Why Is My Pool Water Always Cloudy?
Rebecca had everything planned. Balloons, snacks, floats, and even a playlist titled “Summer Vibes 2025.” Her backyard in Roseville was the spot, and everyone was ready for a full day in the water.
But there was one problem.
The water looked… off. Not green, not blue — just weirdly cloudy. Like someone poured a gallon of milk into it.
She tried to ignore it, but the comments started rolling in:
“Uh… are we supposed to see the bottom?”
“This water looks kinda murky.”
“Is it safe to swim in?”
Rebecca wished she had called a pool maintenance company the week before. She ended up canceling the party halfway through, and the only thing floating in the pool by the end of the day was her deflated unicorn float.
If your pool water is always cloudy — no matter what you seem to do — here’s what’s likely going on and what you can do to finally fix it.
What Causes Cloudy Pool Water in Northern California?
Cloudy water is one of the most common problems pool owners face, especially during spring and summer in areas like Lincoln, Rocklin, and Granite Bay. The good news? It usually points to one of a few common issues — all fixable with the right regular maintenance.
1. Poor Water Balance
Let’s start with the most likely culprit: unbalanced water chemistry.
If your chlorine levels, pH, alkalinity, or calcium hardness are off, your pool won’t be able to kill bacteria or maintain clarity. That means even if the water feels clean, it’s still packed with microscopic gunk floating around.
We recommend testing your pool water regularly — at least 2–3 times a week during swim season — and adjusting chemical levels as needed. This includes:
Keeping chlorine levels between 1–3 ppm
pH between 7.2–7.6
Alkalinity between 80–120 ppm
Calcium hardness around 200–400 ppm
Need help getting it dialed in? Our maintenance services include water testing and chemical balancing, so you never have to second-guess your test strips again.
2. Dirty or Clogged Pool Filters
Cloudy water is often a sign that your filter isn’t doing its job.
Whether you’re running a sand filter, cartridge filter, or DE system, that filter is responsible for grabbing debris and tiny particles that make the water look hazy.
But when filters get too dirty — or worse, when they need replacement — water clarity suffers fast.
Signs your filter is struggling:
You notice poor water flow from the jets
The water stays cloudy no matter how much chlorine you add
You haven’t cleaned or changed your filter cartridge in a long time
For most pools, you should clean filters on a regular basis and check for clogs or pressure issues. A dirty filter compartment can also affect how the system works overall.
If you're not sure when your filter was last checked, that's a sign it's probably overdue.
3. Circulation and Water Flow Issues
Even with perfect water chemistry, if your pool water isn’t moving, it’s not staying clean.
Proper water flow allows chemicals to distribute evenly and helps your filter grab fine debris before it settles.
Cloudy water caused by poor circulation often happens when:
Pool pumps run too few hours each day
Return jets are pointed the wrong way
There are air leaks or blockages in the plumbing
You’re not backwashing (for sand/DE filters)
We typically recommend running your pump for 8–12 hours per day during peak season in warm weather. Hot water + short filter cycles = murky water fast.
4. Algae Growth Starting Up
Believe it or not, cloudy water is often a pre-algae stage.
That hazy look may be the start of a bloom, especially when the water is warm, the sanitizer level is low, and the pool hasn't been shocked in a while.
Algae often appears in stages:
Slight haze
Water turning greenish
Visible green or yellow buildup on steps/walls
A cloudy pool could just be your early warning that something nasty is brewing.
Shocking the pool with the right amount of chlorine or bromine can knock it out before it spreads. But you’ve got to catch it early.
5. Environmental Junk and Debris
If your pool sits near trees or gets a lot of wind, dust, pollen, and leaves can cause problems — especially if they’re not removed right away.
These organic materials clog your filter, throw off chemical levels, and sometimes even start decomposing, leading to cloudy or foamy water.
Having a hot tub cover or spa cover is a great way to reduce debris for spas, but for swimming pools, consistent skimming and vacuuming is your best defense.
Need help? Our team can set you up with a weekly maintenance service that keeps things tidy — so that leaf storm in Penryn doesn’t wreck your weekend plans.
6. Bad Refill Water
Believe it or not, your water supply might be contributing.
Some areas in Northern California have hard water with high levels of minerals. Others deal with metals like iron or copper, which can cloud the water or stain the hot tub surfaces and pool tile.
If you’re topping off your pool often — especially during hot months — make sure you’re testing the fresh water too. You might need a metal sequestrant or water conditioner to keep things clear.
The Right Way to Fix It
When a pool won’t clear up no matter what you try, it’s usually because multiple things are going wrong at once.
Here’s a simple plan:
Step 1: Test and Balance
Check your chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. Fix anything out of range.
Step 2: Clean the Filter
Use a good filter cleaner and inspect the filter compartment. If it’s too old or damaged, it may need replacing.
Step 3: Shock the Water
Use a proper sanitizer dose to oxidize waste and kill bacteria. Make sure the pump runs for several hours after shocking.
Step 4: Check the Pump and Jets
Make sure water flow is strong and the jets are circulating water in a circular pattern.
Step 5: Skim, Vacuum, and Brush
Clean all surfaces — walls, steps, and floor. Remove debris from the skimmer baskets and clean filters thoroughly.
Step 6: Retest and Adjust
Once the water starts to clear, check again for any lingering issues — especially if cloudy water returns within a few days.
Don’t Let Cloudy Water Crash Your Next Party
Backyard pools and hot tubs are supposed to be the fun part of homeownership — not the part that drives you to YouTube tutorials at midnight.
At American Dream Pool & Spa Service, we help pool and hot tub owners across Northern California — including Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, Sheridan, Loomis, and Penryn — enjoy clean, safe, and crystal-clear water on a regular basis.
If your pool looks more like murky soup than a clean escape, it’s time for proper maintenance from a team that gets it. We can handle everything from water samples, balanced water chemistry, and hot tub maintenance to tracking down common issues before they turn into costly repairs.
Reach out today for maintenance services that’ll keep your water clean, your hot tub chemicals dialed in, and your swimming pool ready to enjoy — no fog machine required.
American Dream Pool and Spa Service is a trusted provider of pool and spa maintenance, repair, and cleaning services. They serve the areas of Lincoln, Rocklin, Roseville, Granite Bay, and Sheridan, CA, offering comprehensive care for both residential and commercial pools. Their services include everything from routine maintenance to specialized repairs for pool and spa equipment, ensuring that every pool owner enjoys a clean, safe, and well-maintained pool or spa throughout the year. With a focus on customer satisfaction, American Dream Pool and Spa Service strives to keep pools in top condition, regardless of the season.
