Shasta Pool School: Why is My Pool Cloudy After Shock?

Have you made the unfortunate discovery that you have cloudy pool water after shock?  If so, you’re not alone.

What Causes Cloudy Water in Pool?

A cloudy pool can be caused by two things:

• A mechanical issue
• A chemical issue (i.e. pool pH, chlorine, etc.)

Mechanical Issues

Though chemical issues such as a low pool pH are usually to blame, mechanical problems can be the culprit behind your cloudy pool.  If you have cloudy pool water after shock, check:

• The filter (make sure there’s proper water flow, that the filter’s running for 8 to 12 hours each day, that it isn’t too small for your pool)
• The pump (make sure there’s good water circulation, that the pump and motor are the right size for your pool)
• The vacuum (make sure that the pool is vacuumed and brushed on a regular basis)

Chemical Issues

If everything looks great mechanically, then it’s time to check the chemical balance of your water.  Cloudy pool water is often caused by one of three things:

• The pool pH is High:  If the pool pH exceeds 7.8, the chlorine in your pool is slower and less efficient when it comes to killing off cloud-causing algae
• The Total Alkalinity is High:  If you have a total alkalinity over 200ppm, the effectiveness of the chlorine may be reduced
• The Calcium Hardness is High:  Should you find the calcium hardness exceeding 400ppm and the water temperature is 85F or higher, your water will likely be persistently cloudy.

If everything checks out, a clarifier may be just what your pool needs to return to it’s sparkling state. The clarifier will collect any algae in the water and send it to the bottom of the pool for you to easily vacuum and whisk away.

Shasta Pools is a Phoenix pool builder who provides a variety of services including swimming pool remodeling, commercial pool building, and pool service and repair. Since its establishment in 1967, Shasta has helped over 80,000 families realize their dream of pool ownership. By providing exceptional value, quality craftsmanship and superior customer service, the Shasta team continues to fulfill the corporate mission of astonishing and delighting their customers and exceeding expectations. You can learn more about Shasta Pools & Spas by visiting them online, or by connecting with them on Facebook or Twitter.