Troubleshooting guide
Cloudy pool water
Cloudy water almost always comes down to three things: sanitizer, pH and filtration. Test before you add anything.
Test the water first
CDC recommends a free chlorine level of at least 1 ppm in pools (at least 2 ppm if you use cyanuric acid or stabilized chlorine) and a pH of 7.0 to 7.8. It says to test chlorine and pH at least twice a day when the pool is in use, and that DPD test kits are more accurate than strips.
Hayward's AquaRite manual gives similar targets for salt pools: free chlorine 1.0 to 3.0 ppm, pH 7.2 to 7.6, total alkalinity 80 to 120 ppm, and in the U.S. cyanuric acid (stabilizer) 30 to 50 ppm outdoors.
Common causes
- Low chlorine after heavy use, rain or hot weather.
- High pH: CDC says chlorine works less well as pH goes up, especially above 8.0.
- Filtration: a dirty filter, or the pump not running long enough each day. See filter pressure.
- Salt pool not making chlorine: check the chlorinator's lights. See salt cell codes.
Is it safe to swim?
When a tech helps
If chemistry is in range and the water still won't clear, a tech on video can look at your filter, pump run time and equipment and figure out whether it's filtration, a worn filter, or a chlorinator problem.
Common questions
Why is my pool cloudy?
Usually low free chlorine, high pH, or poor filtration (a dirty filter or not enough pump run time). Test chlorine and pH first, then check the filter pressure and how long the pump runs each day.
What chlorine level should a pool have?
CDC recommends at least 1 ppm free chlorine in pools, or at least 2 ppm if you use cyanuric acid or stabilized chlorine, with pH between 7.0 and 7.8.
Can I swim in a cloudy pool?
It's best not to. If you can't clearly see the bottom, stay out until it clears and your chlorine and pH are back in range.
Related guides
Green pool water
Green means chlorine ran out. Find out why so it doesn't come back.
Read the guideFilter pressure high or low
The gauge tells you when to clean the filter, and when something upstream is wrong.
Read the guideSalt cell / chlorinator codes
No Flow, Check Salt, Inspect Cell and what the IntelliChlor LEDs mean.
Read the guidePump not priming
Pump runs but the basket won't fill. Almost always air or water level.
Read the guideSources
- CDC Healthy Swimming: Home pool and hot tub water treatment and testing (chlorine and pH)
- Hayward, AquaRite salt chlorination owner's manual (092540 Rev G): water chemistry, indicator LEDs, cell inspection and troubleshooting
Brand names belong to their owners. Pool Helpline isn't affiliated with or endorsed by any manufacturer. Steps and codes vary by model and year, so always check your own owner's manual.
