Last Updated on October 19, 2021
Having a cloudy Intex Pool can turn into a huge problem if not fixed quickly.
No one wants to use a pool with cloudy and murky water. For Intex pool owners, learning how to fix cloudy Intex pool water is a must since most encounter this kind of problem at least once or twice a year regardless of how well you maintain your swimming pool.
Before we talk about the fix to this common pool problem, let’s talk about why and how it occurs in the first place. Maybe if we can identify the root of this problem, we can prevent it from happening again.
What Causes Cloudy Intex Pool Water
- Poor water chemistry issues are the top cause of cloudy water and it’s why we urge pool owners to test their pool water at least once or twice a week for them to prevent cloudy pool water before it happens.
- Poor circulation or filtration can lead to cloudy water in your above ground pool. Make sure your pump and filter system is working properly, and change your filter cartridge if it’s already dirty.
- Chlorine issues can also cause cloudy water in your pool. The good news is simply adding a recommended dose of pool shock can fix your cloudy Intex pool issue.
- Increased pool usage can cause cloudy water and it can be easily fixed with a pool clarifier.
- Weather events may also affect the water conditions in your above ground pool, so it’s suggested to always cover your pool to prevent cloudy pool water from occurring.
How To Fix Cloudy Intex Pool Water
Before we get begin fixing your Intex pool, there are a few essential supplies you need to gather first:
- Pool Water Test Kit
- Calcium Hypochlorite Shock
- Non-Chlorine Shock
- Water Clarifier
Step-By-Step Guide On Fixing Cloudy Intex Pool Water
1. Test pool water chemistry
- Includes .75 oz reagent bottles
- High Range (HR) kit
Since we already mentioned that the most common cause of cloudy pool water is related to your water chemistry, the first thing you should do is to test the water in your swimming pool. You can use a test kit or a set of test strips to determine if you have a balanced pool water or not.
You must maintain pH in the range of 7.2 to 7.6, total alkalinity in the range of 60 to 120 parts per million (ppm), calcium hardness above 200 ppm and get a reliable pool water test kit that can measure all of those and your chlorine levels.
Too much calcium can cause clouding of your pool water and it can also lead to clogged filters. Also, unbalanced pH and total alkalinity can reduce the effectivity of your pool chemicals significantly.
2. Check chlorine levels
- Our chlorine free pool shock-oxidizer comes in convenient 1 pound bags
- Other applications and weekly maintenance will not affect other chemical levels.
- Safe enough to swim right after application!
- Use chlorine free pool shock-oxidizer on a weekly basis to shock non-living swimmer waste.
Once you got your results, check if there is a difference between your Total Available Chlorine or TAC level and your Free Available Chlorine or FAC level. If there’s a difference between the two, you should add non-chlorine shock to your Intex pool. You should use a non-chlorine shock if your FAC level is 2 ppm or higher.
We recommend using In The Swim Chlorine-Free Oxidizing Pool Shock since it does a great job eliminating combined non-sanitizing chlorine (chloramines) and it provides higher free chlorine levels for your pool water.
3. Add calcium hypochlorite shock
- 24 bags (1-pound each)
- Fast-Acting Quick-Dissolving Swimming Pool Sanitizer
- Kills bacteria, controls algae, and destroys organic contaminants in pools
- 68% calcium hypochlorite
Now, if the water test that you did earlier shows that you have low levels of chlorine, then you must add calcium hypochlorite shock to your pool right away. This will help clear the contaminants in your water including algae, bacteria, and other living organisms that could be causing your Intex pool to have cloudy water.
We suggest using the DryTec Calcium Hypochlorite Chlorinating Shock Treatment. It’s a fast-acting swimming pool sanitizer that kills bacteria, controls algae, and destroys any organic contaminants in your Intex pool.
4. Inspect filter and pump system
- SAND FILTER PUMP: The 14-inch Intex Krystal Clear sand filter pump with Hydro Aeration Technology improves circulation and filtration and improves water clarity; The pump runs on 110-120V and weighs...
- EASY-TO-USE: 6-function control makes maintenance easy, giving options to backwash, rinse, recirculate, drain, filter, and close the system. The easy to operate sand filter pump that will outperform...
- FEATURES: Built-in 24-hour timer enables you to set automatic filtration times for the pool to save on daily maintenance, ergonomic handle, and pressure gauge. With a built-in ground fault circuit...
- FLOW RATE: Krystal Clear Sand Filter Pump generates a pump flow rate of 2,800 gallons per hour, ideal for above ground pools and the heavy-duty tank is durable with the pump enclosure for protection
If your testing kit shows that you have a well-balanced pool water and you still have a cloudy Intex pool to worry about, then you should check your filter and pump system for any debris or dirt that may have caused this pool issue. You should clean your pump and skimmer baskets and backwash your filter. You may also consider upgrading your pool pump if it is undersized for your pool.
5. Add water clarifier to your Intex pool
- Concentrated Formula - Only 1 oz. treats 5,000 gallons
- Clears cloudy water fast & prevents future hazy appearance
- Effective at varying temperature levels & range of chemical levels
- Use with all filter types - will not clog filters
When your tests show that you have normal and balanced water and the filter system has already been checked and cleaned, and your water circulation is good, then the last option you could do to fix cloudy Intex pool is by adding a water clarifier to it.
Water clarifiers bind tiny particles together so they can be easily removed by your Intex pool’s filtration system.
We recommend using Robarb Super Blue Clarifier since it can clear cloudy water fast and prevent future hazy appearance. It’s also very effective on a wide range of chemical levels and varying temperature levels.
DIY Tips From Fellow Intex Pool Owners
Some of our fellow Intex pool owners have discovered some clever hacks to fix cloudy pool water in their Intex pools.
- You can use an old vacuum hose and attach it to your Intex pool pump’s water return valve. This your pool water is circulating throughout your Intex pool and it keeps your water clear.
- If you have a small to medium-sized above ground pool, then you may drain your entire pool water to eliminate the cloudiness completely and refill it after draining.
- Install a clean white sock on the outlet of your pool pump system. Leave it on overnight, and it should help clear your Intex pool water.
Final Thoughts About Cloudy Intex Pools
Until you’ve successfully cleared up your Intex pool water, do not allow anyone to swim in it. It’s not safe to use your cloudy Intex pool, and it’s better to be safe than sorry. Hopefully, our guide here was able to help you clear your pool water.
Always remember that a properly maintained pool should always be clear and clean. If it’s anything less than that, it’s important that you know how to make it safe for you and your family.