Treatment FAQ

why would my pool still be cloudy after shock treatment

by Dr. Dolly Funk DDS Published 2 years ago Updated 2 years ago

If the pool is still cloudy after shock it can be for a few reasons. Cloudy pool water comes from a buildup of organic and inorganic material in the water, like algae blooms. Pool shock will sanitize the water and oxidize off most of the contaminates but it isn’t going to get rid of all the material in the water.

It's usually just a temporary reaction as the sanitizer works its magic, and doesn't always indicate a problem. But if the cloudy water persists long after you've shocked the pool, you're likely having an issue with water balance, circulation, or filtration.Jul 9, 2013

Full Answer

Why is my Pool Green and cloudy even after shocking?

The shock will help you kill bacteria and organic matter in the pool. Destroying the organic matter and algae will make your pool cloudy, especially in green pools. You need a properly working pool pump and filter to remove the dead organic particles. So, after shocking a green pool, you need to be patient for the filter to do its work.

Do you need to shock a pool after a heavy rain?

If the sand pump filter isn’t working correctly, the pool will remain cloudy even after shocking. The damage may be in the circulation, clogging up the cartridge, and so on. Then again, the release drain may have debris, which can add up to a cloudy pool. So, clean it too.

Do you have to dissolve shock before putting in pool?

Correct pH: For normal use, your pool’s pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6: for shocking, it should be between 7.2 and 7.6. Shocking a pool with a too high pH will cause cloudiness. Correct alkalinity: The right range of alkalinity (dissolved salts that keep pH stable) makes pH and chlorine levels easier to maintain.

What do you do if your pool is cloudy?

May 28, 2015 · In most cases, your pool water may still be cloudy but FC is fine or high. Cloudy or milky water after shocking is normal, and the water should clear up within an hour or so. Just make sure your pump and filter are running properly. If you add algaecide, keep in mind that some algaecide contains copper, which can actually make a pool cloudy.

How do I fix cloudy water after shock?

If the cloudiness persists 24 hours after shocking, then it's possible that you used a poor-quality chlorine shock. In this case, you should take another reading of free chlorine and do the shocking again using liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite).Mar 1, 2022

How long does it take for cloudy water to clear after shocking?

In most cases, a cloudy pool after shocking is only temporary and should clear up within 24 hours. Keep filtering your pool, add a little clarifier to help, and your pool should be clear in no time. If after 24 hours your pool is not clear, then you may need to look a little deeper for the solution.Nov 14, 2016

Why is my pool not clearing up after shock?

I Shocked My Pool, so Why Is It Still Cloudy? If your pH is not too high, filtration issues are likely the cause of your cloudy pool. The issue may depend on the type of filter. If you have a sand filter, it could take a week or more for the pool to completely clear.Mar 1, 2022

Can too much shock make your pool cloudy?

An undesired aftereffect of shocking your pool is this: it can cause cloudy pool water. In some instances, the cloudiness is a temporary thing (source). Running your pool's filter right after shocking can help it quickly clear away the particles and debris that cloud the water.

Will a cloudy pool clear on its own?

Is your pool cloudy after shocking with calcium hypochlorite? Not to worry, this is normal and should resolve itself in a day or so as the chlorine level drops. Just keep your filter running in the meantime.Oct 13, 2020

Why is my pool milky?

Excessive levels of pool chemicals can cause your water to become cloudy. High pH, high alkalinity, high chlorine or other sanitisers, and high calcium hardness are all common culprits.Mar 10, 2019

How do you clear up a cloudy pool fast?

Part of a video titled How To Clear CLOUDY POOL Water FAST! | Swim University - YouTube
0:35
2:05
Today i'll be using c-clear's natural clarifier. And they recommend putting one ounce per 10 000MoreToday i'll be using c-clear's natural clarifier. And they recommend putting one ounce per 10 000 gallons directly in the water.

How do I make my pool water crystal clear?

In theory, if you have a cloudy swimming pool, you can add chlorine to “shock it” and clear things up. Chlorine will get the job done. But, the amounts may vary and you may have to really pound the pool with chlorine to get the water totally clear.Jan 7, 2021

What causes pool water to turn cloudy?

Cyanuric Acid, also known as CYA or Stabilizer) is one of the most common chemicals used for the prevention of chlorine loss by protecting it from the sun’s ultraviolet rays. However, too much cyanuric acid can cause water to turn cloudy after shock. The best way to reduce the cyanuric acid in pool water is to replace ...

Does shock clear pool water?

Many people believe that shocking a pool is enough to clear the water. But, pool water needs to be filtered and will not clear up if your filter doesn’t work properly. It doesn’t matter how much shock you dump in your pool. If your filter works poorly, you will get cloudy water. 2.

Why do you need a pool clarifier?

Using a pool clarifier after shocking the pool is essential to keeping the water clean and clear.

Why is my pool cloudy after shock?

