You step outside ready for a swim, only to see that your pool water looks cloudy and dull. It is not green, and it does not smell bad, but it definitely does not look right. If this sounds familiar, you are not alone. Cloudy pool water is one of the most common problems for pool owners, especially here in Northwest Arkansas where hot summers and sudden storms can mess with your water. The good news is, there are clear steps you can take to fix it.
Cloudy water can be caused by poor filtration, imbalanced chemicals, or debris after a storm. First, identify the source. Then, take the right steps to clear it up and keep it from coming back. A clean, clear pool is possible with consistent care and proper maintenance.
What Does Cloudy Pool Water Mean?
Cloudy water can show up in a few ways. Your pool might look a little hazy, a little milky, or almost foggy. You might not be able to see the bottom clearly, or the water may just look dull and lifeless.
This usually means that your water is out of balance, your filter is not working properly, or there is something floating in the water that shouldn’t be there.
While it might not seem urgent, pool water clarity matters. Cloudy water can hide deeper problems, including bacteria or algae starting to grow. It can also be a safety issue. If you can’t see the bottom, you can’t tell if there’s something dangerous in the pool.
What to Do First: Check These 3 Things
When your water turns cloudy, start with these steps. Do not dump chemicals right away. You need to find out what’s wrong first.
1. Test the Water
Grab a test kit or test strips and check:
- Chlorine level
- pH
- Alkalinity
- Stabilizer (CYA)
- Calcium hardness
Low chlorine is the most common cause. If your chlorine drops too low, bacteria and algae can start to grow. High pH or alkalinity can also stop chlorine from working properly. Testing gives you the facts so you know what to adjust.
2. Check the Filter
If your pool filter isn’t working right, particles just keep floating around in the water. Make sure the filter is running, and check if it needs to be cleaned or backwashed.
A clean, working filter is key to good pool water clarity. If your filter is old, clogged, or too small, it might not be doing the job.
3. Look for Debris and Algae
Check the pool walls, floor, and steps. If you see a slick film, patches of green, or even small spots, it could be the beginning of algae growth.
Also, check the skimmer and pump baskets for leaves or gunk. Sometimes cloudy water is just the result of poor circulation caused by clogs.
What Causes Cloudy Pool Water?
Here’s a closer look at the most common causes of cloudy water in pools.
According to Pool Safely, there are over 10.4 million residential swimming pools in the United States, based on industry data. With that many homeowners maintaining pools, and with summer heat, heavy use, and storms affecting water balance, cloudy water is one of the most common problems pool owners deal with.
4. Chemical Imbalance
This is the top reason. If your water has low chlorine, high pH, or the wrong alkalinity, the sanitizer won’t work, and your water gets cloudy fast.
5. Poor Filtration
If your pool filter is dirty, damaged, or not running long enough, tiny particles stay in the water. These can come from swimmers, dust, or yard debris.
6. High Calcium or TDS
Too much calcium hardness or total dissolved solids (TDS) can cause cloudiness. These build up over time, especially in older pools that haven’t been drained in years.
7. Algae Growth (Early Stages)
Sometimes, cloudy water is a warning sign that algae are about to bloom. It starts small and grows fast, especially in warm, untreated water.
8. Environmental Debris
Storms, dust, pollen, sunscreen, or even heavy swimmer use can dump a lot of particles into your pool. If your filter and chlorine can’t keep up, cloudiness sets in.
How to Clear Cloudy Pool Water: Step-by-Step
Now that you’ve tested and checked your system, it’s time to clean things up.
Step 1: Balance the Water
Use your test results to adjust the water. Here’s what you want:
- Chlorine: 1 to 3 ppm
- pH: 7.2 to 7.6
- Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
- Calcium hardness: 200 to 400 ppm
- CYA (stabilizer): 30 to 50 ppm
If chlorine is low, shock the pool with a chlorine-based shock. This kills bacteria and organic matter that cloud the water.
Step 2: Run the Filter Nonstop
Let your pool filter run continuously for at least 24 to 48 hours. This helps remove the small particles floating around.
Be sure to clean or backwash the filter before and after this process.
Step 3: Add a Clarifier or Flocculant
A pool clarifier helps tiny particles stick together so the filter can trap them more easily.
If the water is very cloudy and you want fast results, use a flocculant. It makes the particles clump and sink to the bottom. You’ll need to vacuum the pool manually after using it.
Step 4: Brush and Vacuum the Pool
Brush the walls, floor, steps, and corners. Cloudy water often hides gunk stuck on surfaces.
After brushing, vacuum the pool. This removes the particles and dead algae the filter can’t grab.
Step 5: Empty the Skimmer and Pump Baskets
Clean out your baskets so water can flow freely. If water can’t circulate, the filter can’t do its job.
How to Prevent Cloudy Pool Water
Keeping your water clear doesn’t have to be hard. Just stay on top of a few basic tasks:
1. Test Water Often
Check chemical levels at least twice a week, especially after rain or heavy pool use. This helps you catch problems before the water turns cloudy.
2. Run the Filter Regularly
Your pool filter should run at least 8 to 12 hours a day in summer. If the weather is hot or you’ve had a pool party, let it run longer.
3. Clean the Filter
Backwash sand or DE filters when the pressure rises. Clean cartridge filters as recommended by the manufacturer. A clean filter keeps water clear.
4. Brush and Vacuum Weekly
Even if the water looks clean, brushing and vacuuming remove invisible buildup and dead algae. This helps keep everything balanced.
5. Shock When Needed
Shock your pool after storms, heavy use, or signs of cloudy water. This helps reset the sanitizer level and kill off anything lingering.
6. Keep Debris Out
Use a pool cover when the pool is not in use. Trim nearby trees and keep the pool area clean to prevent leaves, pollen, and dirt from falling in.
Is Cloudy Pool Water Safe to Swim In?
That depends. Slight cloudiness from dirt or dust isn’t always dangerous. But if the water is very cloudy and you can’t see the bottom, it’s best to stay out.
Cloudy water can hide sharp objects, slippery algae patches, or low chlorine levels. When in doubt, wait until it clears up.
When to Call a Professional
If you’ve tried all the steps above and the water is still cloudy after a few days, it might be time to call in help. In Northwest Arkansas, high humidity, wind, and local dust can make pool care harder than expected.
A pool professional can:
- Diagnose filter or equipment problems
- Perform a full water analysis
- Recommend the right chemicals for your specific pool
- Save you time and guesswork
If this is a recurring problem, it may be a sign your pool needs a deeper cleaning or equipment upgrade.
Final Thoughts
Cloudy pool water might look like a small issue, but it can quickly lead to bigger problems if ignored. The good news is, in most cases, it’s easy to fix with the right steps.
Start by testing the water and checking your pool filter. From there, balance the chemicals, clean the surfaces, and keep everything moving.
If you stay on top of your pool maintenance, you’ll spend less time worrying and more time swimming in clear, safe water.
And if you’re in Northwest Arkansas and thinking about getting a pool or planning to upgrade your backyard, BC Pools is here to help. As a local pool contractor, we build custom pools that are designed to be both beautiful and easy to maintain. Contact us today to get a free pool quote and start planning your dream backyard.
