How to Remove Cloudy Water From the Pool?

When we think of a swimming pool, especially if it is hot, we imagine crystal clear, blue water, in which the bottom of the pool is perfectly visible, and in which it is very appetizing to take a bath.

To keep our pool in these conditions it is necessary to carry out a series of maintenance and cleaning tasks. However, sometimes, even if they are carried out correctly, the water can become cloudy, which at first sight, is not very tempting for the bather.

When this happens, and our pool has very cloudy water, we must identify the problem as soon as possible, as it can lead to more serious problems if it is not treated quickly and properly.

Before we continue further make sure to check this for great tips on how to keep your pool clean

The first thing to check is the levels of alkalinity, pH, chlorine, and hardness, and to verify if they have the correct measurements:

pH: this is the value that indicates whether a substance is acidic or basic. In the water of our swimming pool, the pH must oscillate between the values of 7,2 and 7,6. When it is altered, it causes the water to become cloudy. And if it exceeds these limits, it can cause irritation and damage to the skin and eyes.

To correct pH levels, there are several specific products, both to increase and to reduce it.

Alkalinity: indicates the number of carbonates, bicarbonates, and hydroxides in the water. That is to say, the existing alkaline substances. Optimum levels help us to regulate the pH.
The values between which the alkalinity should be found a range between 125 and 150 ppm (parts per million).

Hardness: refers to the volume of calcium and magnesium present in the liquid. The more it contains, the harder the water will be. In Spain, with the type of water we have, the amounts that are considered within the normal range are between 150 and 250 ppm.million).

When the hardness is excessive, we can use a product to modify it. This is a stabilizer that can also be used when the water contains metal ions.

Chlorine: there are three types of chlorine in a pool that we must observe when measuring the concentration of this chemical

Free chlorine: this is the concentration of chlorine that is functioning as a disinfectant. Its optimum level is between 1 and 2 ppm.

Residual chlorine: this is the part that is no longer effective and its maximum value should be 0.2 ppm.

Total chlorine: is the total amount of chlorine. It should be 1.5 ppm.

As in the rest of the cases, we can use a chlorine stabilizer if we see that the levels are not adequate.

There is also another series of specific products to measure these levels. They are in the form of strips, and show us by a chemical reaction -generally through colors-, if these are optimal or not.

We can also find devices called electronic photometers, which allow us to analyze different levels of water in our pool. There are several models, more or less complex depending on our needs, the size of the pool we want to measure and whether it is public or private.

What to do if the water levels are correct
If we check all the levels, they are within the correct limits and the water is still cloudy, it is possible that this is because sometimes there are some particles that, as the filter cannot absorb, remain on the surface of the pool.

In this case, we recommend that you follow the steps below. You will be closer than you think to achieving crystal clear water:

Carry out a thorough cleaning of the filter.If this system is a sand system, it may need to be changed.
If we have carried out a correct maintenance and we know that this is not the problem either, perhaps it would be convenient to increase the hours of filtration, since they are not being enough.

It is very important to follow the manufacturer's instructions to the letter and remember that, in general terms, a filter should be in operation between 8 and 12 hours in the seasons when the pool is in use.

If the water is still cloudy, we can use a water clarifier. It is necessary to be careful with its use, since if we abuse, or pour an inadequate amount, the effect can be counterproductive.
Once we apply the product in the pool, we must leave it to act between 6 and 12 hours, so that the dirt is united, it does not remain on the surface, and thus the filter will be able to absorb it.

It is very important to follow the manufacturer's instructions regarding the amount of product, which will depend mainly on the capacity of our pool.

Once the liquid has taken effect, we should check all the levels to make sure they are correct.

If even after this step, we have not managed to completely clean the water, we can try a last resort: the flocculant.

This product increases the size of the particles in suspension and helps them reach the bottom of the pool. If we use it with a pool cleaner, the effectiveness will be much greater.

As with the previous one, we must be careful with the dose used, since we can worsen the situation if we use more than is convenient.

Finally, another consideration that we have to take into account when using flocculants is that not all of them are suitable for any type of pool, nor for the same cleaning.

Therefore, it is important that before choosing the right product, you read carefully its applications and modes of use.