Chlorine issues often cause hazy-looking water. Adding a recommended dose of pool shock to your pool can clear it right up. Poor circulation or filtration can contribute to water clarity issues. Make sure your pump and filter are working properly.
Don't worry, your treatment has not gone into waste. Even if you shock your pool properly, it takes a while for the natural microorganisms to do their job. This can take up to 12-24 hours, as opposed to a couple of days with harsh chemicals. Thus, the pool water takes time to get clear.
Shocking your pool once per week during peak pool season refreshes your sanitizer levels and prevents cloudy water. If you need more help using shock, check out our guide on how to use pool shock. Test and add cyanuric acid if needed. Make sure you have the proper levels of cyanuric acid or CYA in your water.
The fastest way to clear cloudy pool water is to use shock. If the pool's chlorine levels are low, it can lead to cloudy water. Shocking the pool will help to raise the chlorine levels, killing any algae or bacteria present in the pool. Use a chlorine shock product and follow the instructions on the label.
If the water looks good and you simply want to boost the chlorine level a bit, add 1 bag per 20,000 gallons. If the water is hazy or cloudy, use a full bag per 10,000 gallons. Or, if there is algae, use 2–6 lbs per 10,000 gallons, depending on the extent of the algae bloom.
Cal-hypo is the best shock treatment for you. It's powerful enough to kill contaminants and stop algae growth (similar to an algaecide). However, it may require multiple doses, depending on your situation. It's a powerful weekly treatment for your pool, especially if you deal with ongoing green water or cloudy water.
It's pretty tough to over-shock your pool; shocking your pool two days in a row with the proper dosage for your pool volume shouldn't be a problem – and in fact, is sometimes even needed to rid your pool of algae and other contaminants.
Having too much chlorine in your swimming pool water can cause it to become cloudy. Having too many chemicals in your water can throw off the delicate pH balance. Using too much of any pool chemical can cause cloudy water. High pH, high chlorine, and high alkalinity are all possible culprits.
The most common culprits behind cloudy pools include high calcium levels, clogged filters, early stages of algae growth, high chlorine levels, improper pH, various debris and ammonia. No matter which problem you have, there is a perfect remedy out there. We've gathered them all for you.
It's usually just a temporary reaction as the sanitizer works its magic, and doesn't always indicate a problem. But if the cloudy water persists long after you've shocked the pool, you're likely having an issue with water balance, circulation, or filtration.
The simple answer is yes, you can over shock a pool. This is when the chlorine level in the water becomes too high and can be harmful to swimmers. When you shock your pool, you are raising the chlorine level to 10 times its normal level. This is done to kill off any bacteria or algae that may be present in your pool.
Pools can immediately turn green after shocking when they have metals like copper in the water. These metals oxidise when exposed to high levels of chlorine which makes the pool water turn green. Adding a metal control product such as Zodiac Metal Remover will help to restore the pool water.
If the chlorine is low, simply add another tablet or some shock to the pool and let run for 2 to 3 days. If the pH is high or low you can adjust accordingly. For all other chemicals, running the pool will take care of the cloudiness over time.
Faulty Filtration System
If you're asking yourself “why is my pool blue but cloudy?” then one likely reason is the filter. If your pool filter is not working properly, your pool is going to be cloudy because the water is stagnant. Most cloudy pool issues are due to filters that simply aren't doing their job.
Dirty filters can leave trace amounts of particles in your water, leading to a foggy pool. Use a pool brush to sweep the area near your filter. Then inspect the filter to make sure it is both clean and functioning properly. Clean your filter at least twice a year to help it perform at its best.
Getting the sparkle
An oxidiser is a product that works to remove and destroy swimmer wastes and organic contaminants in your water, keeping it crystal clear! We suggest BioGuard Lite® as an easy-to-use oxidiser that allows swimmers back in the water an hour after treatment.
There are three main causes for cloudy pool water: poor filtration, chemical imbalances, or environmental factors like nearby construction, trees, or wildlife. Filter and pump problems can be caused by a range of issues. If the system is run for just a few hours each day, it may not be able to clean the entire pool.
Both liquid and powder shocks contain the same active chemical used for pool sanitation, but their usage and strength are different. Other than coming in a different form, liquid chlorine is also more budget-friendly and unstabilized. On the other hand, powder shock is easy to stabilize, and its solid form dissolves.
The Final Word On Chlorine Use
Some pool owners prefer granular shock because it's available in smaller packages and transports easily, but most customers prefer liquid chlorine for its refillable qualities.
1) What is the difference between chlorine and shock? Do I need to use both? Chlorine is a sanitizer, and (unless you use Baquacil products) is necessary for maintaining a clear and healthy pool. Shock is chlorine, in a high dose, meant to shock your pool and raise the chlorine level quickly.
Does baking soda kill algae in pools? Only algaecides can "kill" algae in pool water. However, baking soda can help clear up algae. Use both so you can restore sparkly, clean water!
Pools can immediately turn green after shocking or adding chlorine when they have metals like copper or iron in the water. These metals oxidize when exposed to high levels of chlorine, which makes the pool water turn green. Metals in the water are caused by some algaecides and using well water.
Once you have cleaned the pool, you should move on to the sand and DE filter. The expert says you should backwash them. However, for a cartridge filter, it is best to remove the cartridges and hose them off.