Pool Cloudy After Shock? 5 Causes of Cloudy Swimming Pool Water

Have you shocked your pool lately?

So, you shocked your pool as part of your standard maintenance routine and the water turns into a cloudy pool, instead of the typical crystal clear?

It’s not uncommon.

What can happen after adding your pool chemicals or liquid chlorine is a chain reaction due to other factors, like the five causes we will cover in this blog post.

pool shock

5 Contributors to Cloudy Pool Water

High pH Levels

Your pool being cloudy after shock could possibly result from high PH levels. pH and total alkalinity balances. It is a surprisingly significant component in pool water chemically. Low pH means the water is acid and a higher pH implies it is mainly acid.

An elevated pH levels may cause calcium buildup and scaling within the pools, along with decreased chlorine effectiveness and consequent clouded water quality. It could be that your pool’s pH and Total Acidity are in imbalance after an accident.

swimming pool ph

High Calcium Hardness Level

Calcium hardness that is too high can cause cloudy pool water. This happens when the levels of calcium in the pool water are above optimal, making it difficult for chlorine to remain dissolved and in turn making it harder to sanitize the pool.

High calcium hardness can also create scale on the walls and floor of a pool which will make the water look cloudy or hazy. Some shocks impact the calcium hardness level.

cleaning pool

High Cyanuric Acid Levels

Cyanuric Acid, also known as CYA, stabilizer, or conditioner, is an excellent chemical for swimming pools. Cyanuric acid provides sun protection for chlorus by preventing its dissolution by UV radiation. However, high CYA levels can cause cloudy pool water after the pool shock.

Chloramine shock is produced by using stable chlor and contains cyanuric acid.

swimming pool, cyanuric acid

Pool Water Clarifier

A good pool clarifier will allow all the small particles that can create a cloudy pool to bind together into larger particles that the pool filter can take care of. Adding a pool clarifier is a good idea after shocking your pool.

See your local pool store for options.

swimming pool clarifier

Pool Filter/Pool Pump Problems

Your filtration system can contribute to cloudy water after shocking by not properly circulating or filtering the water.

A cloudy pool is a sign your pool filter has accumulated too much dirt and debris and is clogged up.

See your manufacturer’s instructions for cleaning your pool filter or call Heritage Pools for professional support.

swimming pool pump, swimming pool filter

Clear Cloudy Pool Water with Professional Help

Your pool’s health is of utmost importance to the factory-trained technicians at Heritage Pools. We have more than a decade of experience with water chemistry and clearing cloudy swimming pool water for your in-ground pool in the Charleston area.

If you have an above ground pool, please call our Maintenance Department to determine if service is possible.

Make sure pool season continues all year round with professional pool maintenance from Heritage Pools.

swimming pool kids

Questions

What is calcium hypochlorite used for in pools?

Calcium Hypochlorite is commonly used to treat swimming pools. When added to water, it breaks down into active chlorine that works to disinfect and kill germs, bacteria, and other harmful microorganisms.

Calcium hypochlorite can also be used to help reduce the pH level of swimming pools as well as increase their clarity.

By providing a proper level of sanitation and maintaining healthy pool chemistry, calcium hypochlorite is an essential tool for safe and enjoyable swimming experiences.

Is chlorine and pool shock the same thing?

Yes. However, pool shock is a high dose of chlorine.