What is the primary cause of cloudy pool water?

The primary cause of cloudy pool water is typically poor filtration or imbalanced water chemistry. When the filtration system is not working effectively, it cannot remove debris, dirt, and other particles from the water, leading to cloudiness. Additionally, if the water chemistry is imbalanced—such as incorrect pH levels or low chlorine concentration—these conditions can also contribute to cloudiness. Proper water chemistry is essential because it ensures that the sanitizer (like chlorine) can effectively kill bacteria and algae, which can also result in cloudiness if allowed to proliferate.

While excessive swimmer load can impact water quality by introducing contaminants, it is not the primary reason for cloudy water. Chlorine, when used correctly, usually helps clarify the water, and high water temperature can encourage algae growth but is not a direct cause of cloudiness. Therefore, maintaining a well-balanced chemical level and ensuring that the filtration system is operating efficiently are crucial for clear pool water.