How To Fix A Green Pool – A Complete Guide

The presence of algae in pool water can cause it to turn green, especially during hot weather, which can surprise pool owners overnight in warmer months. This issue usually arises when there is an imbalance or insufficient chlorine in the water.

Even a slight decrease in chlorine levels for just one day can trigger an outbreak of algae, despite chlorine being an effective sanitizer. Therefore, it is essential to frequently check chlorine levels to prevent any unpleasant surprises.

The good news is that you can restore your pool to its optimal condition without the need to drain it by following these five straightforward steps:

1. Remove the pool cleaner from the pool.
2. Examine the filtration system for any issues or malfunctions and address them if necessary.
3. Brush the walls and floor of the pool to dislodge the algae into the water. Remove any debris from the bottom of the pool. Ensure that all baskets are clear.
4. Backwash the filter.
5. Revert the valve to the filter and activate the pump.

Green Pool Solutions

If your pool appears dark green and the bottom is not visible, follow these steps to restore its clarity:

1. Adjust the water’s pH level to a range of 7.0-7.4.
2. Add 2kg of Purifier to the pool according to the provided instructions. (For vinyl pools, dissolve the purifier in water first.)
3. Pour 2.5L of Pool Algaecide around the pool’s edge. Keep the filter running continuously for at least 24 hours. If the pool doesn’t turn milky after 4 hours, add an additional 2kg of Purifier.
4. The pool water may become cloudy, indicating the presence of dead algae. Once the water becomes clear, it is recommended to test for phosphates and treat the pool with an appropriate dosage of Phosphate Remover to prevent algae recurrence.

For a mid-range green pool:

1. Add 2kg of Purifier and 2.5L of Pool Algaecide. Keep the filter running for 24 hours.

If the pool is lightly green:

1. Add 500g of Purifier, 1L of Long Life Algaecide, and either 1 Sparkle Tab or 200ml of Clarifier.
2. Run the filter continuously for 24 hours.

By following these instructions, you can effectively address the green pool condition and restore the water’s clarity.

Pool Filters and a Green Pool

If you have a cartridge pool filter:

While using Clarifier, it is important to monitor the pressure gauge. When the pressure reaches a high level, remove the cartridge from the filter and rinse it clean. This will help maintain the effectiveness of the filter and ensure optimal performance.

For all types of pool filters:

After treating your pool water, it is crucial to thoroughly clean your filter using a Filter Cleaner. This step is necessary to remove any accumulated debris, contaminants, or residues from the filter media. By cleaning your filter regularly, you can maintain its efficiency and prolong its lifespan, ensuring clean and clear pool water.

How to Avoid a Green Pool

Regularly skim the surface of your pool: Make it a habit to use a pool net daily, removing leaves and other floating debris from the top of your pool. By doing this regularly, you can prevent debris from sinking to the bottom, making it easier to maintain a clean pool.

Perform regular water testing: Take a water sample to your local pool store for a monthly computer analysis. This will help you detect any potential pool water problems early on, allowing you to take preventive measures before they become major issues.

Maintain proper chlorine levels: It is crucial to keep your chlorine level within the range of 2.0 to 4.0 ppm (parts per million) to prevent algae growth in your swimming pool. Maintaining the appropriate chlorine levels is essential for a clean and healthy pool environment.

How to Clean A Green Pool

If you find your pool water turning green, don’t worry, as there are effective strategies to fix the issue and restore the clarity of your pool. Here are some straightforward steps you can follow:

