Aside from being an eyesore, the presence of clouds in the water can also have safety and health risks.
It's not like going to the beach with murky water is an ideal scenario. However, swimming in murky water can still cause some nasty surprises. Here are just a few of the reasons you should avoid swimming in cloudy pool water:
- Cloudy Pool Water Can Make You Sick
- Swimmers Are Hard to See in Cloudy Water
- Diving or Jumping Can Cause Injury
If the water in your pool is not crystal clear, close the pool and treat it immediately. Do not allow anyone to go into the pool until it has been clear for a few minutes.
1. Cloudy Pool Water Can Make You Sick
Although it doesn’t mean that the water is unsanitary, cloudy pool water can be a sign of poor filtration or water chemistry.
High levels of suspended particles can make it hard for sanitizers to reach all parts of the pool. Also, poor filtration can reduce the effectiveness of chlorine.
2. Swimmers Are Hard to See
Since it can be difficult to see clearly when a pool is full of water, it's also dangerous for swimmers. In most cases, these types of accidents happen when people are swimming near the bottom of a pool.
3. Diving or Jumping Can Cause Serious Injury
Being unable to see the depth of the pool floor due to the clouds can be very dangerous. If the water is clear, it is also easy to misjudge the depth of the pool.
Causes of Cloudy Pool Water
1. Poor Water Chemistry
Pool water can quickly become clouded if its pH, chlorine, and other impurities are not balanced. Also, high levels of metals, or total dissolved solids, can contribute to the formation of clouds in the water.
2. Poor Filtration and Circulation
If the filter and pump are not working properly, then it might be a sign that something is not working properly. Having a clogged filter can also contribute to the issue.
Make sure that the pump runs long enough each day. Having at least one turnover is required to maintain water quality. However, two turnovers are also needed to keep the pool running smoothly.
The pool should have adequate circulation. Some areas of the pool do not receive enough circulation. A circular flow pattern is best to push water around the pool.
3. Weather Events and Increased Pool Use
Various environmental factors can affect the quality of water in a pool. Some of these include spring pollen, heavy rains, and sand storms.
When the water temperature rises, it can also affect the levels of sanitizers and pool filtration. To handle the increased demand, raise the supply of these components to meet the needs.
How Do I Fix My Cloudy Pool Water Problem?
For more information about how to clear pool water, read our blog post “How To Clear Cloudy Pool Water”.
You'll need to identify the cause of the pool's cloudy water, and then treat it accordingly. This will involve conducting a water test to see if the water has any imbalances. Then, get rid of any debris from the pool's filter and pump.
If you have any other questions about pool and spa products please do let us know - we are here to help!