Few things are more disappointing than pulling back the pool cover in May only to find cloudy, lifeless water staring back at you. Whether you’re in Northeast Portland or up in Vancouver’s Salmon Creek, hazy water is a sign your pool needs help—and fast.
At Rose City Pool & Spa, we’ve helped pool owners across the Portland-Vancouver metro area tackle cloudy water before it spirals into a full-on algae takeover. Here’s how to clear things up early—and keep it that way.
Why Pools Turn Cloudy in Spring
In our part of the Pacific Northwest, spring is a perfect storm for cloudy pool water. Sudden pollen bursts, heavy rain, fluctuating temperatures, and minimal circulation during the off-season all contribute to murky water before summer even starts.
Common culprits include:
- Low sanitizer levels: Not enough chlorine or bromine means bacteria and organic matter thrive.
- Imbalanced pH or alkalinity: When water chemistry is off, your sanitizer won’t work effectively.
- Poor filtration or circulation: A clogged or outdated filter system can’t keep up with debris.
- Environmental gunk: From Portland’s tree pollen to Vancouver’s early blooms, seasonal organics can overwhelm even the best-kept pools.
Fast Fixes for Crystal-Clear Water
Want to reclaim your pool’s sparkle before Memorial Day? Here’s how:
- Shock your pool. Use a chlorine shock to kill bacteria and oxidize cloud-causing contaminants.
- Scrub the surfaces. Brush walls and stairs to loosen dirt and algae before it spreads.
- Clean or backwash the filter. A dirty filter can’t trap debris—don’t overlook this step.
- Run your pump longer. Circulate water for 8–12 hours a day, especially after cleaning or shocking.
- Balance your water. Check pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness—target ideal levels for sanitizer efficiency.
If your water still looks like iced tea after all that, it may be time to call in a pro. We offer full inspections, filter cleanings, and water chemistry diagnostics across the Portland-Vancouver area. Schedule a filter service here and we’ll help you get back to crystal-clear in no time.
Why May Is the Best Time to Act
Getting ahead of water clarity issues in May means you won’t be scrambling come June. When the heat hits and your kids or guests are begging to jump in, you’ll already have a pool that’s swim-ready and picture-perfect.
Early-season service also helps you:
- Avoid the summer algae surge
- Reduce chemical use and costs
- Maximize your pool’s filtration efficiency
- Extend the life of your pool equipment
- Make your backyard the place everyone wants to be
Need a Little Backup?
If you’re tired of second-guessing water tests or backwashing your filter every weekend, we’ve got you covered. Our pool and spa maintenance plans are built for busy homeowners throughout Portland, Vancouver, Tigard, and beyond.
Let us handle the weekly water balancing, skimming, equipment checks, and chemical adjustments so you can relax and enjoy the view. Schedule a call and we’ll build a custom plan that fits your lifestyle and your pool.
Clarity Starts Here
Your pool should be the crown jewel of your backyard—not a murky mystery. Whether you’re in inner Southeast or out in Ridgefield, our expert team can help you bring the sparkle back.
Book your filter cleaning or schedule a maintenance plan** today—and keep your water crystal clear all season long.**