If the pool is still cloudy after shock it can be for a few reasons. Cloudy pool water comes from a buildup of organic and inorganic material in the water, like algae blooms. Pool shock will sanitize the water and oxidize off most of the contaminates but it isn’t going to get rid of all the material in the water.

Can you swim in cloudy water?

Remember, never swim in cloudy pool water! It’s not safe to swim if you can’t see the main drain. Shock the pool and run the pump for 24-48 hours. For a chlorine free pool, Oxygen Pools uses dynamic oxygen to keep the water clean and beautiful.

Why is my pool cloudy after shocking?

If the sand pump filter isn’t working correctly, the pool will remain cloudy even after shocking. The damage may be in the circulation, clogging up the cartridge, and so on. Then again, the release drain may have debris, which can add up to a cloudy pool. So, clean it too.

Why is my pool cloudy?

Sometimes it is the weather, sometimes harsh chemicals, or just your bad luck with a broken pool filter. Aside from this, an active construction site can also contribute to your pool being cloudy.

How to fix a pool pump?

What else should you try? 1 Fix the pump water 2 Use the shock at night 3 Clean the bottom drain 4 pH fixing 5 Utilize a pool water clarifier 6 Call the pool service 7 Apply a flocculant 8 Vacuum in the pool for organic debris

Can you use shock and algaecide together?

When you use both the shock and algaecide together, the combo will have minor effects on the algae. If you wait for a few minutes, the remaining algae make a thin layer of cloud on the pool water. Don’t worry. The algae have died, and you need to clean its remains.

Is pollen in a pool harmful?

Even if you cleaned everything, the pollen would wrap the pool again. But they aren’t that harmful. It is just the environment.

What causes cloudy water in pool?

A high stabilizer level, especially an excessive cyanuric acid level, causes a cloudy pool. Generally speaking, try to keep the level as low as 50 ppm or replace the percentage of pool water.

How to fix cloudy pool?

First, clean the bottom drain as most of the impurities will go away after this. Next, check the pH level and keep the chlorine levels low. Ammonia by replacing some water from the pool.

Why is my pool cloudy?

If so, the filter needs to be taken apart and cleaned or repaired, and your pool will remain cloudy until the repair is made.) So remember, a cloudy pool can be caused by a bad filter. If the pool is being filtered properly, you won't need a clarifier solution.

Can you add chlorine to a pool to make it green?

Believe it or not, I have seen this keyword search pop up more than once. There is a short answer: YES, IT WILL turn green if you don't add chlorine. Pool water must have a sanitizer or something that will kill bacteria and algae. Algaecide alone without chlorine will not prevent the pool from turning green.

What should the pH of a pool be?

Correct pH: For normal use, your pool’s pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6: for shocking, it should be between 7.2 and 7.6. Shocking a pool with too high pH will cause cloudiness. Correct alkalinity: The right range of alkalinity (dissolved salts that keep pH stable) makes pH and chlorine levels easier to maintain.

Do you need a cartridge filter for a pool?

If your pool is cloudy, the cartridge needs to be cleaned DAILY until the pool is clear. Or the filter is defective and not working properly .

What is the calcium level in a pool?

Answer: Calcium is essential to maintain in ANY pool. Water needs calcium. If the calcium chloride level falls below 200 ppm and is not added, the water will still get the calcium that it needs by pulling it from the surface, pool liner, plumbing anywhere that calcium can be extracted from.

Can phosphate cause algae?

High phosphate levels can definitely cause algae problems. Phosphorus, or phosphate, can enter the pool by leaching out of leaves or organic debris in the pool or drifting there from fertilizer sprayed near or around your pool. Because algae feed on phosphates, algae blooms due to phosphorus can become overwhelming in the summer months when the water temperature exceeds 78–82° F. This condition is easily treatable with a phosphate-removing product like this one.

Why is my pool water cloudy?

Low free chlorine indicates you have chloramine (combined chlorine) that turns water cloudy, smells more of chlorine, and cannot sanitize your pool water by killing harmful germs and bacteria causing algae and ammonia.

Can you use chlorine to shock a pool?

If higher than that, you may have to drain a portion of your pool water and replace with fresh water to lower Cyanuric acid level. Also, if using tablet chlorine to shock your pool, you need to watch both chlorine and Cyanuric acid level because tablet chlorine will hugely increase your stabilizer levels in water.

Why is my pool water low in chlorine?

Low free chlorine levels are caused by heavy usage, heavy rainfall (which dilutes the chlorine), or hot sunny days when UV light oxidizes lots of free chlorine. If you have an outdoor pool, you can use a chlorine stabilizer, such as cyanuric acid, to prevent chlorine depletion as a result of direct UV light. Remember that cyanuric acid is very strong, and if it exceeds the recommended levels, free chlorine will disappear, and the water will turn cloudy and be at high risk of algae growth.

What is the correct pH level for a pool?

The correct level of pH in a swimming pool should be between 7.4 and 7.8, with 7.6 being the ideal level. 2. Monitor pH and Total Alkalinity. The level of pH in pool water affects how all other chemicals function, including chlorine.

