Fixing a green pool within 24 hours is a challenge, but can often be accomplished chemically.
If your pool needs to be ready for an event, or precise timing is needed, draining & pressure washing the pool can expedite the process. If you have a concrete or vinyl liner pool, consult with a pool professional before considering the draining option.
Identifying the cause of your pool going green is an important first step. You don’t want your pool to turn green again after you’ve spent time, money and effort to clear your pool.
Lack of chlorine is usually the simple answer for why your pool turned green.
There are nine main contributors for low chlorine levels, analyse and determine the specific cause.
Low Water Levels
Low water levels affect pump operation, monitor the pool’s water level regularly, especially during hot and windy periods.
Power Failure
If there is a power failure most systems will not return to automatic operation.
Check that your chlorinator or controllers resume running in “Auto” mode after a power outage.al.
Manual Chlorination
Not adding chlorine often enough or the adding the right quantity can lead to low chlorine levels.
Ensure adequate chlorine dosage for effective santitisation.
Equipment Failure
Chlorinator, pump or controllers that don’t function properly or have stopped to work, will affect chlorine production.
Check your system regularly for correct operation.
Clogged Skimmer or Pump Baskets
Excess debris in skimmer or pump baskets can restrict water flow.
With many systems they have a “low water” or “no water” sensor that will turn the chlorinator off with low water flow.
Empty baskets regularly to maintain adequate water flow.
Low or High Stabiliser Levels
Too much stabiliser or cyanuric acid will inhibit chlorine from sanitising effectively.
Not enough stabiliser can have chlorine being lost from the pool quickly.
Keep stabiliser within 20-40 parts per million (ppm) if you have an outdoor pool.
Stabiliser (CYA) is not required for indoor pools.
Low or High Salt Levels
With low salt levels your chlorinator may not be able to generate enough chlorine.
High salt levels can damage the salt cell.
Regularly test and maintain salt at the chlorinator manufacturer’s recommended levels.
Pollen
Pollen can contribute to algae growth and is harmless to you or your pool.
Remove pollen regularly to eliminate it as an algae food source.
Metals
Copper leaching from heat exchangers, fittings or fixtures can lead to green water.
Maintain pH of 7.2-7.8 to prevent metal leaching into the water.
Ideal pH for concrete or vinyl liner pools is 7.4 and for fibreglass pools 7.2 is optimal.
Once the cause of your green pool is known, take remedy steps to resolve the issue.
Next steps are to fix the pool, the chemical solution and process is listed first, with the drain option further down.
If resolving chemically, time the shocking of your pool to be around sun-set.
Chlorine in the shock is more effective without any UV rays from the sun reducing its effectiveness.
Brush the Pool Floor & Walls
Use a stiff-bristled brush to scrub the pool walls, floor and steps to remove as much residual algae as possible.
Brushing loosens algae from the pool surfaces, making the shock treatment more effective.
Vacuum Pool (Before Shocking)
Once you have brushed all of the pool’s surfaces, vacuum the pool to remove as debris and algae.
Start either the deep end or shallow end of the pool and progress to the other end.
Shock the Pool
Choose a powerful shock treatment, specially formulated for green algae.
Refer to the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and application.
Add Concentrated Clarifier
Concentrated clarifier works by coagulating small particles suspending in the water into larger clumps that can be captured in the pool filter.
What isn’t caught in the filter should become water-logged and drop to the floor of the pool during the filtration process.
Run the Filtration System
Turn on the filtration system to run continuously for at least 24 hours. The pool will clear faster with the filter running, in some cases the pool is clear by the following morning.
Backwash your media filter or clean the cartridge filter to maintain proper circulation and filtration.
If the pool is not clear after 24 hours, extra filtration time or another shock and clarifier treatment may be needed.
Vacuum Pool (Final Vacuum)
Once the water is clear, vacuum any dead algae on the pool floor or walls to waste through your filter.
If you have a cartridge filter without an ability to vacuum to waste, contact a pool professional for their help to vacuum your pool. Pay special attention to areas where algae tend to accumulate, such as steps, corners and behind ladders.
Test & Adjust Chemicals
Test the pool water and adjust chemical levels as needed to ensure that pH, chlorine, alkalinity and other chemicals are within recommended ranges.
Maintain proper sanitation, filtration and chemical levels to prevent algae from returning.
If your pool has chemicals balanced and the filter running for 10-12 hours each day over summer and 5-6 hours per day during the winter months, your pool water will look perfect throughout the year.
Draining your pool is often the fastest resolution to a green pool issue, especially if there are time constraints, excessive debris, or if the water quality is beyond recovery.
It’s advisable to drain your pool every 8-10 years to remove accumulated total dissolved solids and refresh the water. It may coincide with the need for restoring your green pool.
Do not drain a fibreglass or vinyl liner pool yourself, seek advice from a qualified pool professional.
To drain your pool, you’ll need a submersible pump and wet-vac. Ensure the water is directed to sewerage, not garden or lawn areas, as the salt and chlorine in the pool water can easily harm plant life.
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Our software turns test-strips into accurate digital readings, right from your phone.
Get instant alerts to know if your pool is safe to swim, plus any chemicals needed.
By embracing effective pool maintenance practices and utilising POOLWATER-PRO.COM, you can overcome chemical balancing challenges and easily maintain a clear and inviting pool.
Spend less time worrying and more time splashing with your own pool expert on hand.
Visit POOLWATER-PRO.COM to learn more and embark on your journey to pool clarity today.
Simplify your pool maintenance routine with POOLWATER-PRO.
Our software turns test-strips into accurate digital readings, right from your phone.
Get instant alerts to know if your pool is safe to swim, plus any chemicals needed.
By embracing effective pool maintenance practices and utilising POOLWATER-PRO.COM, you can overcome chemical balancing challenges and easily maintain a clear and inviting pool.
Spend less time worrying and more time splashing with your own pool expert on hand.
Visit POOLWATER-PRO.COM to learn more and embark on your journey to pool clarity today.
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