Generic Guidance Mode
Log your chemistry to see exact targets. The workflow remains useful even without logs.
Clear Cloudy Water Playbook
Quick clarity recovery for dull or hazy water without jumping straight to a full SLAM.
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Guidance provided at best effort for educational purposes.Read Terms →
Short-term elevated FC target
Current FC is 0 ppm. This owner workflow uses about 4 ppm FC, roughly 12% of CYA 30, as a temporary residential clarity-recovery target while you confirm this is not a deeper algae problem.
- Hold the elevated target only long enough to verify recovery direction.
- If chlorine demand stays high or the water worsens, escalate to SLAM.
When this process is the wrong tool
This playbook is for mild haze, not obvious algae or severe neglect.
- Green water or visible algae means SLAM, not this lighter workflow.
- CC above 0.5 ppm or large overnight FC loss points to organic contamination that needs escalation.
- If the pool has been neglected for weeks, re-establish full baseline chemistry first.
Cloudy water myths that slow recovery
Do not let quick-fix folklore distract you from filtration, circulation, and measured chlorine control.
- Clarifier is not a substitute for fixing low chlorine or weak filtration.
- One random shock product rarely proves the problem is solved.
- Over-backwashing can reduce filter capture instead of improving it.
Check Filter & Flow
Rule out mechanical issues before adding chemistry.
Test & Raise FC
Use a measured, temporary elevated-FC target while you verify this is not a full algae event.
Brush & Circulate
Dislodge suspended material and keep water moving so the filter can actually capture it.
Wait & Monitor
Let the chlorine and filter work before you introduce more products.
Evaluate & Decide
Use the result to decide whether to return to normal care, repeat the lighter workflow, or escalate.
Questions?
How do I tell haze from algae?
"Mild haze is usually gray or white and fairly uniform. Green, yellow, or clinging growth points to algae and usually requires SLAM."
Can I swim during this process?
"Only if FC remains in a safe range for your pool and pH is in line. Recovery works best when circulation is uninterrupted, so plan around that."
Should I add clarifier right away?
"Usually no. Give measured chlorine and proper filtration time to work before layering on products that can complicate the diagnosis."
What if the water is still cloudy after 48 hours?
"Treat that as a sign the problem is bigger than a light haze event. Escalate to SLAM or a broader troubleshooting path."
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