In summer, the swimming pool is used almost every day. However, you should know that the basin is a world in its own right whose balance is fragile. At the slightest anomaly, the water can become cloudy and remedying this is not always easy. While it is important to identify the problem in order to provide an appropriate response, it is imperative to act quickly to prevent the pool from being too disturbed. Discover our advice to solve your problem of cloudy bathing water.
Why is the pool water cloudy?
You notice that the water in your swimming pool has become cloudy. The reasons for this state are multiple and it is important to identify the cause in order to provide an appropriate solution before the imbalance sets in.
Here are the possible causes of cloudy bathing water:
- a lack or incorrect dosage of treatment product (chlorine, bromine, etc.) : it is important to control the dosage of the product and to readjust it or to carry out a shock treatment if necessary;
- a filtration defect : the filtration must be sufficient to clean the pool water, especially when swimming;
- un pH incorrect : a pH imbalance clouds bathing water and promotes the formation of limestone;
- too calcareous water : when the water is too calcareous or too hard, the pH tends to be higher and to promote cloudiness in bathing water.
When the problem at the origin of the cloudy bathing water is identified, it is necessary to remedy it quickly!
How to fix cloudy pool water?
Here are the steps you can take to remedy a cloudy bathing water problem.
Step 1: water analysis
First of all, analyze your pool water using test strips. Check the following data:
- the pH should be between 7.0 and 7.4;
- the TAC must oscillate between 150 PPM and 200 PPM;
- the Th must be between 150 PPM and 250 PPM.
If you find that the rates are incorrect, you can correct the data by paying the necessary products. Let them act for 6 to 12 hours according to the information in the manufacturer’s instructions before carrying out a new check.
If the readings are correct or if the water remains cloudy despite the readjustment, go to step 2.
Step 2: the shock treatment
When the water is too cloudy or if rebalancing is difficult to achieve, shock treatment remains the most effective solution. Carry out a shock treatment with a product adapted to the treatment product you use in your pool (bromine or chlorine). Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Once the shock treatment has been carried out, be sure to let your filtration device run continuously for at least 24 hours.
To maximize the effectiveness of the shock treatment, brush the walls of the pool, the bottom and the water line to loosen the residues and the micro-organisms that have attached to them.
Thereafter, it is recommended to thoroughly clean the filtration device and replace the filter with a new model.
Step 3: flocculant
You can improve the quality of your bathing water by pouring a flocculant into the pool. This product makes it possible to better eliminate the residues present in the water by gathering them in the form of small packets which are easier to evacuate. Be sure to let your filtration device run continuously for at least 24 hours.
On the other hand, the standard flocculant is not suitable for all filter models, especially cartridge models! Be sure to buy a product that is suitable for your device.
Step 4: readjustment of treatment products
It is important to regularly check the dosage of your treatment product (bromine, chlorine, active oxygen, etc.) and readjust the quantities. Be careful if you change products or brands, as dosages and concentrations can vary from one manufacturer to another. Always rely on the instructions to adapt the quantity of product to the volume of water to be treated.
Step 5: preventive treatment
To avoid problems with cloudy water, it is possible to carry out several preventive solutions.
- Regular checks : to avoid any imbalance, be sure to check your bathing water regularly, especially during very hot weather, and make the necessary readjustments.
- An anti-limescale product : if your water is too calcareous, do not hesitate to pour an anti-limescale product into it as a preventive measure, which will help to better fight against deposits. This product should act for 6 to 12 hours in the pool.
- Continuous filtration : when swimming and during the hot season, let the filtration run continuously to help eliminate deposits. Remember to clean the filter more regularly and replace it as soon as necessary.
- The dosage of treatment product : regularly check the dosage of your treatment products and make the necessary readjustments.
- A good cleaning : regularly brush the walls, the bottom and the waterline of the pool, as well as all the nooks, angles and accessories in and on which dirt can cling. By removing them regularly, your water stays clearer for much longer.