What Causes a Cloudy Pool?
Swimming pools are perfect for enjoying a refreshing dip in fresh and crystal-clear water on a hot summer day.
Swimming pools are perfect for enjoying a refreshing dip in fresh and crystal-clear water on a hot summer day. However, a common issue that pool owners often encounter is their pools getting cloudy. A cloudy pool is a common occurrence that can leave it looking unsightly and potentially dangerous for a swim.
The murky, unsightly appearance happens when many small, invisible particles reflect the sunlight. The cloudiness in pool water can range from dull to opaque. Learning about the potential culprits that cause a cloudy pool can help fix the issue on time. Here are the top reasons pool water can become cloudy:
Chemical imbalance
Improper chemical balance is a common cause of a cloudy pool. When pool chemicals become imbalanced, cloudy water is usually inevitable. Insufficient free chlorine levels, improper pH levels, too high or low calcium hardness, and high total alkalinity can lead to water cloudiness.
Filtration issues
A faulty filtration system can also cause a pool to turn cloudy and dirty. A pool filter removes dirt and debris from the pool water. However, a clogged or damaged filter fails to trap contaminants and filter water as it should. When a filter fails to do its job correctly, the circulation becomes poor, resulting in cloudy water.
Environmental factors
Another potential cause of a cloudy pool is the surrounding environment. Dirt, leaves, twigs, small rocks, dust, flowers, insects, pollen, and other yard waste greatly contribute to cloudy pool water. When they enter the pool, they can clog the filtration system and affect its circulation, eventually leaving the pool water murky.
Insufficient run time
A pool with a low runtime can experience cloudy water. A pool pump should run for a particular time daily according to the pool's volume. If it runs less, the water will not filter properly, resulting in the growth of bacteria and other organisms. Pump issues like leaks, low PSI, or the motor making unusual noises will prevent the pump from working as it should, and the water will not filter properly, and result in cloudiness.
Heavy rainfall
Weather elements like a heavy storm or high temperature and excessive sun exposure can leave the pool cloudy. Rainwater can introduce outside minerals like nitrates and phosphates to the swimming pool, which can cause cloudiness. Excessive rainfall can also dilute the chlorine amount, leaving it ineffective in keeping the pool water clear. The sun's heat and UV rays can cause the chlorine to burn quicker than usual, eventually leading to cloudiness.
Algae growth
Algae is another culprit that can cause cloudy pool water. There are various types of algae, and a cloudy pool can indicate the early stages of algae growth. A swimming pool that has turned cloudy randomly requires urgent attention as it usually signifies oncoming algae bloom.
Particles left by swimmers
Suspended gunk from swimmers like dirt, skin, body oils, make-up, sunscreen, deodorants, and other similar stuff can result in the cloudy appearance of a pool.
Keep the pool clean and clear
Cloudy pools look aesthetically displeasing and can result in bigger issues if not treated on time. Call a local swimming pool service to determine the causes of a cloudy pool and fix it promptly and efficiently.
Dog Days Pool Service is a pool service company serving Clearwater, Safety Harbor, and all surrounding areas. We offer pool cleaning, maintenance, troubleshooting and more and would love to hear from you! (727) 791-6012
