Know Everything About Cloudy Pool Water

Causes & Remidies

Cloudy pool water is a common issue for pool owners in North Texas, often caused by imbalanced chemicals, poor filtration, or environmental factors like heavy rain or pollen. If left untreated, cloudy water can become a breeding ground for bacteria and algae.

3 Things to Look Out For

Low Chlorine Levels

If chlorine is too low, bacteria and algae can grow, making the water cloudy and unsafe. Regularly test and adjust chlorine levels to keep your pool clean.

Poor Filtration

A clogged or inefficient filter won’t properly remove debris and contaminants. Check and clean your filter regularly to ensure proper circulation.

Unbalanced Chemistry

High pH, alkalinity, or calcium hardness can cause cloudy water. Regularly test and adjust these levels to maintain water clarity.

Common Causes of Cloudy Pool Water

Imbalanced Water Chemistry

If your pool’s pH, chlorine, or alkalinity levels are off, it can lead to cloudy water. Low chlorine allows bacteria and algae to thrive, while high pH or alkalinity can cause calcium buildup, making the water appear hazy.

Poor Filtration & Circulation

A dirty or clogged filter won’t effectively remove debris, oils, and bacteria. Running your pump for too few hours per day can also prevent proper water circulation, leading to cloudiness.

Excessive Pool Usage

A high swimmer load increases sweat, oils, sunscreen, and other contaminants in the water. If not properly balanced with filtration and chlorine, these can lead to cloudy water.

High Calcium Hardness

North Texas has hard water, which means high calcium levels can cause particles to form and make the water cloudy. If left unchecked, this can also lead to scaling on pool surfaces and equipment.

Algae Growth

Algae blooms often start as slight cloudiness before turning green. Poor sanitation, warm temperatures, and excessive sunlight can encourage algae to grow, leading to a murky or hazy pool appearance.

Environmental Factors

Heavy rain, dust, pollen, and organic debris from trees can introduce contaminants into the pool, overwhelming the filtration system and causing cloudiness. Windy conditions can worsen the problem, especially in open backyard pools.

Test and Balance Chemicals

Improve Filtration & Circulation

Use a Pool Clarifier or Flocculant

Remove Debris and Vacuum

How to Fix Cloudy Pool Water

Use a pool test kit to check chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. Adjust levels as needed—chlorine should be between 1-3 ppm, pH between 7.2-7.6, and alkalinity between 80-120 ppm.

Adding a chlorine shock treatment helps eliminate bacteria, algae, and organic contaminants. For best results, shock your pool at night and let the filter run overnight.

Run your pool pump for at least 8-12 hours per day to keep water moving and filter out particles. If your filter is clogged or dirty, backwash or clean it to restore efficiency.

A clarifier helps tiny particles clump together so the filter can remove them, while a flocculant sinks debris to the bottom for vacuuming. Choose the right product based on the severity of cloudiness.

Skim off leaves and debris, brush pool walls, and vacuum to remove particles that may be contributing to the cloudiness.

Shock the Pool

How Foley Pools Can Help

Expert Water Testing

Foley Pools provides professional water testing and customized chemical treatments to restore proper chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels, ensuring crystal-clear water.

Comprehensive Services

heir team can inspect, clean, and optimize your filtration system to improve water circulation and prevent recurring cloudiness.

Ongoing Maintenance

With routine maintenance services, Foley Pools helps prevent cloudy water by regularly monitoring chemical levels, cleaning filters, and addressing potential issues before they become major problems.

Common Questions About Cloudy Pool Water

  • Cloudy water is usually caused by imbalanced chemicals, poor filtration, high calcium hardness, environmental debris, or algae growth.

  • Test and balance your chemicals, shock the pool, clean or backwash the filter, improve circulation, and use a clarifier or flocculant if needed.

  • It depends on the cause, but with proper treatment and filtration, most pools clear up within 24–48 hours.

  • Yes, excessive chlorine can combine with contaminants and create chloramines, which contribute to cloudy water. Proper testing and balancing are key.

  • Test your water at least twice a week and after heavy rain, pool parties, or noticeable cloudiness.

  • If cloudiness persists, check and clean your filter, retest chemical levels, and consider using a clarifier or professional pool service.

  • Yes, rain can introduce dirt, debris, and alter water chemistry, leading to cloudiness. Regular maintenance helps prevent this issue.

Let Us Help

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Let Us Help •

Get Your Pool Water Crystal Clear–Fast!

Don’t let cloudy water ruin your swim! Foley Pools can help diagnose and fix the problem with expert water testing, filtration services, and ongoing maintenance. Whether it's chemical imbalances, poor circulation, or debris buildup, we have the solutions to restore clarity.

Contact us today or request a consultation to get your back to perfect condition.