Contaminants buildup: When swimmer wastes and other contaminants build up, the result is “combined chlorine”. Shock the pool!!!
Chemical residue: Using a calcium hypochlorite shock such as (*Shock *Sock-It *Shock-it *Burn Out *Break Out) can result in a residue build up and cloudy water. If the water looks like chalk or milk, it is usually the result of using a lot of calcium hypochlorite shock. To use this type of shock, especially in vinyl liner pools to prevent bleaching of the liner, you must:
- Fill a bucket about 1/2 full of water
- Add Shock – do not stir – let sit for a few minutes – pour only the liquid into the pool
- Discard the residue
- Do not try to dissolve the residue
Water Out of Balance: A high pH, high Total Alkaline or High Calcium Hardness will cause cloudy water. Test the water!!
Algae: Algae is a possible cause of cloudy water.
Poor Filtration: Is the filter system running a significant number of hours every day? During the swim season, the filter needs to run a minimum of 10 to 12 hours daily.
Pools with cloudy water or algae.
- Adjust pH to 7.2-7.6
- Add algaecide
- Add shock
- Add flocking agent
- Run filter 1 hour – turn off & leave off overnight
- Next day vacuum to waste
Metals: The presence of metals in the water such as iron (reddish-brown), copper (blue-green) or manganese (brown-red) can cause cloudy water. To remove the metals:
- Add 1 quart flocking agent
- Add 1 quart Majestic Blue
- Run filter 1 hour; turn off overnight
- Vacuum to waste
- When pool is completely clear, add a stain & scale preventer to remove any stains