Why Is My Pool Green: Common Causes and Solutions

Spending lazy summer afternoons by your backyard pool is one of the best feelings. But finding the clear water turned a depressing green can be disheartening. Wet and warm conditions, which promote algae growth, sap all the pleasure of having a pool, which is why they are challenged with a green pool water problem. If you are wondering, why is my pool green? Just know that you are not the only one! In this blog, we shall elaborate on the common instances that lead to green pool water, how they can be rectified, and how to maintain a clean pool throughout the season.

Table of Contents

• The Common Causes of Green Pool Water
• Is Green Pool Water Safe to Swim In?
• How to Clear Green Pool Water
• Preventing Green Pool Water: Maintenance Tips
• Final Splash: Keep Your Pool Crystal Clear

The Common Causes of Green Pool Water

I think it is essential to know why the pool water became green in the first place. This helps to deal with the issue, prevent its recurrence, and ensure the safety of people swimming. Let’s consider the common things that make pool water unappealing.

Algae Growth

Algae are the number one reason your pool might turn green. These microscopic whirling plants prefer developing in warm, green water in the sun, especially in untidy places where pool maintenance has been neglected. When the levels of the different swimming pool chemicals are unbalanced, these algae take over the space very fast, resulting in a green pool.

Low Chlorine Levels

Chlorine is known to be a lifesaver for pool maintenance in check. It prevents bacteria and algae from growing. However, the absence of a sufficient chlorine concentration in the pool will render the pool unable to fight algae, which is when the algae thrive. This can occur, for instance, when the water has been used extensively recently, there is heavy rainfall, or just after you have skipped the regular chlorine treatment.

pH and Alkalinity Imbalance

Chlorine becomes effective in disinfecting water, especially swimming pool water, only if the pH and alkalinity of the water are maintained within optimal levels. If these levels are not achieved, chlorine is useless, and algae will enter the pool. Balancing pH and alkalinity is for academic purposes and practical reasons to attain a clean and healthy swimming pool.

Poor Filtration

The pool filter does a lot of the work for you in terms of cleaning the pool water. If your filter is not operated frequently enough or is full of dirt and rubbish, it will not be able to eliminate particles that cause green water. Poorly filtered waters will most likely turn cloudy and green due to the tendency of algae, leaves, and other debris to accumulate in the pool.

Organic Debris and Contaminants

Leaves, dirt, sunscreen, and even body oils contribute nutrients that feed algae. Organic matter and debris may also cause the ingress of phosphates, which are like steroids, into algae, causing them to grow faster and thicker than in normal conditions. Cleaning is essential because it helps eliminate the contaminants responsible for plant growth.

Presence of Phosphates and Nitrates

Phosphates and nitrates often come from fertiliser runoff, rain, or even some pool chemicals. In pools, phosphate levels should be maintained below 500 ppb. Algae use these nutrients, so they may be present in the pool, but algae will still grow regardless of how clean the pool looks.

Is Green Pool Water Safe to Swim In?

Although a bit of green in the water may not look too severe, it is advisable not to step into the swimming pool that looks more green than blue. Such that green-coloured pools may serve as hosts to bacteria that cause skin and eye rashes or infections. Furthermore, cloudy waters impair vision, increasing the risk of swim-related accidents, especially among children or those who cannot swim. Therefore, refrain from indulging in practice such as swimming as that will only aggravate the situation until after the water has been treated and the chemical levels in the body adjusted.

How to Clear Green Pool Water

After figuring out the reasons behind the green colour of your pool, now it is time to do some real work. Here is how one can return the pool to its crystal clear pristine state in a few easy steps.

1. Test and Balance Chemicals Start by testing the chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels. Adjust these as needed to reach the recommended ranges. A balanced chemical environment makes it harder for algae to grow.
2. Shock the Pool The first step is shocking the pool, which customises and delivers the pool products. This process adds a significant amount of chlorine to the water to eradicate any existing algae and other impurities. However, observe the guidelines on the specific shock treatment product and ensure the pool filter is turned on to mix the chemicals evenly.
3. Apply Algaecide After shocking the pool, using an algaecide can help prevent algae regrowth. This additional step makes it harder for algae to return and helps clear your pool water.
4. Brush and Vacuum Algae cling to pool walls and floors, so brush every surface to loosen the growth. Follow up with vacuuming to remove algae and debris from the water.
5. Run the Filter Keep your filter running continuously until the water clears up. Filtering helps remove dead algae and other particles, speeding up the cleaning process.
6. Clean the Filter After running it for a while, clean or backwash your filter. A clean filter operates more effectively, ensuring your pool water stays clear.

Preventing Green Pool Water: Maintenance Tips

With the history of clearing the pool’s floor behind us, let’s see that this state remains. Preventative maintenance can help you avoid many of the green pool issues and also increase the longevity of the pool equipment.

• Regularly Test Chemicals: Check and, if necessary, adjust the levels of chemistry in your water every week, with more emphasis when it is hot or raining.
• Maintaining Chlorine Levels: Always check if it’s within 24 hours it was used or after a heavy downpour of chlorine levels to reduce chances of algae growth.
• Use a Pool Cover: When not in use for swimming, cover the pool to prevent leaves, dust, and other materials from getting into it.
• Brush, Vacuum, and Use a Pool Cleaner: These effectively prevent algae growth; hence, regular cleaning is encouraged. One should consider a pool cleaning robot to ease this maintenance aspect and ensure it is more effective.
• Keep Up with the Filter: To maintain its performance, the filter should be cleaned or backwashed regularly.

Final Splash: Keep Your Pool Crystal Clear

The familiar phenomenon of a green pool can be controlled with proper techniques and consistent care. Knowing the possible reasons for the turning up of green water in pools, algae, low chlorine levels, ineffective filtration, and the presence of phosphates will enable one to solve the issue and avoid its recurrence. Properly managing substances, maintaining the pool and filter frequently, and using a pool cover ensures a hygienic surrounding fit for swimming any time of the year.