What is the recommended action when experiencing cloudy pool water?

When dealing with cloudy pool water, shocking the pool and checking chemical levels is the recommended action because it directly addresses the common causes of cloudy water. Shocking the pool involves adding a large dose of chlorine or another oxidizer to eliminate contaminants such as bacteria, algae, and organic matter that can cloud the water. This process also helps to break down chloramines, which are compounds that can contribute to poor water clarity.

After shocking the pool, it's essential to check the chemical levels, including pH, sanitizer levels, and alkalinity. Ensuring these parameters are properly balanced is crucial for effective sanitation and clear water. Proper chemistry allows for optimal filtration and sanitation to take place, which helps prevent the recurrence of cloudiness.

Other options such as increasing the pool temperature, reducing filtration time, or fully draining the pool do not effectively address the issue of cloudiness and can even exacerbate problems. Thus, shocking and adjusting chemical levels is the most effective approach to restoring clarity to pool water.