How to Naturally Clear Up Cloudy Pool Water

Obtaining crystal clear pool water starts with regular water testing and pool maintenance.

Cloudy pool water is a problem caused by a variety of potential factors. Cloudy water may indicate early algae growth due to insufficient chlorine levels, under- or over-filtration, poor water circulation, or too much debris in the pool. Sometimes, cloudiness can be the result of too much calcium hardness in the water. The best way to naturally clear up cloudy pool water is to first test the water to determine if any chemical imbalances are present.

Things You'll Need

• Pool water test kit
• Flashlight
• Shop vacuum

Instructions

1. Purchase a test kit that measures chlorine, alkalinity, pH, calcium hardness, cyanuric acid and total dissolved solids. Measure the levels to determine which chemicals may be outside of acceptable levels and therefore causing the cloudiness.

2. Correct pH and alkaline imbalances naturally with baking soda, which helps regulate water and other substances from becoming too acidic or too alkaline. Arm and Hammer recommends adding 9 pounds of baking soda per 10,000 gallons of pool water to raise pH levels when they are too low. Add a pH reducing agent like muriatic acid if pH levels are too high, as high pH levels are a common cause for cloudy pool water.

3. Consider using a product with chitosan in it weekly to naturally reduce cloudy pool water. It will reduce high levels of dissolved solids or debris in your pool which may be causing cloudiness. Developed for use in filtration by the US Navy, chitosan is a natural ingredient which attracts organic debris that commonly causes cloudiness in pool and spa water.

4. Consider draining your pool and vacuuming the debris off the bottom with a shop vac as another natural way to clean your pool. Drain your pool when you determine the source of your cloudiness to be caused by high calcium hardness levels, but do not drain your pool more often than once every 18 to 24 months. Refill your pool and start over with a clean, properly balanced pool.

Tips & Warnings

• The best way to prevent cloudy pool water is with rigorous, consistent proper pool maintenance. Check filters weekly for flaws and check chemical balances daily. Skim debris out of your pool a few times a week and refill your pool every few years.

• Recommended levels for common pool chemicals are:

• Calcium hardness: 180-220 ppm (parts per million)

• pH: 7.2-7.8

• Chlorine: 1.0-2.0 ppm

• Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm

• Cyanuric Acid: 25-50 ppm

• Total dissolved solids: 500-5,000 ppm

References

• PAR Pool and Spa: Cloudy Water in Swimming Pools - Causes and Cures
• Pool Center: Water Testing FAQ
• Arm and Hammer: Baking Soda and pH

Resources

• Arm and Hammer: A Pool Owner's Guide
• SeaKlear Natural Clarifier