Does Bleach Clear Cloudy Pool Water?

Cloudy pool water is no fun. It makes your pool appear dirty, and it’s often due to a chemical imbalance in the water. You may impulsively reach for some bleach because you’ve read this suggestion in guides on how to quickly clear up cloudy pool water. 

What Causes Cloudy Pool Water?

Before discussing ways to remove cloudiness from pool water, you need to know what is causing the issue in the first place. High calcium levels can be one culprit, as well as high levels of phosphates.

Can sunscreen make pool water cloudy, too? After all, it comes off in the water easily, even when the bottle says it’s ‘water-resistant.’ While you should still wear sunblock while swimming and spending time outdoors, this can contribute to a cloudy pool water problem. 

Should I Be Worried?

We know it’s unsightly, but is cloudy pool water dangerous? Sometimes, it can be. 

For one, it increases the risk of drowning because people are harder to see underwater. You’re also at a greater risk of developing urinary tract infections and stomach bugs after swimming. For those reasons, it’s best to keep your pool water as clear as possible.

Can Bleach Help Clear Cloudy Pool Water?

You may have heard of bleach as a quick fix to clearing pool water, but bleach is not strong enough to clear up a bad case of algae. If that’s what you’re experiencing, you should look for algaecide, instead. 

Bleach can clear up mild cloudiness, but it shouldn’t be used for major issues. This is because household bleach isn’t specifically formulated for pools. It can contain additives that contribute to even more cloudiness by throwing off your water’s chemistry. 

These additives can also damage your pool equipment, surfaces, and cover. For those reasons, it’s best to put the bleach away and opt for something else.

How Do I Clear Cloudy Pool Water?

To solve the issue of cloudy pool water, you first need to identify the cause. You should invest in a chemical testing kit to help you understand your pool’s health and test the water regularly. 

Make sure you get a separate kit to test for phosphates, as standard kits may not include this. If you suspect phosphates are at fault, remove any debris from your pool and backwash the water. If cloudy pool water is due to too much calcium, use a hardness reducer or add fresh water from your hose. 

If it’s due to sunscreen, prevent the issue from happening in the first place by adding scum remover to your pool before anyone gets in. No matter the cause, there’s a way to get your pool looking clear and clean again.

In Summary

Cloudy water is an issue every pool owner deals with from time to time, but there are ways to fix it. That being said, bleach should not be your first choice when it comes to clearing agents. It can temporarily solve a minor cloudiness problem, but it ultimately does more harm than good. 

If you’re looking for more tips and tricks on pool maintenance, check out Pool Care Guy’s latest content. You’ll soon be a pool care expert, yourself!