Water clarity depends on three factors: proper chemicals balance, adequate daily circulation, and quality filtration. Your pool needs a combination of filtration, circulation, and chlorination to stay clear, blue, and ready for swimming.

Most pool owners understand the importance of chemical treatments in pool water maintenance. What is less understood is the vital role the pump and filter play in keeping the pool water looking its best.

Pool water is circulated by the pool pump. This pump pulls water from the pool through the skimmers, forces it into the filter, then returns the water to the pool, via jets positioned on the pool walls. In our rainy, humid climate, the pool water is constantly exposed to mold and algae spores, dust and dirt, and other airborne or rain borne contaminants. Daily circulation allows these contaminants to be strained out of the water. During the summer months, the pump should be run at least 8 to 10 hours a day. A good rule is to run the pump 1 hour longer than the average temperature, for example if the temperature is averaging in the 80’s, you should be running your pump 9 hours per day.

The filter is designed to trap small particles suspended in the pool water. These particles are called colloidals and they are what makes inadequately filtered water look hazy or milky.

A dirty filter can have a dramatic effect on circulation. As water passes through the filter, millions of tiny colloidals cling to the filtration elements. Eventually, these accumulated particles make it difficult for water to pass through the filter. A dirty filter can reduce pump efficiency by up to 80 percent. In other words, circulating your water for 10 hours a day when the filter is dirty is the equivalent of circulating the water for 2 hours a day when the filter is clean. Many times, a homeowner will find his water is cloudy and greenish, even though the chemical levels are fine, and the pump is running for an adequate amount of time each day. A dirty or damaged filter is usually the source of the problem.

Simply fill a bucket with pool water and put it in the pool so that the water level of the bucket and the pool are the same. If the water level in the pool is lower than the water level in the bucket after one week, you probably have a leak. This method is relatively reliable, because the condensation behavior is the same in both tanks.

Usually, algae is not hazardous to your health. A lab should analyze your algae, because it can produce substances that could irritate the skin or eyes. Although algae might not present a health risk, it can make the water cloudy and your pool look dirty, thus negatively impacting your pool enjoyment. Constant chemical cleaning can reduce the amount of algae in the pool. If that does not help, you should contact a professional cleaning service. We would be glad to provide you with this service.