Can’t swim because of the milky, cloudy appearance of your above-ground pool’s water? Don’t worry; we have six practical steps for you!
Step #1: Check the chemical levels of your pool
Here are the recommended ranges:
| pH level | 7.2 – 7.6 |
| Calcium hardness | 200 – 400 ppm (parts per million) |
| Cyanuric acid | 25 – 50 ppm |
| Total alkalinity | 80 – 120 ppm |
To increase the pH level, use soda ash or pH increaser to adjust the level. If it’s too high, use muriatic acid or a pH decreaser. Bear in mind that a pool with a high pH level will decrease the effectiveness of the chlorine, which means chlorine can’t fight algae growth anymore.
The wrong calcium hardness level of your above ground pool may also cause cloudy water, especially if it’s more than 400ppm. The best ingredient to lower the level is a settling agent.
If the total alkalinity of your pool is higher than 200 ppm, it can also result in cloudy water. Your pool’s total alkalinity can aid in stabilizing the pH and neutralizing the acids, which is why you have to get this right as well. You can use a pH decreaser to reduce the total alkalinity of the pool.
Step #2: Shock your above-ground pool
Once you’ve balanced the chemicals in the pool, you’re now ready to shock it to remove any leftover bacteria having fun in your pool. Shocking the pool is necessary to be safe from all the viruses, dirt, and algae.
By the way, shocking the pool allows you to break down the contaminants so that they can be easily filtered out. Below is a video on how to shock a pool:
Step #3: Clean the pool
Now it’s time to get the best cleaner that’s right for your pool. Using a cleaner will get rid of the remaining dirt and debris. A cleaner will also help mix the above-ground pool shock in your pool. You also have to remove your pool’s filter and clean it.
Step #4: Check the levels again
After using a cleaner, you should test the pH and alkalinity levels of the above ground pool again. You should ensure that they remain the same. If the chlorine levels become lower than 3 ppm, then that means your pool water is good to go for the last two steps.
Step #5: Use a clarifier
The second to the last step is clarification. It refers to bringing back the pristine look of your precious pool water. Clarifiers help the filter of the above ground pool to trap the small particles as well, which is why this step is crucial.
Ensure that you’ve read the instructions correctly before applying a clarifier. Use the recommended dosage only, then run the filter longer than usual every single day.
Step #6: Clean again
The last step requires a reliable pool cleaner again. Run your cleaner, and you’ll end up with a crystal clear water.
As an alternative, you could use enzyme products. However, they cost more. The good thing about these products is that they help get rid of stains, enabling the chlorine to carry out its job. When using these products, you just have to remember that they need a specific water condition to work efficiently. The key is to follow the instructions to the hilt.