Is cloudy pool water unsafe to swim in?

Question

The water is not opaque, we can see bottom. We have been shocking, clarinating, chlorinating, our hearts out. The chlorine level is normal to high. The PH was 6.8 last night, added some stuff to take care of that. It's still cloudy, and the kids are DYING to go in. Is it safe for them? Not to mention that 8 yo dd's BD party is tomorrow. Thank you!

Answer 1

If you chemical levels are where they are supposed to be then you either need clarifier or backwash your filter. The easiest way to get your pool ready for swimming is to bring a sample of water to a pool store. They test the water for free tell you what chemicals your pool needs. I spent a couple years trying to get the chemicals balanced in my pool and was a big pain in the but and went through alot of shock. I brought the water to a pool shop. They tested it and gave me a print out a list of what to buy and when to add it. Within 24 hours my pool was perfect and all I had to do was add some iqud chlorine once a week.

Answer 2

Hello,

It is a little unusual, however it sounds safe to go in. Normally when your pH is low and you have a good chlorine level your pool will be very clear.  

However, when you say the chlorine level is normal to high - If you have been shocking and chlorinating (is it a chlorine based shock?)  you could now acutally have too much chlorine in your pool (i.e. how high is that chlorine level?).  Too much chlorine will also cause your pool to look cloudy!!

Since you are having a birthday party tomorrow - the kids will take good care of that!!  Especially if they pee in there - you'll need all the chlorine you can get (lol)

In answer to Buttsoap:  They said they CAN see the bottom.  Yes too much poor quality calcium hypochlorite can also cause cloudiness - because it puts too much calcium in the water - again NOT causing the pool to be unsafe to swim in, merely more problematic as the excess calcium needs to be removed.    

As for the test strip being bleached (huh?).....the test strip is specifically designed to read the level of chlorine (high or low)!!  You need to follow the instructions clearly on the bottle i.e. read the levels as soon as you do the test, as it fades within a few seconds after you take the reading - regardless of the chlorine levels!!

Pools are a complex issue, so it is always good to get your water tested regularily by an expert.  

Other factors you could take into account that can cause cloudiness are:

-The surface of the pool - ie. is it painted concrete, and if you rub your hand across it is there any residue?

-How old is your sand filter- when was your last backwash and/or sand change.

Answer 3

If you cannot see the bottom of the pool it is unsafe.  If you have been shocking with calcium hypochlorite this can cause your water to cloud.  High levels of chlorine bleach out many test kits giving false readings.

Sample your water and take to pool supply house for evaluation.

You're welcome!!