While some people are lucky to get to use their pools all year round, others are just starting to open theirs for the summer! In any case, you've discovered something seems a little off. Does the water in your pool seem to lack the clarity it had before? Perhaps it looks "foggy" or tinted. Certainly, the pool doesn't seem as appealing and welcoming.
If your pool water is cloudy, don't worry - you can fix it! Pool water can become cloudy for a variety of reasons, such as high levels of chlorine, algae growth, and the collection of dirt and other debris.
If your pool water is cloudy, the first step is to determine the cause. Once you know the cause, you can take the steps needed to clear up your water. Take a look at these possibilities:
High Levels of Chlorine
How can you determine chlorine being the cause of cloudy water? Check the chlorine levels using a pool test kit. If the chlorine levels are above 3ppm (parts per million), this could be the problem.
Solution
If the water is cloudy due to high levels of chlorine, you will need to use a chlorine neutralizer or dilute the water. Alternatively, leaving the pool as is for a couple of hours will allow direct sunlight to remove chlorine on its own.
Excess Algae Growth
You can determine if your pool water is cloudy due to excess algae growth if the water is tinted green or has a musty smell.
If this is the case, simply changing the pool filter might not do the trick.
Solution
If algae growth is determined, you will need to treat the water with an algaecide. This will kill the algae and help to clear up the water.
Once the algae is gone, be sure to filter the water to remove any debris.
Dirt & Debris Accumulation
Poor filtration is another common cause of cloudy pool water. If you've determined that your cloudy pool water is not caused by excess levels of either chlorine or algae, then you may find that a lot of "dust particles" are floating around in the water. The accumulation of these particles is caused by your filtration system working too slowly to keep up with the collection of debris.
The reason for your filtration system lagging is normally caused by the filter cartridge needing to be replaced or washed. Filters get clogged with the dirt and debris it collects and eventually needs to be replaced. If a pool filter is not replaced every 12 months, it is not going to perform as expected.
Solution
You need to replace your pool cartridge filter to prevent the water from becoming cloudy again in the future.
Your Pool Filter Cartridge
If you've determined that your cloudy pool water is not caused by excess levels of either chlorine or algae, then it's likely due to dirt and debris accumulation. This can be remedied by ensuring your filtration system is working properly and replacing your pool cartridge filter if necessary.
Most of the time, cloudy pool water is caused by needing to replace the cartridge filter. Dirt and debris accumulation is the most common culprit. Your pool filter can be removed and replaced easily.
LifeSupplyUSA likely carries the pool filter you need. We have on sale pool filters that are compatible with Intex, Bestway, and countless others. Check the pool filters catalog today to see if you can find an affordable pool cartridge filter in the size you need.
