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How To Clear Cloudy Pool Water Fast!

How To Clear Cloudy Pool Water Fast!

February 12, 2024 By Nick White

Want to learn how to effectively clear up cloudy pool water fast? We can help!

Owning a swimming pool can be a fun and rewarding experience, especially if you live in a hot country where owning a pool can provide some serious respite from the oppressive heat.

However, this does not mean that owning a swimming pool doesn’t come with its various setbacks, as making sure your pool is clean and safe can prove a difficult and time-consuming task. 

One of the biggest obstacles you may face as a pool owner is cloudy water, which can take place if the chlorine levels in your pool are not properly measured or maintained.

Green and Cloudy Swimming Pool Water

Not only can cloudy water make your pool look unsightly, but it can also make the water unsafe for humans, which means the pool has to be cleared before you can even consider going for a swim. 

But how do you clear cloudy pool water in a fast and efficient manner? Well, there are various methods you can use to clean your cloudy swimming pool, with each one being relatively simple to implement.

So to aid you in the process, we have compiled a list of the 5 best ways to clear your cloudy pool water fast. 

Not only are these methods tried and tested, but they are the best way to quickly clear your cloudy pool and may even help you to locate the source of the issue.

So why not check out our list and see what method works best for you. 

Cloudy Swimming Pool Water

What Makes Your Swimming Pool Water Cloudy? 

If you own a swimming pool and have noticed that the water has gone cloudy, then chances are you are probably wondering what causes the water to go cloudy in the first place.

Well, there are several factors that could contribute to your pool’s cloudy appearance and these factors include: 

  • Chlorine Contents
  • Calcium Contents
  • Hydrogen Contents
  • Excessive Rainfall
  • Hard Water

So now that you know what factors can contribute to cloudy pool water, it’s time to learn how you can rectify it in a fast and simple way.

In the section below, we have gathered 5 easy methods that can be used to clear cloudy pool water, so let’s take a look and see what you can do to combat the problem. 

How To Clear Cloudy Pool Water Fast

Our Step-By-Step Guide on How To Clear Up Cloudy Pool Water Quickly

Enjoy our guide on how to clear up cloudy swimming pool water fast below.

1. Test The Pool Water

Although identifying cloudy pool water can be a straightforward process, trying to detect the primary cause of the cloudiness is far more difficult.

So if you want to detect the main contributor to the pool’s murkiness, then you will need to purchase a water testing kit to gather the necessary information. 

You can test your pool water using one of two methods, which we have listed below: 

  • Test Strips

One of the simplest ways to test your pool is by using test strips, which are small pieces of paper that can be easily dipped into the water.

Unlike other testers, test strips do not require special equipment and can be used to measure the acidity and hardness of your pool.

If the water’s chemical levels are unbalanced, then this could contribute to the cloudiness. 

  • Test Kits

When it comes to measuring the pH and chlorine levels in your pool, the most popular method is to use a pool test kit, which contains a variety of chemicals that can be used to detect any irregularities in the water.

If one of the pool chemicals you decide to use is muriatic acid, be sure to follow our guide on how to correctly use muriatic acid in your pool!

Although these kits can be difficult to use, they are still an effective way to test your pool and will help you to define the source of the cloudiness. 

2. Buy A Swimming Pool Clarifier 

Another simple way to reduce the cloudiness in your pool is to purchase a pool clarifier, which is a cleaning product that can be added to the water to clear any algae or unwanted murkiness.

Unlike other cleaning products, pool clarifiers have the ability to make fine particles clump together, which makes them easier to clean or filter away. 

However, it should be noted that pool clarifiers are not considered a combative measure and are more preventative in their performance. 

3. Use A Pool Flocculant 

A pool flocculant works in a similar manner to a pool clarifier, although pool flocculants will commonly take the form of a powder that will need to be dissolved in water before being added to the surface of the pool. 

After the mixture has been added to your pool, you will need to turn off your pool’s filter for at least two days, as this will allow the flocculant to tackle the particles in the water without the risk of it being filtered away. 

Like pool clarifiers, pool flocculants have the ability to clump particles together in large pockets, which then sink to the bottom of the pool once the process is complete.

To finish the job, you will then need to remove the clumps using a manual vacuum, as this is the only way to properly clean the pool. 

4. Help Your Pool Filter

Sometimes cloudy pool water can be the result of your inground swimming pool filter being unable to scoop up large clumps of particles that have sunk to the bottom of the pool.

So if you believe your filter’s limitations could be the cause of your pool’s murkiness, then there are several ways you can make the cleaning process less strenuous on your filter. 

These include: 

  • Disturbing The Water

Using your swimming pool on a regular basis will often be enough to disturb the water, which will allow the particles to rise to the surface.

However, if this doesn’t work, then you can use a brush to remove the debris, which will make it easier for your filter to clean the pool. 

  • Use The Vacuum

If your swimming pool has difficulty draining the water, then you can use a pool vacuum cleaner as a means to make the sunken particles rise to the surface.

Just place the vacuum upside on the bottom of the pool and the unwanted debris will soon be swept away by your filter. 

  • Maintain The Filter

When using a pool filter, it is important to make sure that the product is properly cleaned and maintained. To do this, you should clean your filter at least twice during pool seasons and consider using a premium swimming pool cleaner.

However, if your filter still appears gross or clogged, then you may need to consider a complete replacement. 

5. Preventative Swimming Pool Maintenance 

We understand that pool maintenance can seem like an overwhelming task, but it needs to be done if you want to reduce the possibility of cloudy water.

Down below, we have listed some key actions that need to be completed if you want to maintain the cleanliness of your pool. 

  • Debris removal (weekly)
  • Brushing the sides and bottom of the pool (weekly)
  • Declumping the filter (weekly)
  • Test water for chemical balances (every 2 weeks)
  • Shocking the pool (weekly) 

More into video tutorials? We got you. Check out the “Cloudy Pool Water: Here’s how to fix it” video by Pool Cleaning Course below for more info on how to clear up your cloudy swimming pool water fast!

Enjoy your clean, clear and inviting swimming pool!


Nick White- All About Pools
Nick White

Hello, I am a writer and marketing specialist in Kansas City, MO. My love for swimming pools started as a child when I would visit my aunt & uncle’s inground swimming pool on a frequent basis over the summer. Since then I have taught swimming lessons at a Boy Scout Camp, participated in the full setup, installation and maintenance of my father’s inground swimming pool, as well as enjoyed constantly researching everything there is to know about swimming pools for 5+ years. I enjoy all water related sports, being part of the online swimming pool community and always learning new things!

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