How to Clear Up an Above Ground Pool That Is Cloudy
- 1). Use a 5-way pool test strip to check the alkalinity, pH, chlorine level, stabilization and hardness of the pool water. Dip a test strip into the above ground pool and hold it in the water for approximately 3 minutes, being careful not to fully submerge the entire strip. Pull the test strip from the water and read the results. Adjust the water balance accordingly.
- 2). Check your pool's water filter for clogs. Hold your hand in front of the return jet to see how fast the water flows from the jet. Check the pressure reading on the above ground pool filter to determine if the pressure has increased above the starting pressure. Minimal water flow from the jets, along with an increase in pressure of 8 to 10 psi, means the filter needs to be backwashed.
- 3). Check the color of the pool water. Treat cloudy blue and cloudy gray water by removing dead algae. Use a leaf skimmer to clean the surface of the water and a pool vacuum to clean the dead algae from the bottom of the pool. Treat green and cloudy water by shocking the pool with large amounts of chlorine and adding an algaecide.
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