8. What causes cloudy water and how do I clear it up?

Cloudy water is one of the most common pool problems and can be caused by a number of factors. It can be a symptom of inadequate filtration, a pH imbalance or inadequate chlorine levels in the pool water. The cure depends on the cause. Look below for a breakdown:

Inadequate filtration: Failure to run the filter long enough, insufficient or inconsistent backwashing, or a dirty/worn filter are the first potential causes to consider. The solution can include:

• Checking the filter for worn or broken parts and replacing if necessary.
• Checking operating instructions and increasing filter running time if necessary (8-hour daily minimum).
• Backwashing your filter until a clear stream of water flows.
• Cleaning a dirty filter with Pool Time® Filter & Cartridge Cleaner.
• Adding a clarifier to gather smaller particles into larger masses that can be filtered out of the water.

pH imbalance: If filtration is not the problem, pH is the next likely cause. When pH rises above 7.6, calcium precipitates out of the water in the form of scale or suspended particles that can cloud the water. The solution is to add Pool Time pH Down according to label directions to achieve a pH level of 7.2-7.6.

Although not the same as pH, proper total alkalinity does help stabilize pH. If your total alkalinity is too low, the pH level will be very sensitive and may suffer drastic swings. A high alkalinity level, in addition to contributing to cloudy water and scaling, can keep your pH rigidly fixed.

Proper total alkalinity levels are listed below according to pool type:

Chlorine level deficiencies: Failure to maintain adequate free available chlorine levels and shock regularly can also cause cloudy water. When chlorine levels are too low, algae and other microbes multiply freely, creating an organic haze. The solution could be to increase the amount of sanitizer being delivered to the pool to maintain a free available chlorine residual of 1.0-3.0 ppm and to shock the pool according to label directions. Do not use the pool until the chlorine level is between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm.

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This analysis is designed for use only with the Pool Time® brand products named in this computerized water analysis printout, and is correct to the best of RWP, Inc.'s knowledge. RWP is not responsible for any use of this printout with products other than the Pool Time ® brand products named in this printout, and use of this printout with other products could result in improper or incorrect treatment of the pool water.