To clear cloudy pool water after it rains, it can help to skim out leaves and debris, test the water, balance the chemicals, and keep the pump running to circulate the water. That’s the best place to start before adding extra products or guessing at the problem.

Below, we’ll walk through why rain can make pool water cloudy, what to do about it, and when cloudy water may need extra help.

Why Does Pool Water Get Cloudy After It Rains?

Rain can make pool water cloudy for various reasons. Most of the time, it comes down to water chemistry, debris, circulation, or a mix of all three.

The water chemistry gets thrown off

When rainwater enters the pool, it can dilute your chlorine and throw off your pH and alkalinity. And once those levels move out of range, your sanitizer has a harder time keeping the water clean and clear.

Dirt and debris get washed into the pool

Wind and rain can push leaves, pollen, grass clippings, dirt, and other debris into the pool. Some of it is easy to skim out, sure, but smaller particles can stay suspended in the water and make it look hazy.

Runoff can carry contaminants into the pool

Heavy rain can wash water from your patio, lawn, or landscaping into the pool. That runoff may carry soil, mulch, fertilizer, and other contaminants that affect the water quality.

Your filter has more to handle

After a storm, your filter may need to work harder to remove everything the rain brought in. If the filter is dirty, clogged, or not running long enough, the water may stay cloudy even after you balance the chemicals.

How Do You Clear Up Cloudy Pool Water After It Rains?

To clear up cloudy pool water after rain, you’ll basically want to remove what the storm brought in, rebalance the water, and give your filter enough time to do its job.

Here’s how to get your pool water clear again post-downpour:

1. Skim out leaves and debris. Remove leaves, twigs, grass, bugs, and anything else floating on the surface or sitting at the bottom of the pool. These can break down in the water and make the cloudiness worse.
2. Brush the walls, steps, and floor. Brushing loosens dirt and fine particles so they can move through the water and reach the filter.
3. Empty the skimmer and pump baskets. After a storm, baskets can fill up quickly. If they’re packed with debris, water cannot circulate properly.
4. Test the water. Check the chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer levels, so you know what actually needs adjusting.
5. Balance the chemicals. Adjust pH and alkalinity first if they are out of range, then bring the chlorine level back up so it can sanitize the water properly.
6. Run the pump and check the filter. Keep the water circulating so it can move through the filter. If the filter pressure is high, clean, rinse, or backwash it based on your system.
7. Shock the pool if needed. If the chlorine drops too low or the pool takes on a lot of debris, shocking can help break down contaminants and clear the water.

After that, give the pool time to circulate. If the water still looks cloudy after all that work, the issue may need a closer look.

What If Your Pool Water Is Still Cloudy?

If your pool water is still cloudy after cleaning, testing, balancing, and circulation, something else may be keeping it from clearing. At this point, it’s better to narrow down the cause than keep adding pool products and hoping one of them works.

Your filter may need attention

A dirty or clogged filter can keep cloudy water from clearing or require more time to catch the fine particles still floating in the water. If the pressure is high or the water flow seems weak, clean, rinse, or backwash the filter as appropriate for your system.

The chlorine may still be too low

If the chlorine is still too low, the water may not be getting sanitized properly. And that can leave the pool looking dull, cloudy, or milky even after you’ve cleaned out the debris. 

Fine particles may still be floating in the water

Sometimes, small particles stay suspended even after you clean and balance the pool. A clarifier can help gather those particles so the filter can catch them more easily.

Circulation may be too weak

The filter can’t clear the pool evenly if the water isn’t moving well through the system. Check for clogged baskets, weak return flow, or equipment that’s not running long enough.

If the water still looks cloudy after checking these areas, it may be time to have the pool tested or inspected before anyone swims.

Need Help Clearing Up Your Pool After Rain?

When your water still won’t clear after cleaning, balancing, and circulating everything, the best next step is to have the pool cleaned and checked by someone who handles this every day. And at Clark Pools and Spas, we offer pool cleaning and maintenance services to help get your pool clear again after heavy rain.

Contact us to schedule a pool cleaning or maintenance visit, and start getting your water back to its pre-rain shape today.