Enjoying your at-home pool on a beautiful sunny day is paradise. There’s nothing like being able to swim whenever you want, without anyone else around. Unfortunately, sometimes your pool isn’t quite right. For instance, you might look outside and notice that the water is cloudy. What does that mean? Is it still safe to swim in? There are a variety of reasons your pool might be cloudy. Here are some causes and what you can do to solve it.
Common Causes of Cloudy Pool Water
If you’re asking yourself, “Why is my pool cloudy,” rest assured that it is a common problem. A cloudy or milky pool can happen for a lot of reasons.
For instance, you might have the wrong level of chlorine, imbalanced pH, or a faulty filter. There might also be algae, too much ammonia, or debris in your pool.
To diagnose the problem, start by measuring the chlorine level. If your free chlorine is below 3 ppm, or you have combined chlorine levels above 0.5 ppm, you’ll need to shock your pool. This will fix the cloudy water and prevent algae or ammonia.
If you’ve just opened your pool, you may need to get rid of ammonia to get the chlorine levels correct. You can also test for algae if the chlorine shock doesn’t work.
To get to the bottom of the problem right away, consider contacting a professional for cleaning and maintenance.
Still Asking, “Why Is My Pool Cloudy?”
If those steps don’t clear up the issue, there could be less-common reasons for your cloudy water. You could have an overall chemical imbalance, or your filter could be clogged or worn out.
Dust, pollen, leaves, and bird droppings can also affect your water. If you’ve had a big rainstorm recently, run-off water might be in your pool, which introduces minerals and clouds things up.
Knowing how to clear a cloudy pool is all about the cause of the problem. You can use digital water test kits to determine any chemical issues. Check your filter regularly, and notice if any debris in your pool. If your filter pressure gauge shows 8-10 PSI more than its clean pressure, the system needs to be cleaned.
If your filter has the right size pump and filters are clean, consider if you’re running it long enough to clear the water. For a home pool that isn’t too busy, you can run the filter 8-10 hours a day, but that’s the minimum.
If none of these tips helps you pinpoint the issue, it’s probably best to call in a professional for additional troubleshooting.
Contact a Professional for Pool Cleaning and Maintenance
Taking care of a pool can be time-consuming. Instead of doing it yourself, consider calling in a professional. At Sunrise Pool Service, we’ve been helping homeowners with their pools since 1981 and are proud to be a top pool maintenance service provider.
Let us do the dirty work while you sit back, relax, and enjoy a beautiful clear pool. To make an appointment, contact us today!