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Your pool is cloudy and smells?

Updated: 9/27/2023
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14y ago

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If the smell is a very strong Chlorine odor, your pool water has CHLORAMINES, also called COMBINED CHLORINE. A strong Chlorine odor is rarely caused by high levels of Chlorine in the water as everyone thinks. It is actually the exact opposite, there is not enough Chlorine being used in the water to properly sanitize and oxidize contaminents and swimmer waste. This is what leads swimmers to think they are allergic to Chlorine after swimming in a hotel or health club pool or spa that is not properly chlorinated. Chloramines will cause the eyes to burn and become very red, ( improper pH will also cause this same irritation ), the skin can become itchy and a rash may appear. Also irritation of the back of the throat is common and in some cases bathing suits can be discolored or stained. Bottom line is, cloudy water with a strong Chlorine odor is not safe to swim in. The strong odor is a warning that the Chlorine in the water is not sufficient to remove harmful waste and contaminants. The water must be properly tested for the following, Free Chlorine / Total Chlorine / Combined Chlorine / pH / Total Alkalininty / Calcium Hardness / Cyanuric Acid pH & Total Alkalininty must be balanced first. Then enough Chlorine Shock or Non-Chlorine Shock must be added to remove the Combined Chlorine ( Chloramines ). If using Chlorine Shock, you must add enough to the pool to bring the Free Chlorine reading up to a level that is TEN TIMES the test result of the Combined Chlorine Test. Example, Combined Chlorine test is 2.0 ppm, ( parts per million ), you must add enough Chlorine Shock to the pool water to bring the Free Chlorine test reading up to at least 20.0 ppm. The addition of the Chlorine Shock must be done all at once. If you do not acheive ten times the Combined Chlorine reading, also known as BREAKPOINT CHLORINATION, in one single dose of Chlorine Shock all added at the same time, the problem will only get worse. So be sure you have enough chemical on hand before you proceed. After 24 hours, if Breakpoint has been achieved. the water should be clear and the Free Chlorine test reading will drop back down to its original level. Using a Non-Chlorine Shock is easier and usually cheaper, not to mention safer to handle and store for the average homeowner. Simply follow the dosing directions on the package and your water will clear and the smell will disapate. This problem can be avoided by properly testing and balancing the water at least once a week. Any pool store will test your water, usually at no charge, if you bring them a sample from your pool or spa.

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14y ago
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14y ago

Might be pollen from nearby trees.

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Q: Your pool is cloudy and smells?
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