What causes a cloudy pool?
The number one cause is a filter. Because there are many possible causes of cloudy pool water, accurate water testing is the first step in fixing a cloudy pool. If the parameters are OK, then check your filtration system.
Another cause of cloudy water is heavy swimmer load over the summer months. As the CYA is exhausted, and the sun shines brighter, the load for chlorine is stressed and the free chlorine is inadequate to keep up with the algae and bacteria demand.
What chemicals do you need to treat a cloudy pool?
First, you're going to need some chlorine. Now, chlorine comes in a range of different types. We recommend a combination of liquid chlorine and trichlor tabs. The tricolor will augment the CYA demand as the summer sun becomes brighter. CYA protects against chlorine depletion.
Next, you're going to need pH control, whether that's liquid acid or dry acid, pH UP or Down.
You'll also need algaecide to remove the algae. And finally, you're going to need a clarifier. Of course, you get all these necessary components in one product: C-PoolandSpa.
Treating a cloudy pool isn't hard, but it can be complicated.
The most important thing to know is why the pool went cloudy in the first place. Is it filtration, or is it water balance?
Assuming it is water balance:
Step one
Add the chlorine, C-PoolandSpa to three different areas of your pool: the deep end, the return jets, and distribute C-Pool broadly. They can be added at the same time. You can swim within half an hour after the minerals have dissolved and the chlorine has dissipated.
Step two
Brush the sides and the bottom of your pool. Chances are that the cloudy pool water has left algae deposits on the sides of the pool and the steps.
Leave the filtration on until the pool is diamond clear. Now, this might take a little while, make sure that your pool pressure doesn't go too high. If it does, you might need to clean your pool filter. Regardless, backwash within 24 hours for 2 minutes. Refer to our section on filtration.
Once the pool has transformed back to clear, resume your normal filtration running times. Now, this might take a few days depending on your pool, your equipment, and the weather.
Once the pool has transformed back to clear, resume your normal filtration running times. Now, this might take a few days depending on your pool, your equipment, and the weather.