Cloudy Pool Water after the July 4th party?

05 Jul Cloudy Pool Water after the July 4th party?

July 4th Weekend Forecast: Chance Of Cloudy Water

From AQUA

Now that the fireworks are over, the brats have all been consumed, the grill is clean and the cooler is empty, one’s mind turns to post-4th of July activities.  The 4th of July is usually the apex of the Summer, and typically signals that the school year is just around the corner for the kids.  One of the consequences of that 4th of July pool party is typically cloudy water.  This post from AQUA magazine addresses why this happens, and gives some quick and practical solutions to the problem.  With just a few short weeks of Summer left, one doesn’t want to have their pool out of commission for very long!

Here is an excerpt from the post:

Summer’s biggest holiday is upon us — a classic pool party weekend — and pool owners will be looking to their backyards with great expectation. But along with July 4th comes hot sunny weather, poolside celebrations and heavy bather loads . . . all of which increase the potential for dull, hazy water.

All across America, it’s crunch time in the pool service business. Here are a few things a service professional should check on if the water starts to look a little bit flat and uninviting:

Check the Equipment

First, check the filter and circulation system to make sure everything is operating properly. Then, make sure the pressure reading on the filter gauge is not too high. When the pressure on the filter gauge reaches 10 psi above the normal setting, the filter should be cleaned or backwashed. Also, check all skimmer suction baskets and the pump basket to make sure they are free of debris such as leaves or pine needles.

Finally, make sure the pump is providing a good strong flow of water coming back in through the pool return line. If circulation seems sluggish, the pump and filtration system should be inspected.

Check the Sanitizer

During the summer, increased heat and bather loads can use up chlorine much faster. If the water starts to look cloudy, always test the pool’s chlorine level.

Chlorine levels need to be maintained between one and three parts per million (ppm) and the water should be shocked weekly. This will help to clear out excess contaminates and keep the chlorine working properly.

It is also important to ensure the water is properly balanced by checking the pool’s pH, total alkalinity (TA), calcium hardness, and total dissolved solids (TDS). Calcium hardness builds up naturally from source water and certain chemicals. These levels should be kept between 200 and 400 ppm and tested at least once per year.

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