Can Pollen Cause Cloudy Pool Water?

Yes, pollen can cause cloudy pool water. Still, it’s often difficult to distinguish whether it’s pollen or pollen-like things that are causing cloudy water–which, in turn, could confuse you about which solution to opt for.

In this post, we’ll clear up this confusion by discussing what pollen-like substances are and how to clear up cloudy water in a swimming pool contaminated by pollen!

Is It Pollen or Pollen-Like Substances?

When pollen makes its way into your pool, you’ll see a layer of tiny yellow particles. If it’s a large volume of pollen, you’ll see a yellow layer covering the pool.

The pollen particles may stick to:

• The pool tiles at the waterline
• Inside the skimmer
• The filter’s surface

Or, they may be blown away by the wind to a corner of the pool. However, after some time, they will turn into mustard algae and discolor the pool. This is when the water starts becoming cloudy.

At this point, the pollen particles will come together to form yellow clusters. These clusters won’t float on the surface. Instead, they will sink down to the bottom of the pool (usually to the shady side of the pool). And they will be sticky in texture.

Now, there are some pollen-resembling substances that also cause cloudiness in water. These are:

• Dust and dirt: Airborne dust and dirt particles can settle on the surface of your pool and create a hazy appearance. They might be mistaken for pollen due to their small size and ability to float on the water.

• Microscopic algae: Algae can cause cloudy pool water. These tiny algae particles or blooms can also give the water a greenish tint. Although these are not exactly pollen-like, their presence can be confused with pollen-induced cloudiness.

• Sunscreen and lotions: If you have many swimmers in your pool who use sunscreen or lotions, these products can wash off into the water and create a thin layer that could look like pollen accumulation.

• Insect debris: Insects like flies and mosquitoes might fall into the pool and break down over time. Their tiny body parts and fragments could be mistaken for pollen.

• Chemical precipitates: Sometimes, imbalanced pool water chemistry can lead to the precipitation of certain chemicals, which results in small particles that can cloud the water. These particles might appear pollen-like.

So, before you set out to clear up the cloudy water in your swimming pool, identify the cause. If it’s pollen indeed, read ahead to learn how you can remove it.

How to Remove Pollen From Your Pool

When pollen grains are inside the pool, they can clog filters, stain tiles, or lead to bacteria growth if left unattended. So, it’s best to remove pollen from the pool as soon as you notice it.

Here are three ways to remove it:

• Skim the pool: The simplest solution is to skim the water’s surface using a pool skimmer. This process physically removes pollen and other debris before they have a chance to settle or cause cloudiness. Ideally, you should aim to skim the pool daily, especially during peak pollen seasons.

• Upgrade filtration: Increase the frequency of your pool’s filtration system during periods of high pollen activity. Running the filtration system for longer periods and using a finer filter can also help capture and remove small pollen particles.

• Shock the pool: Consider shocking your pool. This is when you raise the chlorine levels of the pool temporarily, which helps break down organic materials like pollen. It also prevents bacterial growth and aids the filtration process in removing any broken-down organic particles.

What Causes Pollen in a Pool?

Pollen grains come from flowery trees and plants. So, if you have lots of trees and plants around your pool and the weather is windy, pollen can easily make its way into your pool unless it’s covered. 

Note that when the weather is stormy or extremely windy, pollen grains from far-away plants (at least ten to twenty feet away) can still enter your pool. So, it’s best to keep your pool covered to prevent pollen from entering it in the first place!

For more helpful information, don’t miss our post on how to clear cloudy pool water with Baquacil.