How to clean and recover cloudy pool water?
Cloudy pool water can quickly turn your pool into an impractical area. Whether it's a simple chemical imbalance, a filtration problem or suspended residue, it's essential to act quickly to restore clarity. Fortunately, there are many effective solutions, provided that the cause of the cloudiness is properly identified. In this article, you will discover the steps to follow to restore crystal-clear water, the mistakes to avoid, the appropriate treatments and the tools that can make the task easier. Because a cloudy pool is not inevitable; it is a warning signal that must be corrected without delay.
Identify the cause of cloudy water before taking any action
Before treating the water, it is crucial to understand what caused the cloudiness. Cloudy water is not necessarily dirty, but it is full of invisible particles or micro-organisms. The main causes include:- An imbalance in pH, TAC or TH.
- An insufficient or ineffective level of disinfectant (chlorine, bromine).
- A dirty or poorly maintained filter.
- Organic pollution (swimmers, pollen, leaves, sunscreen, etc.).
- An early stage of invisible algae growth.
Mechanically clean the bottom, walls and surface
Chemical treatment is not always enough to restore clear water: it is also necessary to remove the dirt deposited on the bottom and on the walls. Manual or mechanical brushing is strongly recommended to remove residues, invisible algae or biofilm that cloud the water. The use of a robot cleaner is a real asset here. Intelligent models, such as those by Dolphin, Hayward or BEATBOT, ensure autonomous, precise and in-depth cleaning. Don't forget the surface either: organic debris (leaves, flowers, sunscreen) floats and eventually breaks down. A robot skimmer like the iSkim Ultra from BEATBOT captures this waste before it pollutes the water. This 360° cleaning (bottom + sides + surface) accelerates the recovery of transparency.Apply a clarifier to speed up the return to clarity
The clarifier is a very useful product when the water is cloudy without being completely dirty. It works by grouping together the microparticles invisible to the naked eye into larger clusters, which the filter can then retain. Unlike flocculant, it can be used with cartridge filters, making it more universal. It is recommended that it be poured in the evening, with the pump running, and then that the filtration be left to run for at least 12 hours. The clarifier is particularly effective in combination with well-maintained filtration and a robot that completes the work at the bottom. It is no substitute for disinfectant or brushing, but it allows you to quickly return to crystal-clear water, especially in the event of temporary pollution (storm, intensive bathing, etc.).Adopt the right reflexes to prevent the return of cloudiness
Once clarity is restored, it is essential to adopt preventive measures to prevent the water from becoming cloudy again. Check the pH and the disinfectant level once or twice a week, clean the skimmer baskets every 2 to 3 days, and operate the pump according to the outside temperature (duration = temperature/2 in hours per day). Regular maintenance with a robot cleaner prevents the accumulation of organic waste. Keep an eye on the weather conditions (wind, rain, heat), which directly influence the chemistry of the water. Finally, a pool cover greatly limits outside dirt. The idea is simple: it is better to anticipate than to treat water that has become opaque overnight.A combined approach for clear and sustainable water
Cleaning cloudy water requires a method, but the results are quickly visible if you combine the right practices: chemical test, pH adjustment, shock treatment, optimised filtration and physical cleaning with or without a robot. Thanks to the latest equipment such as the BEATBOT AquaSense robots or the iSkim Ultra skimmer, it is now possible to maintain crystal clear water effortlessly. Once the right parameters have been restored and your pool is clean, maintenance becomes simpler, faster and less costly. By acting quickly and effectively, you avoid intensive treatments, protect your equipment and, above all, get the most out of your pool all season long.Published on 07/04/2025