1. Testing: Start by testing your pool water to determine the cause of the green color. Hy-Clor testing kits and the Hy-Clor App can help you accurately identify the problem and provide the best solution for recovering your green pool. Test the pH level and ensure it falls between 7.2 and 7.6. It’s recommended to test your water weekly at the same time of day. Take a water sample elbow-deep from the deep end of the pool by covering the testing bottle with your thumb.
2. Balancing: If your pool water is out of balance, adjusting the chemical levels can restore water clarity, prevent health risks and equipment damage, and enhance your pool experience. Use the test results to determine the levels of alkalinity, pH, calcium, and chlorine in your pool water. After testing, run the pool pump continuously for the next 24 hours. Ensure the skimmer basket is free of debris and thoroughly brush the pool walls. Balancing the alkalinity will help stabilize the pH and maintain overall water quality. Add chemicals one at a time and distribute them using the pump.
3. Chlorinating: Chlorine is a crucial sanitizer that protects your pool water from contaminants. Low chlorine levels can cause the water to turn green. Maintain a continuous chlorine level between 1 and 3 parts per million to prevent algae growth, bacterial increase, and unsanitary conditions. You have various options for chlorinating your pool, including granular chlorines that can chlorinate, shock treat, and kill algae in one product, pool tablets that dissolve slowly to maintain optimal chlorine and stabilizer levels, and liquid chlorine for quick-acting sanitization and algae control without affecting stabilizer levels. Shock treating should be done weekly to remove contaminants, eliminate cloudy water, odors, and eye irritation.
4. Using Algaecides: Algae can grow rapidly, especially in conditions of high pH, low chlorine, poor filtration, and warm water. Green algae is generally easier to control, while yellow and black algae may be more challenging to eradicate. Prevent algae growth by monitoring pH and chlorine levels and using a combination of algaecide and phosphate remover to eliminate sources that support algae growth. Additionally, using a clarifier will improve filtration.
5. Using Clarifiers: Cloudy water in your pool is typically caused by environmental, filtration, or chemical factors. To restore crystal-clear water, add a water clarifier like Hy-Clor’s Water Clarifier, which helps bind small particles together for capture by your filter. If you have a sand filter, you can also use Hy-Clor’s Cloud Out tablets directly in the skimmer. Clear and sparkling water not only looks great but also improves your filtration system and reduces the overall use of chlorine and other chemicals.
6. Filter Maintenance: Remember to backwash your filter or clean the cartridge filter to remove dead algae. If necessary, you can use a flocculent to drop debris to the pool floor, which can be vacuumed the following day.
7. Final Testing: Re-test the water using the Hy-Clor app to ensure it is properly balanced. The app will provide advice on water quality and recommend the necessary products to maintain crystal-clear water.

By following these steps and utilizing Hy-Clor products, you can effectively restore your pool’s clarity and enjoy a beautiful, clean swimming experience.

FAQs about Green Pool Recovery

1. Why is my pool water turning green?

• This is a common question as pool owners are often surprised by the sudden appearance of green water. The green color is typically caused by the presence of algae, which can overgrow in the pool due to imbalances in chemical levels, lack of proper filtration, or inadequate sanitization.

2. How do I get rid of green pool water?

• Many pool owners seek guidance on how to fix their green pool. The process usually involves testing the water, adjusting chemical levels, using algaecides, shock treatments, and clarifiers, as well as proper filtration and maintenance. Following these steps can help eliminate the algae and restore the pool water’s clarity.

3. Can I swim in a green pool?

• It is generally not recommended to swim in a green pool due to potential health risks. Algae growth can lead to poor water quality, making it unsafe for swimming. It’s important to address the green pool issue and ensure the water is properly treated before allowing swimming.

4. How long does it take to clear a green pool?

• The time required to clear a green pool can vary depending on the severity of the algae growth, the size of the pool, and the effectiveness of the treatment. In some cases, it may take a few days or up to a week to completely clear the water. Consistent monitoring, proper chemical balancing, and maintenance will help expedite the process.

5. How can I prevent my pool from turning green?

• Many pool owners want to know how they can avoid dealing with a green pool in the first place. Regular maintenance and preventive measures are key. This includes maintaining proper chemical levels, regular testing and balancing, adequate filtration, skimming the surface for debris, and keeping the pool clean. Regularly scheduled maintenance and addressing any issues promptly can help prevent the growth of algae and keep the pool water clear.

Conclusion

In conclusion, dealing with a green pool caused by algae growth can be a challenging task, but it is not impossible to resolve. By following the recommended practices mentioned above, you can effectively address a green pool and restore it to its pristine condition. at 1 Pool Care we are experts in green pool cleaning in Perth, if your still struggling after reading this guide please reach out to our experts today.