How to Fix Cloudy Pool Water

Patrick Wallain
Jun 12
12 min read

Updated: Jun 13

Cloudy pool water is a common issue, but fixing it is straightforward when you know the cause. Here’s how you can clear it up quickly:

Main Causes: Poor filtration (90% of cases), chemical imbalances (low chlorine, high pH, or calcium hardness), and debris like leaves or oils.
Steps to Fix:
1. Check the Filter System: Clean or backwash your filter and ensure the pump runs 8–12 hours daily.
2. Balance Chemicals: Maintain chlorine (1–3 ppm), pH (7.2–7.6), and alkalinity (80–120 ppm). Shock the pool if needed.
3. Remove Debris: Skim, vacuum, and brush the pool to eliminate dirt, algae, and organic matter.
4. Use a Clarifier: Helps trap fine particles for easier filtration.
Arizona-Specific Tips: Run your filter longer to combat dust and heat. Use a pool cover during storms to reduce debris.

If the water stays cloudy for more than two days or equipment issues arise, call a professional. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your pool crystal clear and safe.

Why Your POOL WATER Is CLOUDY (And How To Clear It Up)

How to Find What's Making Your Pool Water Cloudy

Before you can clear up cloudy pool water, you need to figure out what’s causing the problem. A careful inspection of a few key areas can help you pinpoint the issue and take the right steps to fix it.

Check Your Pool Filter System

Your pool filter system plays a big role in keeping the water clear, so it’s the first place to investigate. Start by examining your pool’s equipment and filter housing. If you have cartridge filters, remove them and look for discoloration or debris stuck in the pleats. For sand filters, check the pressure gauge - if the reading is higher than normal, the sand bed might be clogged. Similarly, DE filters will show increased pressure when they need maintenance.

Listen to your pool pump while you’re at it. It should run smoothly without any odd noises or vibrations. Also, check the water flow through the return jets. Weak or inconsistent flow could mean your circulation system isn’t working as it should.

Finally, ensure your filter system is running long enough each day to properly circulate all the water. In hot and sunny areas, like Arizona, you might need to run the system for extended hours to keep up with higher demands.

Once you’ve confirmed the filtration system is working properly, move on to testing the water’s chemical balance.

Test Your Pool Water Chemistry

Chemical imbalances are a frequent culprit behind cloudy pool water, so regular testing is key. Use a reliable test kit or test strips to check the essential water levels.

Start with the free chlorine level, which should be between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm. Low chlorine levels can allow bacteria and algae to grow, leading to murky water. Next, test the pH level - it should stay between 7.2 and 7.6. If the pH climbs above 7.8, chlorine becomes less effective, and calcium can precipitate, causing cloudiness. Keep total alkalinity within the range of 80–120 ppm to help stabilize pH levels.

Don’t forget to check calcium hardness, especially if your area has hard water. If calcium levels exceed 400 ppm, you might need to partially drain and refill the pool to dilute it. Warmer water during summer months also means you’ll need to use more chlorine to maintain proper sanitization.

Look for Debris and Early Algae Growth

Take a close look at the pool’s surface, bottom, and skimmer baskets for any debris or signs of algae. Even small amounts of organic material can cloud the water as it decomposes.

Sometimes, cloudy water is an early sign of algae growth. Run your hand along the pool walls underwater - if they feel slimy or slippery, algae might be starting to form. You may also notice a slight discoloration in the water or an unusual smell.

Pay extra attention to areas with poor circulation, like behind ladders, in corners, or around steps. These spots are more prone to algae buildup. If you live in a dry, sunny climate like Arizona, staying on top of debris and algae prevention is especially important.

How to Clear Cloudy Pool Water

To fix cloudy pool water, start by identifying the cause - whether it's a chemical imbalance, filtration problem, or excess debris. Once you know the issue, you can follow these specific steps to get your pool water back to crystal clear.

Fix Your Pool Chemical Levels

Balancing your pool's chemical levels is crucial for clearing cloudy water. Use a reliable water testing kit to check the chemical levels in your pool.

