Clear Cloudy Pool Water

Cloudy pool water is usually a relatively easy fix and is generally caused by one of only a few things. There are two ways to clear a cloudy pool: floccing and clarifying.

Use a clarifier and your filter to remove the fine particles from the water. This is typically the choice for pools with slightly cloudy water when you can see the bottom of the pool.

For very cloudy pools, we suggest using a product called Floc, which will bind all the fine floating particles in the water together to make them heavy enough to sink to the bottom of the pool where you vacuum them out to waste. This, however, is a much more labour-intensive method.

But first, we need to deal with the cause, then treat the cloudy water, this way you won’t run into the same problems again! Here are our top tips to keep your pool water clear all year round.

#1 Check your water level & baskets

If the pool water level has dropped below the middle of your skimmer box, give it a top-up with the hose. Filling it to halfway up your skimmer box, emptying the baskets and replace the filter sock (if you have one) will allow for proper water flow and circulation, which helps your filter remove impurities.

#2 Quick filter checkup

To help keep your water clear all year round, check your filtration system is operating at AND continues to run at its peak. An average pool size should run for 6-8 hours per day in the summer, and 4 hours/day in Winter (as little as 2 hours/day if you Winterise!) continuously working to remove debris, contaminants, and other impurities from the water.

Similar to a vacuum cleaner after a while the build-up of waste in your filter will affect the flow. Poor flow results in poor circulation, which can then lead to cloudy water and algae outbreaks!

Did you know that a Robotic Pool Cleaner will filter your water as well as vacuum up dirt, leaves and sticks? It helps you keep your pool water clearer while running your pool less.

Most pools have a sand or glass media filter, these need to be backwashed to flush out contaminants. During the swimming season, we recommend backwashing your filter every 3 months for sand and glass media filers. The sand in your filter should be replaced every 8-10 years, however, glass media is expected to last the lifetime of your filter!

If you have a cartridge filter, remove the cartridges and clean them every month or so... you'll also need to replace the cartridges every 2-3 years.

Every filtration system is slightly different, so if you need assistance with your filter maintenance, give us a call or use the button below to request a service!

#3 Test & Balance your water

Now that you’ve cleaned your filter, the next thing to do is balance the water. We can electronically test your water in-store to make sure you get the right balance, then advise on what you need to correct any chemical imbalances.

We recommend testing your pool water every month. By staying on top of your chemical water balance, you’ll save money and achieve crystal-clear water all year round.

Not only will this keep your water safe, and prevent damage to your pool surface and equipment, but it allows your pool chemicals to work more efficiently and save you money.

#4 Clearing cloudy pool water

Despite all best efforts and intentions, pools will naturally become cloudy over time when the filter can’t pick up super fine debris in the water. A clarifier will bind these tiny particles together to help the filter remove them.

Using a clarifier & filtration

A product like Miraclear Liquid Pool Clarifier is 20% stronger than some other brands which is why it can clear your water much faster. Simply balance your pool water and add the required dose of Miraclear Clarifier, then let your pool filter run continuously for at least 24 hours or until clear.

Miraclear is easy to apply in any pool, doesn’t affect your pH, is non-toxic and is biodegradable. When used every few months, your filter will be more efficient and it can also reduce the need for extra chlorine or algaecides.

Systems like Mineral Swim make it much easier to keep your pool clear, with the superfine filtration of glass media as well as the Ozone water purification that prevents algae growth & therefore you won’t need to filter out as much fine dead' algae that commonly makes you water cloudy.

Floccing a pool

Floccing your pool requires a much more intense process, Floccing your pool is for pools where you can’t see the bottom or even the step area. This process will drop all suspended particles in the pool to the bottom and requires little to no water movement during the process otherwise it can undo all your hard work! You will also lose a lot of water due to vacuuming to waste.

To find out more about Floccing your pool, please contact us to find out if this is the best method for you and get our info sheet guide to floccing a pool.

If you follow these simple steps, your pool water will look its best all year round!

If you have more questions about cloudy pool water, come into your nearest store to speak with our highly trained staff, call our service department on 1300 007 665 or click below to book a service!