton, Johns Creek and Sandy Springs. Questions? Call 678-691-6124.
Want to check how long to run your pump? Start with our Pool Calculator to find your pool's volume.
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