Cloudy Or Milky Water

Cloudy Or Milky Water

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Cloudy Or Milky Water

The Problem: Water appears hazy, dull, and non-transparent, even if chlorine levels might seem okay. It is a safety hazard (obscures the bottom) and is aesthetically unpleasing.

In-Depth Cause Analysis

Cloudiness is caused by a high level of microscopic suspended particles too small for the filter to remove. Causes are multifaceted:
1, Filtration Issues: Dirty filter media, insufficient pump run time, or an undersized pump.
2, Water Balance Issues: High pH and Alkalinity: Can cause calcium to scale out of solution, creating a white haze.
Low Chlorine: Fails to oxidize tiny organic particles.
3, External Contaminants: Fine dust, pollen, early-stage algae, and bather waste.
4, High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Old water with very high TDS can become saturated and cloudy.

Recommended Chemicals & Detailed Application Methods

1, Clarifier
Chemical: Polymeric Clarifier.
Purpose: Its positively charged polymers act like a magnet, neutralizing the negative charge of suspended particles. This causes them to coagulate (flocculate) into larger clusters ("floc") that are big enough for the filter to trap.

Application Method:
Balance First: Ensure pH (7.4-7.6) and Alkalinity (80-120 ppm) are correct.
Dose Carefully: Follow the label's dosage instructions meticulously. Overdosing can worsen cloudiness.
Addition: Dilute and pour into the skimmer or distribute evenly in the deep end.
Filtration: Run the filter continuously in "FILTER" mode for 24-48 hours.

2, Flocculant (or "Floc")
Chemical: Polyaluminium Chloride (PAC) or similar settling flocculants.
Purpose: A more aggressive solution. It causes particles to clump together into heavy, gelatinous clumps that rapidly sink to the pool floor to be vacuumed out to waste, completely bypassing the filter. Used when clarifiers fail for severe cloudiness.

Application Method:
Adjust pH to 7.0-7.2.
Dilute and broadcast evenly over the entire pool surface.
Settle: Turn the pump off and let the pool sit undisturbed for 8-12hours (overnight).
Vacuum to Waste: Very slowly vacuum the settled floc from the bottom, with the filter valve set to "WASTE." Ensure you add fresh water to the pool simultaneously to prevent the pump from running dry.

3, Enzyme Products
Purpose: Specifically designed to break down non-living organic oils and wastes (e.g., sunscreen, body oils, cosmetics) that can cause cloudiness. An excellent product for weekly maintenance to prevent problems.