What causes cloudy water and how do I treat it?
Cloudy water can be caused by a large number of factors, such as poor water balance, low or inconsistent sanitizer level, buildup of undesirable compounds, beginning of algae growth, and poor filtration or circulation. In clearing a cloudy pool, be sure the circulation and filtration systems operate continuously until clearing occurs. The vast majority of cloudy water problems are related to poor filtration and/or circulation.
- To first address cloudy water, be sure the filter media has been chemically cleaned to remove oils and other compounds that are not removed with bumping, rinsing or backwashing. Use Simplicity Filter and Cartridge Cleaner to "shampoo" the filter every six weeks-doing so helps improve filter efficiency which leads to lower maintenance costs, longer filter cycles, better filtration and crystal clear water.
- To help clear cloudy water, use 1 ounce of Simplicity Clear Magic® per 5,000 gallons. By binding small suspended particles into larger masses that can be easily removed by the filter, Clear Magic improves filter efficiency of sand, cartridge and D.E. filters. In addition, Simplicity Filter Aid, when added to any filter according to label instructions, physically "tightens" the filter opening size, allowing even a sand filter the ability to remove particles as small as two or three microns.
- Simplicity Floc & Clear should be used to treat extremely cloudy water. It clears cloudy water fast by coagulating debris and dropping suspended particles that are too small for the filtration system to remove to the bottom of the pool. Add 8 ounces per 10,000 gallons and follow label directions. Note that Floc & Clear should not be used if the pool cannot be vacuumed to waste.
- When persistent cloudiness is plaguing a pool, it is important to examine the filtration system. Dirty media, worn gaskets, and tears in grids are some reasons for filter failure.