Adjust chlorine levels: If the Total Available Chlorine (TAC) is more than 0.3 ppm higher than the Free Available Chlorine (FAC), it's time to shock your pool. Use a non-chlorine shock like Leslie's Fresh 'N Clear if FAC levels are above 2.0 ppm. If FAC levels are below 2.0 ppm, opt for a chlorine-based shock.

Balance pH and alkalinity: Aim to get your chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness within recommended ranges . To lower alkalinity, add muriatic acid or a pH decreaser; to increase it, use baking soda or an alkalinity increaser. For pH adjustments, lower it with a pH decreaser or raise it with soda ash or a pH increaser.

Manage calcium hardness: If calcium levels are too high, you may need to partially drain the pool and refill it with fresh water to dilute the excess minerals.

Once your chemical levels are balanced, the next step is ensuring your filtration system is working efficiently.

Clean Your Filter and Run Your Pump

A clean and properly functioning filter plays a key role in keeping your pool water clear. Depending on the type of filter your pool uses, follow these cleaning steps:

Sand filters: Backwash the filter when the pressure gauge shows a rise of 8–10 psi above normal. Set the valve to "backwash", close the return pipe, and open the drainage pipe to flush out debris. Run the pump until the water runs clear.
Cartridge filters: Remove the cartridge and rinse it thoroughly with a hose. For stubborn impurities, use a filter cleaner. Replace the cartridge every 2–3 years or after about 20 cleanings .
DE filters: Backwash the system, then add fresh DE powder into the skimmer to restore its filtering ability.

Run your pool pump for 8–12 hours daily to maintain proper water circulation. To optimize circulation, angle the return jets downward and slightly to the side, creating a circular water motion.

Remove Debris and Add Pool Clarifier

Once you've addressed chemical and filtration issues, focus on removing debris and fine particles. Start by skimming the surface and vacuuming the pool floor to clear out visible debris. Brush the walls and floor to loosen dirt and early algae growth, paying extra attention to corners and low-circulation spots.

For mildly cloudy water - where the pool floor is still visible - consider using a pool clarifier. Clarifiers work by releasing positively charged ions that attract negatively charged particles like dirt and oils, causing them to clump together so the filter can capture them more effectively .

Before adding a clarifier, ensure your water chemistry is balanced and shock the pool if needed to eliminate algae or high combined chlorine levels. Dilute the clarifier in a bucket of pool water for even distribution, then pour it slowly into the skimmer or directly into the pool as directed by the manufacturer .

Clarifiers typically take 2–3 days to clear the water . Keep the filter running continuously during this time, and avoid using too much clarifier, as excess can make the water cloudier. Once the water clears, clean the filter to remove the trapped particles.

How to Prevent Cloudy Pool Water in Arizona

Arizona's desert climate presents some unique challenges for pool owners, making regular upkeep essential. Algae growth and mineral buildup are common issues due to the region's weather and water conditions. By tailoring your pool care routine to these factors, you can maintain sparkling water all year long. A consistent weekly schedule is your best defense against these issues.

Weekly Cleaning and Chemical Testing

To keep your pool water clear, stick to a disciplined weekly regimen. Start by skimming the surface to remove debris, brushing the walls and floor to prevent algae buildup, and vacuuming to eliminate dirt. Arizona's water often contains high mineral levels, so take time to scrub away any hard water deposits that may accumulate.

Test your pool's chemical balance weekly during cooler months and twice a week in the summer. Keep the pH between 7.2 and 7.8, chlorine levels within 1 to 3 ppm, and alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm. Arizona's intense heat can cause chlorine to evaporate more quickly, so you may need to adjust levels more frequently.

Filters can clog easily due to dust and heavy usage, so clean them weekly and inspect your equipment for any issues. Since Arizona's dry climate can cause rapid water loss, monitor water levels daily. During the hottest months, running your filtration system more often can help maintain water clarity and circulation. Staying ahead of these tasks is especially critical given Arizona's unpredictable weather patterns.

Dealing with Arizona Dust and Weather

Monsoon season in Arizona, which runs from June 15 to September 30, often brings heavy rain, strong winds, and dust storms that can wreak havoc on pool water quality. These storms can quickly turn a pristine pool cloudy.

