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chemistry

Cloudy Water / Poor Filtration

moderate severitycommonDIY: yes
Pro repair$0–$0LA-area, parts and labor
DIY cost$15–$100parts and supplies
Typical time1 hrfor a pro
Difficulty1 / 51 is easiest

What you'll notice

  • Murky
  • hazy pool water
  • low clarity despite running pump
  • visible suspended particles

Likely causes

  • High pH or alkalinity (causes calcium precipitation)
  • low chlorine or poor circulation
  • undersized or dirty filter

How to keep it from coming back

  • Test and balance water chemistry 2x weekly
  • maintain pH 7.2-7.6 and TA 80-120
  • run pump 8-12 hours daily

Ranges are estimates; see How We Estimate. Affects: all.

Equipment involved

Maintenance that prevents it

Related costs

  • Chlorine Tablets (3-inch, continuous feeding): $150–$400
  • Salt (annual top-up): $100–$300
  • pH Adjustment (muriatic acid or soda ash): $30–$100
  • Alkalinity Adjustment (sodium bicarbonate): $20–$60
  • Algaecide (preventative or treatment): $30–$100
  • Salt Cell Replacement: $400–$1,200

See full ownership costs

Other chemistry problems