Cloudy, milky water is a frequent problem at some pools, and its cause is often the neglect of the pool's circulation or disinfection system.

Cloudy, milky water can have many causes. Fortunately, there is a step-by-step plan for narrowing down the sources of the problem. The first step to correct the situation is to check the chemical disinfectant levels. A low quantity of disinfectant in the pool will quickly turn a pool cloudy. If you find there is enough chlorine in the water, check the pump. If the pump is not running, the water is not being filtered: this could simply be a tripped circuit breaker or a loose connection. In addition, a clogged hair and lint strainer will also stop circulation and filtration. Air bubbles may also be getting into these systems through a loose lid on the hair and lint strainer, causing aeration of the pool water. The pool filter may also need cleaning. If you have a DE filter, make sure the DE is not returning to the pool: if it is, it will turn the water milky white. Finally, check the water balance. If any one of the chemical parameters is out of line, cloudiness may result.

Water Chemistry • Popular Disinfectants • Chorine • Calcium Hypochorite • Sodium Hypochlorite • Stabilized Chlorines •
Bromine • Other Disinfectants • Water Balance • pH • Total Alkalinity • Calcium Hardness • Total Dissolved Solids •
Balancing Pool Water • Water Testing • Pool Vacs & Sweepers •

Pool Maintenance • Daily Chores • Weekly Chores • Solving Common Problems • Cloudy, Milky Water • Malodorous, Irritating Water
Green Water • Red or Brown Water • Blue - Green Water • Blue or Black Water • Pump Problems • Sand in Pool •
Excessive Water Loss • Excessive Foaming