Before a storm hits, secure any loose items around your pool area and trim nearby trees or bushes to reduce the amount of debris that could end up in the water. Using a pool cover during storms or dust events can help minimize both debris and evaporation.

During storms, keep an eye on water levels to prevent overflow and chemical imbalances. Once the storm passes, clear out all debris, test your water's chemical levels, and address any imbalances. Storms often introduce organic matter that can promote algae growth, so shocking the pool is a good idea. Follow up by cleaning the filters, emptying skimmer baskets, and thoroughly brushing and vacuuming the pool.

If your pool remains cloudy after a storm, a clarifier or enzyme treatment can help your filter trap fine particles. Dust storms, which can occur outside of monsoon season as well, require extra vigilance. Run your pump continuously during these events and be ready to backwash or clean your filter more often. When the pool isn’t in use, covering it can cut down on maintenance tasks and reduce chemical expenses.

When to Call a Pool Professional

Sometimes, cloudy water problems go beyond what regular maintenance can fix. Recognizing when to call in a professional can save you time, money, and a whole lot of frustration. Here are some clear signs that it’s time to bring in the experts.

Signs You Need Professional Help

Persistent cloudiness: If your pool stays cloudy for more than two days even after thorough cleaning and chemical adjustments, it’s time to call a professional. This is especially important if the water turns cloudy every time the pool is used, as it could indicate deeper issues that need expert attention.
Equipment problems: Issues with your filter, pump, or circulation system need immediate attention. Pool professionals have the expertise to quickly diagnose and repair these problems, helping you avoid expensive long-term damage.
Recurring chemical imbalances: If your pool’s chemistry keeps going out of balance, there may be underlying factors at play. For instance, areas like Arizona, with its hard water and unique climate, often present challenges that require specialized tools and know-how to resolve.
Stubborn algae blooms: Algae that won’t go away despite shock treatments and scrubbing usually need professional-grade solutions. Experts can identify the type of algae and apply targeted treatments that aren’t available to most homeowners.
Structural issues: Cracks in pool walls, leaks, or damaged tiles are all problems that should be inspected by a professional. Ignoring these issues could lead to much more expensive repairs down the line.
Costly DIY mistakes: Errors in self-maintenance can add up fast. Repairs from DIY mishaps can run over $800, and repeated mistakes can increase your annual maintenance costs by as much as 40%. When problems persist, hiring a professional is often the smarter choice.

Shine Pools: East Valley Pool Care Services

If DIY efforts aren’t cutting it, Shine Pools offers comprehensive solutions to keep your pool in top shape. Serving Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa, they specialize in addressing cloudy water problems and maintaining sparkling pools across the East Valley.

Their services include:

Weekly cleaning: This includes everything from netting debris and brushing walls to vacuuming, tile cleaning, and maintaining baskets and filters. They also perform chemical checks to prevent the buildup of contaminants, which can be a common problem in Arizona’s dry, dusty climate.
Chemical maintenance programs: Shine Pools offers tailored chemical management for both traditional and saltwater pools. Their technicians use advanced tools to test for stabilizer (CYA), phosphate levels, calcium, pH, and chlorine demand. By keeping pH, alkalinity, chlorine, and calcium hardness in check, they help prevent algae and cloudy water.
Equipment repair and replacement: Whether it’s fixing a broken pump or upgrading to an energy-efficient motor, Shine Pools handles all brands of pool equipment. Plus, they back their work with a one-year warranty, so you can trust the job is done right.

Professional pool care typically costs between $1,200 and $2,400 annually, with monthly services in the Phoenix area ranging from $80 to $150. While DIY maintenance might seem cheaper at $780 to $1,596 annually after setup, professional services save you 12 to 20 hours of work per month and help avoid costly mistakes.

By catching small issues before they turn into big problems, professionals can keep your pool running smoothly in Arizona’s challenging conditions. They’ll inspect pumps, heaters, and filtration systems for potential issues, and they create custom treatment plans tailored to your pool’s unique needs - taking into account factors like local water quality, bather load, and environmental challenges such as dust storms and monsoons.

