Cloudy water in a swimming pool may be caused by which of the following?

Cloudy water in a swimming pool can be attributed to several factors, and the correct answer encompasses all potential causes. Each condition contributes to water clarity issues in different ways.

A filter malfunction can significantly impact water quality. The filter's main function is to remove debris and contaminants from the water. If the filter is not operating correctly—due to clogs, damage, or lack of maintenance—particles can accumulate in the water, leading to cloudiness.

Excessive bather load introduces more organic material, such as skin cells, hair, and sweat, into the pool. This increased load can overwhelm the pool's sanitation and filtration systems, making it more difficult to maintain clear water. The filtering system may not be able to keep up with the number of contaminants introduced by a higher number of swimmers.

Chemical imbalances, such as improper pH levels, alkalinity, or sanitizer levels, can also lead to cloudy water. When these levels are not within the ideal range, the effectiveness of sanitizers decreases, and particles may remain suspended in the water instead of being properly filtered.

Therefore, recognizing that all these factors—filter malfunction, excessive bather load, and chemical imbalance—can independently or collectively contribute to cloudy water makes the option that includes all