Finding a green swamp where your pool used to be is one of the most unpleasant surprises a pool owner can get. But don’t panic. In most cases, a green pool can be clear again in a few days. It takes some work, but going from green to clean is not difficult, and our pool services team can help.
If you are short on time or simply do not want to deal with it, Clear Tec Pools is here to help. We have brought many green pools back to clear water and know the fastest, most reliable ways to do it.
Why Did My Pool Turn Green?
A green pool almost always means algae. Algae are tiny plant-like organisms, and the chlorophyll they use to grow is what turns your water green.
Most pools stay algae-free thanks to two things working together: chlorine in the water and the filter. Chlorine kills algae and stops it from growing.
The filter removes algae and the debris it feeds on. But when free chlorine drops too low, algae is no longer killed, and it can take over the pool very quickly, especially in Georgia heat.
Occasionally, water turns green even though there is no algae. In that case the water usually looks clear but tinted green.
That is often caused by metals such as copper dissolved in the water. Check your pH, because low pH can corrode metal parts like ladders, rails and heater parts and release metal into the water. Metal removers can take the metals out, and sequestering products help prevent new stains. Do not shock water with high metals before treating it, as that can make stains worse.
Green Pool Troubleshooting
A pool can turn green for different reasons, so first work out which one you are dealing with.
Look at the Pool
Start by looking closely at the pool. Algae clings to the walls and floor and will not come off without brushing. As an algae bloom gets worse, the water turns cloudy, green and hard to see through.
Metal-related green water looks different: it is tinted, like food coloring, but you can usually still see the bottom clearly.
Test the Water
Next, test the water, or take a sample to a pool store. Tell them the water is green and describe how it looks. Photos help too.
Look at the free chlorine and copper results. Algae struggles to grow when free chlorine stays between 1 and 3 ppm, so if chlorine is at least 1 ppm and the water is clear but green, metals are the more likely cause.
How to Clean a Green Pool
1. Check the Equipment
Before treating the water, make sure the pump runs and the filter, skimmer and pump basket are clean and free of clogs. Without good circulation and filtration, no amount of chemicals will clear the pool. If you are not sure your equipment is working properly, a Clear Tec Pools technician can come out and check it, and our pool repair team can fix what is not.
2. Shock and Rebalance the Water
Adjust pH to between 7.2 and 7.8 first, because chlorine works much better in balanced water. Then shock the pool with a heavy dose of chlorine, following the product directions for your pool size and how green it is. Very green pools may need more than one dose. Run the pump around the clock and keep everyone out of the water until chlorine drops back to 1 to 3 ppm, since high chlorine irritates eyes and skin. Our water balancing team can handle this for you.
3. Brush, Vacuum and Clean the Filter
Brush the walls, steps and floor to loosen the algae, then vacuum it out. Set the filter to Waste if there is a lot of debris, so dead algae does not clog the filter. Clean or backwash the filter often while the pool clears. A robotic cleaner can save time once the worst is gone.
4. Keep Up Regular Maintenance
Once the water is clear, a regular maintenance routine keeps it that way all year, however often you swim. Clear Tec Pools can set up weekly service for your pool so it never turns green again, or handle a full green pool cleanup if it already has.
Wrapping Up
A green pool can have several causes. Algae is the most common, but metals and even heavy pollen can tint the water yellow or green. Testing the water is the only reliable way to know which problem you have and treat it properly. If you have questions about a green pool or any other water problem, our team is happy to help.
Need help with your pool in Hoschton or nearby? Call Clear Tec Pools at 678-679-0165 or book online.