One day your pool looks sparkling clean… the next it’s cloudy, dull, and just a little gross. Sound familiar?

Cloudy pool water is one of the most common pool problems — and luckily, one of the most fixable. In this post, we’ll explain what causes cloudy pool water and walk you through how to clear it up fast, so you can get back to swimming.

🌫️ What Causes Cloudy Pool Water?

Cloudiness usually means your water chemistry or filtration system isn’t working quite right. Here are the most common culprits:

1. Poor Filtration or Circulation        

If your pool filter is dirty, clogged, or not running long enough, it can’t remove fine particles from the water. Result: cloudy pool.

2. Unbalanced Water Chemistry        

When chlorine, pH, or alkalinity levels are off, it can lead to dull or hazy water. Low free chlorine especially allows contaminants to build up.

3. Algae or Organic Contaminants        

Even if you don’t see green, early-stage algae or debris from rain, pollen, or heavy pool use can cloud the water.

4. High Calcium or TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)        

Over time, calcium and other minerals can build up and create cloudy or chalky-looking water, especially in hard water areas.


✅ How to Fix a Cloudy Pool (Step-by-Step)

Step 1: Test Your Water        

Use a test strip, liquid kit, or take a sample to your local pool store. Focus on these key levels:

• Free chlorine (should be 1–3 ppm) AquaSmart system (0.5-1.0 ppm)
• pH (should be 7.2–7.6)
• Total alkalinity (80–120 ppm)
• Calcium hardness
• Cyanuric acid (stabilizer)        

Step 2: Balance the Chemistry        

Adjust pH, alkalinity, and chlorine as needed. If chlorine is low, shock the pool to kill bacteria and oxidize organic matter.

📌     Tip: Use a calcium-free shock if calcium levels are already high to avoid more cloudiness.

Step 3: Run the Pump 24/7 Until Clear        

Your filter is your best friend right now — it needs to run continuously to clear the water. Clean or backwash your filter first so it can work efficiently.

Step 4: Brush & Vacuum the Pool        

Even if your pool looks clean, brushing helps dislodge algae and debris stuck to surfaces. Vacuum to waste if there’s a lot of visible debris.

Step 5: Add a Clarifier or Flocculant (Optional)

• A clarifier helps tiny particles clump together so your filter can trap them.
• A flocculant sinks particles to the bottom so you can vacuum them up.