Is Your Pool Cloudy or Hazy—and You’ve Tried Everything?

Here’s What Might Be Going On (And What to Do About It)

Cloudy or hazy pool water is frustrating. You’ve added chlorine, run the pump longer, maybe even shocked it—but the water still looks off. Sound familiar? You’re not alone.

Cloudy pool water is one of the most common complaints from pool owners, and while it’s often chemical-related, the real cause isn’t always obvious. Here’s a breakdown of why it happens, how to clear it up, and when to consider a deeper issue—like a hidden leak.

☁️ Common Causes of Cloudy or Hazy Pool Water

1. Imbalanced Pool Chemistry
   Even if your chlorine levels look good, other chemical levels can throw things off:

   • High pH or high total alkalinity can reduce chlorine effectiveness.

   • Low calcium hardness can cause plaster etching and haziness.

   • High combined chlorine (chloramines) can cause cloudy water and a “chlorine” smell.

2. Poor Filtration or Circulation
   If your pump isn’t running long enough or your filter is dirty, cloudy water is inevitable.

   • Run your pump 8–12 hours a day during summer.

   • Clean or backwash your filter regularly.

3. Heavy Usage or Debris
   After a pool party or storm, your pool needs more attention. Body oils, sunscreen, and organic matter can all contribute to hazy water.

4. Algae (Even if You Don’t See It Yet)
   Cloudy water is often a precursor to algae bloom—especially if chlorine levels have dropped or phosphates are present.

💡 Tips for Clearing It Up

• Test Your Water (don’t guess!) – Use a reliable test kit or take a sample to a pool store.

  Many local pool stores offer free professional water testing and can provide a precise breakdown of what your pool needs.

• Shock the Pool – Use a calcium hypochlorite or non-chlorine shock depending on your test results.

• Check Filtration – Make sure your filter is clean and operating efficiently.

• Brush the Pool Walls & Floor – Suspended particles and algae love to cling to surfaces.

• Use a Clarifier – Pool clarifiers help bind small particles together so your filter can catch them.

• When in doubt, call a pro – We work with several top-rated pool maintenance and service companies who can get your water crystal clear and back on track.

💧 What If It’s Not the Chemicals?

If your pool chemistry looks perfect, your filter is clean, and your water’s still cloudy... you might be dealing with a circulation issue or even a leak.
Leaks can disrupt chemical balance by constantly introducing fresh water, making it feel like you’re chasing your tail.

If you’re constantly:

• Topping off water

• Fighting unbalanced chemistry

• Losing clarity no matter what you try

👉 It’s time to get your pool tested for leaks.

✅ We Specialize in Finding Hidden Pool Leaks

At Leak Detection Pros, we use non-invasive sonic and pressure testing to pinpoint leaks—so you can stop wasting water, money, and chemicals.

If you’re tired of fighting cloudy water with no clear reason, give us a call. The problem might not be what you think.

And hey—we might not even be the solution, but we’ll always point you to the right person.

Leak Detection Pros – Tulsa & Surrounding Areas

Call us 918.200.9533