What happens when the pH of a pool is too high?

The level of pH in pool water affects how all other chemicals function, including chlorine. When pH level gets too high, chlorine will become ineffective, and we all know how important chlorine is in a pool. High pH also makes water look dull, and it should always be within the recommended range.

How to balance pH in pool?

How to Balance the pH in Your Pool. To lower pH, you need to use a pH reducer (pH minus), such as muriatic acid or sulfuric acid. Anything below a pH of 7.0 is too low, and apart from turning water cloudy, this environment brings about harmful bacteria causing ammonia and algae.

How often should I replace a sand filter in a pool?

Consequently, the sand should be replaced every year.

Cloudy after shocking

We just opened our 30,000 gal pool this spring. After weekly shocking (3 lbs poollife shock) ouyr water stays cloudy for longer and longer periods of time.#N#TA = 140#N#pH = 7.8#N#CHlor 5-10#N#We have removed the chorline tablets from the skimmer basket. Pool still stays cloudy for 24-28 hours after shocking. Any suggestions ?

cloudy after shock

Yea I have the same problem so I took a sample to my pool store, they said all levels where perfect. So I shocked it because I had a few organic stains with 2.5 pounds. (vinly 19000gal.) That was last monday and It is still cloudy.

Re: cloudy after shock

Quad wrote: Yea I have the same problem so I took a sample to my pool store, they said all levels where perfect. So I shocked it because I had a few organic stains with 2.5 pounds. (vinly 19000gal.) That was last monday and It is still cloudy.

Re: Cloudy after shocking

liontiger wrote: We just opened our 30,000 gal pool this spring. After weekly shocking (3 lbs poollife shock) ouyr water stays cloudy for longer and longer periods of time.

Why is my pool turning green?

Well water is notorious for having high copper levels, so your pool will be more susceptible to turning green if this is where you get your water from. Copper is a metal prone to oxidation (just look at the The Statue of Liberty).

Why is my pool water green?

Copper especially can make pool water turn green as soon as chlorine is added due to the oxidation reaction between the two.

How to get rid of pollen in pool?

Pollen floats around in the water, so it’s easy enough to remove by skimming, filtering, and brushing your pool clean. In some cases it can be stubborn, so you may have to bust out a pool vacuum and perform this cleaning ritual a few times to remove every speck.

Can you vacuum a pool?

You Didn’t Vacuum Thoroughly. While you don’t want to just stick a pool vacuum in a toxic swimming pool and hope for the best, it does have its place when trying to restore a pool. Vacuuming is one of the last parts of the cleaning regimen, after skimming, brushing and running the filter.

What is the recommended pH level for a pool?

The recommended range is between 7.2 and 7.6 , with 7.4 being ideal.

What is the minimum chlorine level for a pool?

The minimum level of chlorine should be 1.0 ppm, with 3.0 being the top end.

How does a clarifier work?

Clarifier works to “clarify” the water (see what I did there). In all seriousness, clarifier works exactly the same as floc, except the clumps float on the surface of the water, allowing you to use a skimmer to pick them up, or let the pool’s filtration system do its job. 7. Your Chemistry Is Still Out Of Whack.

Why is my pool water cloudy?

That’s because circulation pushes your pool water through your filter system, so without it, the filter can’t work it’s magic and keep your water squeaky clean. There are a few moving parts to this, so let’s go through them.

How to clean cloudy pool?

There’s a few important points to note about this process: 1 Manual: You won’t be able to use an automatic pool vacuum to do this, it’ll have to be done manually. 2 Water: As you vacuum out the cloud particles, you’ll naturally lose a considerable amount of water, so it’s a good idea to keep the hose running as you’re doing this. 3 Filter: It should take around half a day to clear out the debris from the bottom of your pool, during which point your filter should be turned off

Why does water turn cloudy?

Alkalinity—or Total Alkalinity—is a pH buffer, meaning it absorbs changes in the water in order to keep your pH level stable. If your alkalinity it too high, however, it can cause your water to turn cloudy.

Does calcium hardness cause scaling?

High calcium hardness leads to excess calcium, which eventually results in scaling and cloudy water. Unfortunately, most test strips won’t include calcium hardness, so you’ll want to use a liquid test kit instead. (Again, I highly recommend this one.)

How to size a pool pump?

To properly size your pump, divide your water volume by 8, then divide again by 60. What you’re left with is your pools required turnover rate in GPM. The flow-rate of your pool pump should be at least the same.

What causes water to accumulate in a pool?

Heavy rain can cause water to accumulate on the ground, in some cases making it’s way to your pool bringing plenty of other nasties with it (depending on your pool type and setup).

How does pool floc work?

When it comes to pool chemistry, pool flocculant (or pool floc) works similarly to pool clarifier in that it clumps those pesky particles together to make them easier to remove, except it does have one distinct difference .

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9