When the sunlight hits the surface of a perfectly clear pool, it is reflected from the ripples and creates a sparkle like diamonds. When the sunlight hits surface of a pool that has high levels of suspended particles, the light will be diffused and not reflect back giving a very dull appearance. Consequently, the water looks hazy and uninviting. But, most of all it will cause the chlorine to be used up prematurely. Suspended particles in water are the primary cause of turbid, dull, cloudy water. These particles are present for one or more of the following reasons:

 

  • Type Filter not compatible with pool and suroundings.
  • Filter not working properly.
  • In its early stages, algae can cause cloudiness in water. This condition is usually accompanied by a slick slimy feel on various parts of the pool.
  • If the water is out of balance on the scaling side, calcium particle will go into suspension causing cloudy water.
  • Too many small children peeing in water.
  • More swimmers than the system can handle.
  • Not running pump long enough.
4) Algae Formation
3) Improper Water Balance
21) Heavy Bather Load
1) Improper Filtration
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The secret of water clarification lies with the ability to control the amount of suspended solids regardless of the source. So when your water turns cloudy, it's extremely important to determine the reason and take action to remove it.

TO CLEAR A CLOUDY POOL FOLLOW THESE STEPS:

1 Feel walls and areas behind ladders. If a slime is present that indicates formation of algae Make sure pH is adjusted to 7.2-7.6. Superchlorinate immediately. Continue to filter until water clears, keeping chlorine levels at 1.5 ppm or above
If Step 1 finds no algae present proceed to next step.
2 Check pH, Total Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness. If any of these are high an "out of balance" condition is indicated. Take whatever action is necessary to get the water back in balance. Continue to filter until the water clears, keeping chlorine at above 1.5 ppm.
If step 2 shows the water to be in balance proceed to next step.
3 Most water clarity occurs because of inadequate filter care. Make sure you have a regular maintenance program. Here are some things to check:
Sand Filter
1. Is pressure coming up?
2. Has sand been changed?
3. Are you backwashing too often?		 DE Filter
1. Is filter running at high pressure?
2. Are you cleaning filter properly?
3. Does your filter need an acid bath?		 Cartridge Filter
1. Does cartridge need cleaning?
2. Does cartridge need acid bath?
If the steps above fail to solve your problem, you should consider the following:

USE OF CHEMICAL CLARIFIERS: Particles that cause cloudiness stay in suspension because each charge has an electrical charge that repel each other causing the particles to be to light to sink to the bottom. As a last resort this cloudiness can be removed by using a water clarifier. There are basically two types of clarifiers. One is a coagulant which is a chemical that when added to the water causes the small partic0les to stick together (floc) making larger chemicals which are filterable. Several "flocs" coming together (flocculating) will cause the heavier particle to settle to the bottom. DO NOT USE FLOCKING CHEMICALS WITH DE FILTERS.
Another type of clarifier is an ionized polymer. The polymer has a positive charge and is attracted to the negative charged dirt particles which become big enough to be filtered or settle to the bottom.