Swimming pools require regular maintenance to keep them clean, safe, and free from harmful bacteria. One sign of a pool in need of service is cloudy water. Can you swim in cloudy pool water? You can, but it’s not the best idea.
One of the best ways to deal with cloudy water is to shock your pool, but this may not always work. In this post, we’ll discuss why your pool water may be cloudy after shocking and explain how to clear up a cloudy pool after the shocking process.
What Is Shocking?
Shocking a pool is a process that involves adding a large amount of oxidizing agents, typically chlorine, to the water to kill bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms. Shocking is necessary when pool water is dirty, odorous, or has a high level of combined chlorine.
Combined chlorine is the amount of chlorine that has reacted with contaminants, thereby diluting the amount of chlorine able to work effectively in your pool. Shocking a pool helps to break down the combined chlorine and restore a healthy balance.
What Causes Cloudy Pool Water After Shocking?
There are several reasons why pool water may be cloudy after shocking, and there is usually a simple solution.
Contaminants
Algae can cause water to turn green or cloudy, even after shocking. If algae is present in the pool, it can take several rounds of shocking and brushing to completely eliminate the bloom. Leaves, dirt, and other unwanted debris can also cause cloudiness.
While cloudiness caused by algae, dirt, and debris might be a sign your pool needs to be shocked again, one of the best ways to avoid this is to clean your pool regularly. Keeping a pool clean and chemically balanced at all times will save you work in the long run.
High pH and Calcium Levels
High pH and total alkalinity will cause cloudiness in pool water, most often because of an increased calcium accumulation. The pH range for pool water should always be between 7.2 and 7.6. If the pH is below or above these levels, you may need to adjust the chemicals in your pool to achieve the optimal pH balance.
Lack of Filtration
A pool’s filtration system needs to run for several hours after shocking to remove the dead organic matter and particles that may be causing the cloudiness. When this is complete, it is essential you clean your filters and check them regularly from this point on. Filters are key to efficient water circulation and having a sparkling pool without cloudiness.
Unbalanced Chlorine Levels
When chlorine levels drop below the required levels, pool water can turn cloudy. On the other hand, too much chlorine can cause cloudy water, as well. High levels of chlorine will react with other chemicals and substances in the water, causing them to bind together and form tiny particles.
These particles will be suspended in the water and create a cloudy appearance. The next time you’re adding chlorine to your pool, make sure to follow the recommended dosage.
In Summary
Always be sure to apply the right amount of chlorine and other chemicals to your pool, and regularly check the pH levels and make adjustments to keep them in balance. Furthermore, it is essential the pool is kept clean and the filters are regularly checked and maintained.
If these guidelines are followed, you’ll reduce the chances of having cloudy water in the future and needing to shock your pool again!
Hi, I’m Matt Harper, the founder of poolcareguy.com, a site I started with one simple mission: to help people around the world clean and take care of their pools and hot tubs on their own, without the hassle.
I’m not a professional pool cleaner and don’t have any formal training, I’m just an average guy who loves hanging out by his pool and hot tub and taking care of it. After many years on the job, I’ve become quite good at it.
On this website I will be teaching you absolutely everything I know about pools and hot tubs.
