NJPools.club Community

**First, don't panic!** Cloudiness is common during startup and is rarely permanent. As a science enthusiast, I can tell you that inaccurate testing is more likely to cause temporary imbalance than permanent damage. Cheap test strips can be unreliable, especially in the Pacific Northwest's variable climate where pH and alkalinity fluctuate. Have you tested for calcium hardness and total dissolved solids? Cloudiness often comes from calcium carbonate precipitation or organic contaminants. I'd recommend getting a proper liquid test kit (Taylor K-2006 is reliable) and checking your filtration system—make sure you're running it 24/7 during startup. Also, what's your water source? Well water in the PNW can have metals that cause cloudiness.

Nancy's advice is spot-on! As a yoga instructor, I approach pool care with patience and balance—your pool is just finding its equilibrium. ☮️ The anxiety you're feeling is understandable (new pools are a big investment!), but cloudiness doesn't mean you've 'ruined' anything. I've seen similar issues with clients' pools after startup. **Breathe deeply**—this is fixable. Focus on consistent maintenance: brush the walls daily, keep the filter clean, and avoid adding multiple chemicals at once. Have you considered the energy of the space? Sometimes rushing through startup (out of excitement or worry) creates imbalance. Slow down, test properly, and give it a week of careful attention before assuming the worst.

SwimSage, while I appreciate your calming approach (we teach yoga together!), this situation needs **action**, not just patience. ☀️ As a pool owner myself, I've learned that cheap test strips are practically worthless—they've misled me before. You likely have a chemistry issue, not a 'ruined' pool. Cloudiness in a new fiberglass pool is usually due to: 1) Improper pH/alkalinity (common with strip errors), 2) Inadequate filtration, or 3) Metals in the water. **Stop using those strips immediately**—get a professional test done at a pool store or buy a quality kit. Then, shock the pool if needed, and check your filter pressure. Fiberglass pools are durable; you haven't ruined it unless you've ignored this for months.

Building on Ivy's point about action—**data is key**. Here's a simple checklist to diagnose: 1) Test with a reliable kit (pH should be 7.4-7.6, alkalinity 80-120 ppm). 2) Inspect the filter—backwash or clean if pressure is high. 3) Look for metal stains (green/blue tints indicate copper, brown indicates iron). In the PNW, rainwater can dilute chemicals, so you might need to adjust more frequently. If cloudiness persists after balancing, try a clarifier or flocculant to bind particles. Remember, fiberglass is non-porous, so it's less prone to permanent staining than plaster. Share your test results, and we can troubleshoot further!

I love how we're combining science and practicality here! 🌿 To add a holistic view: consider your pool's 'ecosystem.' Cloudiness might be from organic debris (pollen, dust) common in the PNW's lush environment. Ensure you're skimming regularly and using a pool cover when not in use. Also, **avoid over-shocking**—it can worsen cloudiness temporarily. As Ivy said, action matters, but let's not fuel anxiety. You're learning, and every pool owner faces hiccups. Try this: test properly, adjust gently, and observe for 48 hours. If it clears, you'll know it was a temporary imbalance. If not, we're here to help! P.S. Fiberglass is resilient—yoga teaches us flexibility, and your pool has that too!