For pool owners juggling busy schedules or managing complex systems, professional care is the best way to ensure your pool stays clean, clear, and ready for relaxation. The upfront investment often pays off by preventing costly repairs and keeping your pool a stress-free source of enjoyment.

Getting Your Pool Water Crystal Clear

Once you've gone through the initial diagnostic steps, achieving that sparkling, crystal-clear pool water boils down to maintaining the right chemical balance and keeping your filtration system in top shape. The two most common culprits behind cloudy water? Filter issues and chemical imbalances.

Your diagnostic process - checking the filter system, testing water chemistry, and looking for debris or algae - helps pinpoint whether the problem lies with equipment, water chemistry, or contamination.

Here’s how to tackle it: First, balance your pool’s chemistry. Aim to keep pH levels between 7.4 and 7.6, maintain alkalinity between 100 and 150 ppm, and ensure calcium hardness falls between 175 and 225 ppm for vinyl liner pools, or 200 to 275 ppm for concrete and plaster pools. If cloudiness persists, shocking the pool can help. This raises chlorine levels and removes chloramines, which are often responsible for stubborn cloudiness. At the same time, make sure your filter system is ready to handle the workload by capturing and removing any particles left behind.

Regular maintenance is key. Clean or backwash your filter, empty skimmer and pump baskets, and run your filtration system for 8–12 hours daily. Depending on the type of filter you use, replace the filter media every 2–5 years to avoid unnecessary repairs or replacements down the line.

For pool owners in Arizona, the desert environment adds extra challenges. Regular skimming, weekly chemical tests, and algae prevention become even more crucial to combat the effects of heat and dust.

If these steps don’t clear things up, it might be time to call in a professional. Persistent cloudiness lasting more than two days, recurring chemical issues, or malfunctioning equipment can quickly turn into bigger headaches. Expert help can save you time, money, and frustration.

FAQs

What common mistakes cause cloudy pool water, and how can I avoid them?

Cloudy pool water often stems from a few common missteps, like ignoring pH levels, overdoing it with chemicals, inadequate filtration, or skipping regular cleaning. For instance, neglecting to check pH levels can throw off the water's chemistry, while excessive chlorine use can actually lead to cloudiness rather than the sparkling clarity you want.

Another issue is not running your pool filter long enough. To maintain proper water circulation, it’s best to run the filter for at least 8 hours a day. Skipping essential maintenance - like brushing pool walls or shocking the water after heavy use or storms - can also allow debris and contaminants to accumulate, making the water appear murky.

To keep your pool looking its best, make it a habit to test and balance the water chemistry, clean the pool weekly, and ensure your filtration system is working properly. If you're looking for professional assistance, Shine Pools provides expert cleaning, chemical balancing, and maintenance services in the East Valley, serving areas like Tempe, Chandler, Gilbert, and Mesa.

How can I keep my pool water clear during Arizona's monsoon season?

To keep your pool water sparkling clean during Arizona's monsoon season, it's important to take a few precautionary steps before and after storms. Start by covering your pool to block debris like leaves, dirt, and other storm-driven particles from falling in. Once the storm has passed, make it a priority to skim the surface for any floating debris and inspect your pool's filtration system to ensure it's running smoothly and free of blockages.

Monsoon rains can throw off your pool's chemical balance by diluting chlorine levels and altering the pH. This can lead to cloudy water or even algae blooms if left unchecked. To avoid these issues, test your water chemistry frequently, paying close attention to pH and chlorine levels. Adjust the chemicals as necessary to keep the water balanced and clear. By staying on top of these maintenance tasks, you can enjoy a pristine pool throughout the monsoon season.

When should I call a professional to fix cloudy pool water, and how can they help?

If your pool water remains cloudy even after consistent upkeep like balancing chemicals and regular cleaning, it might be time to bring in a professional. Persistent cloudiness can point to underlying problems such as poor filtration, hidden chemical issues, or algae growth - problems that DIY fixes often can't fully address.

Pool professionals come equipped with the knowledge and tools to tackle these challenges efficiently. They can handle advanced treatments, repair malfunctioning equipment, and perform thorough water testing to get your pool back to being clear and safe. Bringing in an expert not only saves you effort but also guarantees your pool is clean, safe, and always ready for a swim.