How do I get my cloudy pool clear?

Question

Our pool has been cloudy for over a month. It seems to have started when I shocked the pool. I am using the same shock I have always used and am sure that I am using the correct amount. I have tried those Formulas that supposidly clear up a cloudy pool, but they have not been successful. We use to buy a blue gel tablet at Target that you would put in your skimmer and it would clear it up in no time. They no longer have it and I can't find it anywhere. Any ideas? What is causing the cloudiness?

Thanks in Advance.

Answer 1

Best Answer - Chosen by Asker

I can be many things causing this. You have to start ruling a few things out.
1/ Check your water chemistry. Your Total alkalinity ought to be 80 -100 , Ph 7.2 - 7.6, Cl 1.0 -3.0. If your test kit doesn't test total alkalinity, buy one. It's actually more important than Ph or Cl. Better yet, right now, I'd be taking a sample into a pool shop. They'll test for free. It sounds to me that you may not know how to preperly deal with your chemistry at the moment.
2/ Check the filter. When was the last time it was cleaned ? It ought to be done on a weekly basis or whenever the pressure is 8 psi or more over your clean filter start up pressure.
3/ The cloudiness can also be caused by organics that are too small for your filter to get. Try a clarifier. You need to have your water chemistry right or it won't work. Same goes for trying to add just about anything to pool water. If your chemistry isn't right, nothing works. Same goes for chlorine, it won't work either unless that TA and then Ph are in order.
Those are the 3 things and the order you should start. The order of importance for the chemistry is adjust TA then Ph, then Cl. It doesn't work any other way and doing it differently is just pouring your money away.

Source(s):

Pool service technician / builder

Asker's Rating:

Asker's Comment:

Thank you.. I usually do take water samples into my local pool store, as I don't have a test kit. Last time they told me to drain the pool! That was a pain in the %$#. I will take a sample in tomorrow and see whats up. I think I just don't run the pump often enough.

Thanks for your Advice.

Answer 2

Cleaning it would help immensely don't you think.

Answer 3

Most places sell a clarifier of some sort. Wal-Mart sells a blue liquid.

Answer 4

http://www.poolcenter.com/cloudy.htm
Suspended micro particulate matter, interfering with the passage of light is known as turbidity. It can range from an almost imperceptible haziness to a pure, milky white color. Besides being unattractive, cloudy water can prevent the rescue of swimmers in trouble and may provide no depth perception for those who would dive into the water. This particulate matter also interferes with the ability of the filter and chemicals to properly sanitize the water.

Answer 5

Sounds like too much or too little shock. Once you shock it ...the cloudiness should clear up in a day or so.
Id try a new shock. New brand. I get In the Swim catelog and they have a ton of stuff.

http://www.intheswim.com/?referrer=OSMX&…

Answer 6

I would check the filter and make sure it is clean and operating correctly. Shock the pool again and let the filter run for at least 24hrs. If you have a two stage pump, let it run on high for 12hrs and low for 12hrs. I know my pool does the same thing at times and this always works for me. Make sure you are running your pump and filter long enough to clean the water daily. Good Luck!!!

Answer 7

Good old bleach.

Answer 8

Backwash your filter. That will help tremendously.

Answer 9

barley straw is supposed to do the trick

Answer 10

Shockin is ok, not all the time - it is hard on your pipes, fittings, pump, filter, etc.

After you shock, keep the chlorine level in line - use a test kit or test strips. I have always felt that granular, quick disolve chlorine works best - you will probably have to put some in every day or every other day. Once you get the chlorine in line it is time to get your PH to the right number - again a test kit or test strip will help you with this. ONLY TRY TO ADJUST ONE READING AT A TIME - either the chlorine or the PH.

If you can, cover your pool when not in use - the non-evaporation of water will help conserve chemicals - this will save you grief by helping you keep the numbers more stable.

Good luck.