💦 Why is my pool water becoming cloudy?
Is your pool cloudy? Discover the common causes of cloudy pool water (filtration, chlorine, debris) and follow our step-by-step guide to quickly clarify it with the right products.
Do you wake up one morning and discover that your pool water has turned cloudy or milky without warning? Don't panic. This phenomenon is common and, in most cases, easily reversible .
In this article, Piscines Geyser explains the main causes of cloudy pool water , how to effectively remedy it and, above all, how to prevent this problem through good maintenance practices.
❌ 1. Too low a sanitizer level (chlorine or bromine)
Chlorine is essential for keeping water healthy, disinfected, and clear. However, it's not uncommon to experience a sudden drop in chlorine levels —even if you've recently applied treatment. Here are the main causes:
What can cause chlorine levels to drop:
🌿 1. Presence of organic debris
🧴 2. Body products and organic pollution
☀️ 3. UV rays from the sun
🧪 4. Chlorine demand shock such as a thunderstorm, heavy pool use, or an algae problem
🧫 5. Bacterial or algae proliferation
💡 Tip: Test your water regularly and adjust the disinfectant level as needed. Use a stabilizer if necessary.
⚙️ 2. Filtration or circulation problems
An ineffective pool filtration system is one of the most common causes of cloudy water. If the water isn't circulating properly, fine particles aren't filtered out and accumulate in the pool.
Checks to be made:
Pump functional and without abnormal noise
Clean filter (sand, cartridge or DE)
No blockage in the system
Filtration running 24/7
🛠️ Tip: Backwash regularly to maintain the effectiveness of the sand filter.
✅ How to make your pool water crystal clear again
Now that you know the causes, here are the recommended steps to clarify your pool water quickly :
🧽 1. Complete cleaning of the pool
Start by removing all visible debris with a skimmer. Carefully brush the walls and floor of the pool, then vacuum.
🚨 If you detect the presence of algae, treat it with an aligicide before continuing.
⚡ 2. Perform shock treatment
Shock treatment eliminates bacteria, organic contaminants, and algae. Use a quality product like Ultra Shock or Salt Shock (for salt pools).
🕗 Important: Apply the treatment in the evening or at night to avoid UV degradation.
🔁 3. Run the filtration continuously
Let your filtration system run 24 hours a day until the water becomes clear again.
🔧 Adjust the speed if you have a variable speed pump and check the condition of the filter media (sand, cartridge, etc.).
🔽 4. Prioritize suction through the bottom drain
The surface skimmer only captures floating debris. Activate the suction through the bottom drain to collect particles from the bottom of the pool.
⚖️ 5. Test and balance the water
Test the essential parameters of your pool:
pH : 7.2 to 7.6
Free chlorine : 1 to 3 ppm
Total alkalinity : 80 to 120 ppm
Stabilizer (cyanuric acid) : 30 to 50 ppm
🎯 Visit the Geyser Pools store for a free complete water analysis.
✨ 6. Add a water clarifier
Pool clarifiers help group fine particles together so they can be more easily captured by the filter. Ideal as a complement to shock treatment.
⚠️ A clarifier is not a miracle solution, but an excellent support in your weekly maintenance routine.
⚠️ Some cartridge filters are not compatible with clarifiers
⏳ How long does it take to get clear water again?
It depends on the initial condition of the water, but on average you can expect a return to normal in 48 to 72 hours , provided that:
Filter 24/7
Maintain balanced water chemistry
Clean the pool regularly
🛒 Need help or specialized products?
Geyser Pools offers you:
Professional shock treatment and clarifying products
Free in-store water analysis
Personalized advice to restore clear water
📍 Visit our store or call us for quick recommendations.
