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Friday, May 7, 2010

CLOUDY SWIMMING POOL WATER? Part 1

Are you having trouble with cloudy swimming pool water? Here are some tips on where to start to resolve your problem.

First, the most common cause of cloudy swimming pool water is the water chemistr balance not in balance. Chlorine between 1.0 to 3.0 ppm, PH from 7.4 to 7.6, Alkilintity between 80 and 120 (fiberglass and vinal pools no lower than 100), Calcium between 200 and 400, Stabilizer from 40 to 60, and todal disolve solids no higher than 2000. If even one of these is out of range or has been out of range recently, it could cause you to have cloudy swimming pool water. Here are some cause and effects for you.

Clorine is too low -the onset of algae can occure. With a low clorine, typically before you even spot the algae your water will turn cloudy.

PH above 7.8. - The PH in your swimming pool has a direct impact on the effectiveness of your chlorine. Too high PH brings the effectiveness of your chlorine down therefore a high PH is close to the same as not having any chlorine.

Alkalinity out of range creates a "PH bounce" meaning the PH can be very hard to control.

Calcium too high - Think of it this way, if you have a glass of water and you continue to place sugar in it eventually the water will no longer dissolve the sugar, the water is now "saturated". After the calcium level reaches 400 the water becomes saturated and now the calcium has no where to go which leads to build up on the walls and tile. Because of the way that this occurs you might only notice the clouding when you are in the pool or brushing the pool.

Similar as the calcium total dissolved solids or TDS will act the same.

That said, the first step in resolving your cloudy water is to adjust your chemicals appropriately. Understand that even if you adjust the chemicals properly it may take additional chemicals like a clarifier to clear the water.

See more tips in upcoming swimming pool help blogs brought to you by Swim Clear Pool Supply