How Do I Clear Up my Pool Water?

“Oh, no….  Really?”

That's almost always the thought that runs through my head when I see a pool looking a little hazy…or downright cloudy.  Instantly I'm grabbing all of my testing supplies and checking to see what the problem could be.

First thought:  How's my filter system?  Is there plenty of water flow?  When did I backwash last?  Are my skimmer baskets clean, pump running, and everything looking good?  Always start there and make sure that isn't the issue.  Often, it is.  Go ahead and backwash.  Check that your returns aren't sending air bubbles out into your water, too.

Next thought: my chlorine got too low somehow and now we have an issue….  If that's the problem, a heavy shock might fix it.  If the chlorine levels are just fine, though, the search is on.  Make sure you're testing for FREE chlorine and not just TOTAL chlorine.  (Check here for more information on that.)

Check through the rest of your water balance.  Is your water's alkalinity at a good level?  What about the PH?  Not too high, right?  Make sure you've got it in the 7.4-7.6 range and carry on.

If everything seems pretty okay with your water chemistry, and you've backwashed your filter, likely your water will clear up on its own in a day or two or three.  If you're like me, you're not necessarily that patient.  I'd like my pretty water back NOW! 

Here's what I do:

First up is a Filter Aid.  It's in the Soft Swim line of products by BioGuard but can be used with chlorine programs as well.  Pre-mix it in some water, pour slowly into your skimmer.  It will make your sand filter a LOT more efficient, allowing it to catch the very tiny particles that may be floating in your water and causing the haze.  (Sidenote–it ALSO helps remove phosphates!)

Next is a good clarifier.  I have two favorites right now….  I can't help it, I like them both!  The first is an old standby, Polysheen Blue.  It clumps all of those tiny particles together to make them even easier for your filter to capture.  Be careful to follow the correct dosing, though.  If you use too casino spiele online much, you may end up with an even cloudier pool, temporarily.  My NEW favorite is called Natural Clarifier.  It has no artificial dyes or other ingredients, and uses Chitosan, produced from the exoskeletons of crustaceans (such as crab and shrimp).  It's completely safe to use, and you can't overdose your pool, so if it's VERY cloudy you can double or triple the dose for faster results.

Do those two things and give your pool a little time.  24-48 hours later you should have some sparkling, clear water.  At that point, you'll want to backwash, and stand around being impressed at all the gunk that your amazingly efficient filter system took out of your water.  Be proud of yourself.  (I always feel like super-woman when I clear a pool's water up, even if I've done it a million times.)

I'll go ahead and tell you:  Good job!

Here are some other articles you may enjoy:
How, Why, and When to Clean Your Pool Filter
How Do I Get Balanced, Safe, Clear Pool Water?
Does it Matter Where I Buy my Chemicals?