How to Clear a Cloudy Pool: Step-by-Step Guide

You purchased that lovely pool to enjoy, not to spoil your pool day with that uninviting, cloudy water under the cover. Nobody wants to swim in a dirty pool that is both unattractive and unhealthy for swimmers. The worst part? Cloudy water can damage your pool and its filtration system. The good part? You can fix it with simple yet effective solutions. 

If you are here to learn how to clear cloudy pool water fast, we have got you covered. This guide isn't loaded with technical jargon; it's just plain talk about what makes water milky and how to fix cloudy water properly.

Find the Cause of Your Cloudy Water

Here is where most pool owners go wrong with cloudy water.

• Adding shock blindly without testing the water
• Neglecting the regular filter cleaning 
• Overuse of clarifiers 
• Not running the pump enough during peak season
• Ignoring dead spots 

After knowing the "why" behind the cloudy water appearance, the "how" becomes rational to execute the plan.

Look for Visual Clues and Do a Water Test

Most of the time, the milky or hazy white water is due to an imbalance in the water chemistry, which is the foundational pillar of the pool's health. Cloudy water often has specifically high levels of pH, Total Alkalinity (TA), or Calcium Hardness (CH).

And if the water appears dull or greenish, then it suggests a problem in the filtration system or the presence of an algae bloom on the edges that don't get enough circulation. Or, too low levels of Free Chlorine (FC) due to ineffective chlorine treatment. 

Still in doubt? Confirm with a water test, grab a kit, and check the normal ranges, especially for pH, TA, CH, and FC, to have a stable water chemistry. 

The 5-Step Plan to Fix Your Cloudy Pool

The journey to clean, shining water lies in the right action plan that covers all essential treatments. Follow these steps and stay ahead of the curve. 

Step 1: Brush the Walls and Skim the Surface

Physical cleaning is the must-do step to clear out the settled debris before using any chemical. First, use a skimmer to get rid of leaves, insects, or floating debris. 

Then remove the algae under the hidden interiors, such as corners, stairs, walls, and floors, by rigorous brushing and proper jet direction. (Important: Use a stainless steel brush for concrete pools and a nylon brush for vinyl-lined pools.)

Now push these clinging sediments to be vacuumed away through automatic pool cleaners. These precision-engineered robots operate cyclically and will send the dirty water out of the pool system to avoid clogging. 

Step 2: Clean Your Pool Filter

It is not possible to get rid of cloudy water when some fine particles, probably due to a dirty filter, are still causing turbidity. 

For a sand/D.E. filter, go for a backflush cycle or replace the filter media if necessary. For cartridge filters, spray the pleats with high-pressure water or even soak them overnight in the cleaning solution as per the manufacturer's instructions. Learn more in How Often to Clean Pool Filter.

Step 3: Balance Your Water Chemistry (pH & Alkalinity)

Based on the previous test results, it's time to adjust the water chemistry to its ideal ranges. The logic behind? To balance out the water so that chemicals and sanitizers work at maximum efficiency. 

Adjust the chemicals sequentially; first adjust Total Alkalinity (TA) to the ideal range of 80-120 ppm, followed by the pH to 7.4-7.6. If TA is not in the right range, use baking soda to raise it and muriatic acid or dry acid (increases pH) to decrease it.

Run the pump to diffuse the chemicals properly and retest the water. 

Step 4: Shock the Pool to Sanitize the Water

Water that is not disinfected properly creates an environment where algae thrive, leading to a greenish colour. An effective algaecide is great to remove stubborn green stains due to algae blooms. 

For the early-stage algae, shocking the pool is the primary treatment where the levels of Free Chlorine (FC) are high enough to kill the algae and other harmful substances. Choose the right shock at the right time, when the sun is down, for better results.

If the pool is still cloudy even after shocking, then retest the pH levels and go for a heavy dosage in the second shock treatment. 

Step 5: Run Your Filter Until the Water is Clear

After pouring the cleaning agents, run the pump for an extended time for 24/7 until the water is clear, and note down the filter pressure. Let the self-operated robotic pool cleaners assist you in speedy yet precise filtration in every corner. 

How to Clear a Cloudy Pool Fast (in 24 Hours)

Home pool owners can use coagulants to clear a cloudy pool fast, as they gather the microscopic sediments that otherwise escape the filter. 

When to Use a Clarifier vs. a Flocculant

When the pool remains slightly hazy, clarifiers and flocculants are the finishing tools to accelerate the cleaning process 8-12 hours after shocking treatment. But they are not the primary choice and are only to be used if you are in a hurry.

Option 1: Using a Pool Clarifier (The Easier Method)

A clarifier gathers these microscopic particles that then remain suspended for the filter to catch them. It is a slow process that can take 24-72 hours, but it is easier with no water loss. 

Option 2: Using a Flocculant (The Fastest Method)

Floc requires manual vacuuming as the tiny particles of heavy clumps sink to the pool floor as "debris". It works quickly within 8-16 hours, but significant water loss occurs; hence, it is only suitable for emergency cleaning situations. 

Keep Pool Water from Getting Cloudy

Well-maintained pool water will significantly minimize the chances of cloudy water. Here is how you can master prevention.

Weekly Pool Maintenance Checklist

During the rush pool hours, perform the following tasks regularly. 

• Test the water chemistry every week.
• Empty skimmer baskets and clean the pump basket
• Check filter pressure and backwash 
• Replace the filter when needed
• Brush walls and vacuum debris

You can also shift to automated maintenance via robotic pool cleaners to lift the load and maintain consistent water circulation. 

Address Pool Leaks Promptly

Struggling with the algae growth in the dead zones? Look for any pool leaks and fix them to maintain water balance. 

Perform a Proper Winterization

When the peak season is over, it is the task of every pool owner to perform a thorough winterization by deep cleaning and adding a winter algaecide. Cover the pool properly so you see a clear, crystal pool next time.

Understand the Root Causes

Before exploring how to clear things up, one needs to first diagnose the root cause of the problem. Bookmark our guide explaining the enemy of your cloudy pool water to avoid problems in the future. 

Your Key to a Permanently Clear Pool

The transition from a cloudy pool to a sparkling one is based on the pool's health. If the pool's appearance is cloudy, then it is due to imbalanced water chemistry. And, if it is greenish, then perform a shock treatment. Always find out the root cause and adopt a proactive approach so you never have to clean a cloudy pool again. 

Perform the regular pool care and testing to enjoy the season of fun with your loved ones!