Cloudy Water
How do we prevent cloudy water? An excessive amount of pool chemicals can cause your water to be cloudy. That includes: high pH, high alkalinity, high chlorine or other sanitizers. Sometimes high calcium hardness as well.
You need to be sure that your pool water has adequate circulation. Filtration, and chemical treatment so that it remains clean and clear. There are some causes of cloudy water.
This would include:
Low chlorine
Testing your water should always the first step in checking if you need to raise or lower pool chlorine.
pH and/or alkalinity too high
On the pH scale, zero indicates extreme acidity, 14 indicates extreme alkalinity. While 7 indicates a neutral state. Most pool experts recommend a pool pH between 7.2 and 7.8. To raise or lower pH, a pool custodian simply adds acids or alkalis into the water.
High calcium hardness
The sum of all the calcium dissolved in water is referred to as the calcium hardness. Calcium is important since high levels are unstable. And become even more unstable if the pH or the total alkalinity rise above the normal levels. These imbalances can result in cloudy water and/or scale.
Pool circulation and filtration
In a pool circulation system, water is drawn from the pool through skimmers. And drains by a centrifugal pump. The pressure created by the pump’s impeller forces the water through a filter. And it is intercepts any debris not caught by the baskets.
Water Temperature
As the water heats up during the spring and summer, it is more susceptible to clouding. For speed swimming, warmer temperaturesare optimal. Olympic racing and FINA events mandate a water temperature between 77 – 82 degrees (25 – 28°C). Whereas synchronized swimming requires an 81-degree (give or take a degree) pool. For diving, they set the pool water temperature to a moderate 79 degrees (26°C).
To maintain good circulation, you should run your pool pump at least 12 hours during summer. And 6-8 hours during the winter (pool pumps that run 24 hours is fine). This will most help prevent cloudy water. Be sure to test your water and add necessary chemicals to ensure proper balance. If your pool needs to be shocked, shock it and run the filter for at least 24 hours to see if that clears it up.
If your pool water still remains cloudy, contact a pool professional. So they can test and clarify your water. Be sure the pool professional checks your equipment to be sure it is working . You should also be sure your filter is cleaned at least twice a year.
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