Resolving Cloudy Swimming Pool Clarity Issues > 자유게시판

Cloudy pool water can be frustrating, especially when you’ve been maintaining the pool with regular cleaning and chemical balancing. Luckily most cloudiness is caused by common and fixable issues. Here is a step‑by‑step guide that will help you identify the source and restore crystal‑clear water.

Why Pool Water Turns Milky

When pool water turns milky or hazy, it usually means microscopic particles are suspended in the water. These particles can be solid debris Since they are tiny, they scatter light, producing a hazy look. The main reasons for this include:

1. High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) – Minerals and salts that build up over time.
   
2. High pH or Alkalinity – Leads to precipitation of calcium and other minerals.
   
3. Low or Imbalanced Sanitizer Levels – Chlorine, bromine or other sanitizers that are too low allow bacteria to grow.
   
4. Poor Circulation or Filtration – The filter could be clogged or the pump slow.
   
5. Out‑of‑Balance Minerals – Calcium hardness or iron levels that are too high.
   
6. Chemical Shock Overdose – Over-shocking with chlorine or other chemicals can cause excess salts.
   
7. Organic Debris – Leaves, insects or other matter can cloud water if not removed.
   
8. Broken or Faulty Equipment – Plumbing leaks or a failing filter introduce contaminants.
   
   

Before you jump into corrective measures, follow a systematic approach to identify the source.

1. Visual Inspection
   

• Check for floating debris, algae, or other visible matter.

• Inspect the filter media and the skimmer baskets for clogging.

1. Test the Water
   

• Use a reliable pool test kit or send a sample to a laboratory.

• Pay special attention to Total Dissolved Solids (TDS), pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and sanitizer levels.

1. Check the Filtration System
   

• Confirm the pump is running at the correct speed.

• Check the filter for sediment buildup or damage.

• If a sand filter is used, backwash; if a cartridge filter is used, clean or replace the cartridges.

1. Inspect for Leaks
   

• After a heavy rain or during the night, check for puddles or wet spots near the pool’s plumbing.

• Check for rust or mineral buildup around fittings.

1. Assess the Chemical Balance Over Time
   

• Examine the recent weeks of chemical usage.

• Observe patterns: a recent large shock dose may cause shock‑related cloudiness.

Common Fixes

Once you’ve identified the cause, you can implement the correct remedy. The following are the most common fixes, organized by cause.

High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

• Reverse Osmosis or Water Clarifiers – They eliminate dissolved solids from the water.

• Partial Water Replacement – Drain 10%–15% of the pool water and refill with low‑TDS water.

• Use a TDS‑reducing Additive – Certain products bind dissolved minerals, making them easier to filter.

High pH or Alkalinity

• pH Lowering – Use a pH‑lowering agent like muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate.

• Alkalinity Reduction – Use an alkalinity‑lowering product or a small amount of muriatic acid.

• Verify Levels – Re‑test after 24 hours and adjust slowly to avoid overshooting.

Low or Imbalanced Sanitizer Levels

• Shock the Pool – Apply a shock dose of chlorine or a non‑chlorine shock (potassium monopersulfate) to achieve recommended sanitizer levels.

• Maintain Daily Sanitizer – Keep free chlorine between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm (or equivalent).

• Use a Sanitizer Booster – If you have a high TDS, a sanitizer booster can help maintain effective levels.

Poor Circulation or Filtration

• Clean or Replace the Filter Media – Backwash sand filters every 1–2 weeks; clean or replace cartridge filters every 3–6 months.

• Increase Pump Run Time – Operate the pump for 8–12 hours daily, or longer if cloudiness persists.

• Check Strainer Boxes – Verify they’re clear of debris.

Out‑of‑Balance Minerals

• Calcium Hardness – If exceeding 400 ppm, apply a calcium reducer or partially drain.

• Iron or Copper Levels – Apply a metal‑sequestering agent to bind iron or copper before filtering.

Chemical Shock Overdose

• Dilute with Fresh Water – Remove part of the pool water and refill with fresh water to reduce shock by‑products.

• Add a Clarifier – Products like "pool cloud remover" can help bind the excess salts and allow the filter to remove them.

Organic Debris

• Manual Skimming – Use a skimmer net to remove leaves, insects, and debris.

• UV or Ozone Treatment – These systems break down organic matter and can reduce cloudiness caused by bio‑growth.

Broken or Faulty Equipment

• Repair Leaks – Reinforce fittings or replace damaged hoses.

• Replace Faulty Parts – If the pump impeller is worn, or the filter cartridge is damaged, replace them promptly.

• Professional Inspection – If plumbing is complex, consult a pool professional.

Preventive Measures

Even after you’ve cleared the water, it’s important to keep it clear in the long term.

1. Regular Testing – Test the water at least twice a week, more often after heavy rain or usage spikes.
   
2. Routine Filter Maintenance – Backwash sand filters every 1–2 weeks; clean cartridge filters every 3–6 months.
   
3. Use a Skimmer or Automatic Cleaner – Keep debris from floating and clogging the filter.
   
4. Balance pH and Alkalinity – Keep pH between 7.4 and 7.6; alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm.
   
5. Maintain Sanitizer Levels – Maintain free chlorine at 1.0–3.0 ppm.
   
6. Control Calcium Hardness – Hold calcium hardness at 200–400 ppm to stop scaling or cloudiness.
   
7. Avoid Over‑Shock – Shock only when needed (e.g., post heavy use or storm).
   
8. Use a Clarifier or Flocculant – These help keep particles from staying suspended in the water.
   
9. Keep the Pool Covered – Covering the pool cuts debris, evaporation, and temperature changes, improving clarity.
   
10. Schedule Professional Check‑ups – Once a year, have a pool technician inspect the system for hidden problems.
    
    

Common Mistakes to Avoid

• Skipping the Test – Many pool owners jump straight to adding chemicals without knowing the exact problem.

• Over‑Treating – Excess chlorine or shock may cloud the water.

• Ignoring Filter Maintenance – A clogged filter will never properly clear the water.

• Using the Wrong Clarifier – Clarifiers suited for specific pool types; using the wrong one defeats the purpose.

• Neglecting pH – High pH can precipitate calcium and cloud the water, regardless of sanitizer levels.

When to Call a Professional

If you’ve tried the above steps and the pool remains cloudy, it may be time to bring in a pool professional. Persistent cloudiness can sometimes indicate:

• A hidden leak bringing in contaminants.

• A failing filter system that can’t handle the load.

• A sophisticated chemical imbalance that needs precise adjustment.

• Algae that has created a biofilm, hard to remove without specialized treatment.

A skilled pool technician can analyze, advise on the best solution, and typically resolve faster than DIY.

Final Thoughts

Clear pool lang water is a safety and health indicator for the pool’s environment, not just aesthetics. By knowing causes, precise testing, and targeted fixes, you can maintain crystal‑clear water. Routine maintenance and proactive balancing cut time, money, and frustration. Happy swimming!