How do i get rid of cloudy pool water.?

Question

i had an algae problem and got that cleared up but now i can't get the water clear. i have tested the ph and the only thing low was the chlorine level to which i have since brought back up. there are no pool dealers in my area so i cannot get a sample taken to be analized. this is a bladder pool 18x4

Answer 1

Hello

In answering this question, I'm assuming that your water chemistry is ok - i.e. ph is not high, you have a correct amount of chlorine and calcium hardness is not high.  (You can get a test kit to check your calcium hardness)

Did you use a flocculant or drop out after you killed the algae?

Dead algae turns white and when suspended in your pool water it makes it look cloudy.

A flocculant or drop out will bind it all together and drop it to the bottom of the pool where you can vacuum it to waste.

If you have done this, then the other thing you may need to do is use a clarifier.   These help remove excess TDS (total dissolved solids) which are too fine for your filter to remove.  Again it binds them together so your filter can 'filter them out'.  

Lastly, you may also wish to backwash your filter before adding the clarifier to ensure that it is filtering properly.  Your filter should have a manufacturer's reccommendation on it as to the correct operating pressure.  Any higher than recommended and it will not filter properly.

Answer 2

muratic acid  chlorine or maybe bottom needs to vaccumed

Answer 3

Check the filter to be sure it's operating properly. Do not over backwash. To a certain extent, dirty filters clean better than clean filters do. (a slightly dirty filter will catch smaller debris).

Check not only the free residual chlorine but the total chlorine level as well. Total chlorine will let you know if you need to super chlorinate (shock) the pool.

Answer 4

If the pH and alkalinity are at normal levels, the filter is clean and working properly, and cloudy water continues to persist, you may consider getting some clarifier (usually a bottle of blue liquid) at a pool store (Kmart or Walmart may also carry it).  Follow the directions on the bottle - usually combine a small amout with several gallons of water and dump evenly around the pool.  This will 'clump up' solids that are too small for your filter to catch.  Watch your backpressure after you do this as the filter may clog up fast if you have a lot of dissolved solids, but don't backwash until you're at least 3-4 PSI above startup pressure, or until stream coming out the return has noticably weakened.

Answer 5

It is likely that the alkalinity and/or the Ph of the pool is not correct.  

With consideration that you had to ask this question on this message board, it is apparent you know little about taking care of the pool water.  Therefore, I'd suggest that the best bet is to take a water sample to a pool chemical supply store.  They will analyze the water and tell you exactly what needs to be done to make the water crystal clear.  

You should also bring the 'rough' length and width and approximate average depth of the pool.

Answer 6

More than likely the cloudy water is a result of the dead algae. This is typical after shocking to clear up an algae bloom. You need to get yourself a good test kit. Not strips but a liquid kit such as the Taylor K 2006. Can be found online and will help with a lot of your pool problems. Since you have a smaller pool it wont take much chemicals to change the chemistry quickly. Anyway, as suggested check your filter. The working better slightly dirty rule only applies to sand filters. Backwash when the pressure runs 15psi higher than normal. If you have a cartridge filter clean it once the pressure reads 10psi higher than normal. If no pressure gauge check it once a day and clean if it is dirty. DE filter should be backwashed when the pressure is 10psi higher than normal. Run the pool 24hrs/day so the filter can do its job. Keep you chlorine level HIGH until the water clears. Try to get your pH down to around 7.4. A VERY high TA (200+) can cause some cloudiness as can a really high calcium hardness (450+) especially if the pH is 7.8 or higher.