A crystal-clear pool symbolizes aesthetics, cleanliness, safety, and proper maintenance. Thus, it's required to keep the pool clean and to attract visitors. But green algae can take over the pool quickly due to heat waves, heavy rains etc. This ruins the pool's cleanliness and turns the water green.
If it's light green, the algae probably have just begun to take hold. And, if it's deep green, the pool may have ended up with a bigger problem. This green algae grows when the level of sanitizer or chlorine is too low. However, it can be treated overnight with some helpful methods.
Factors That Turn Your Pool Green
Heavy Rains - Due to heavy rain in your region, green algae could be the cause of your pool problem. When rainwater is added, it alters the chemical balance of the pool water. This makes it receptive to bacteria and algae growth.
Heat Waves - Warm water increases the potential of algae growth in pools. When your area is surrounded by heat waves, remember to keep an eye on your pool. Additionally, ensure that the pool is as scheduled.
Water Circulation Issues - Ensure to keep your pool pump water clean and running consistently for better water flowing. Stagnant water allows bacteria, algae, and other contaminants to take over the pool and make it green.
Improper Maintenance - Lack of maintenance can ruin your pool. Thus, make sure to have a proper routine to regularly maintain it to keep the pool algae-free. Proper maintenance of the pool involves vacuuming, brushing, water testing, and chemical balancing.
Presence of Copper Ions - A pool can turn green with the presence of high levels of copper. This can easily imbalance the chemical composition of your pool, which can lead to problems across the board. Regular testing and proper chemical balance can help avoid these issues.
Steps to Clean a Green Pool
Here is a 5-step process for killing algae and cleaning the pool.
Step 1: Brushing of Pool Walls and Floor
Connect a pool brush to a telescopic pole. Then, scrub the pool walls, floor, steps, and other surfaces where algae could be present. Scrub it thoroughly to loosen the algae and get it floating in the water. This will help in killing the algae effectively with the help of chlorine in the pool.
Remember to use an algae brush if you have a concrete pool. It's good to use it as algae is stubborn and sticks tightly to pool surfaces. A heavy-duty brush will easily throw off the algae compared to soft nylon bristles.
Step 2: Test the Alkalinity and pH Level
Use test strips or a liquid test kit to test the pH and alkalinity levels.
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The pH level should be in the range of 7.4 and 7.6, as it will eventually increase when you shock the water.
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The alkalinity level should be in the range of 100 and 150 ppm ( parts per million), which may increase.
Additionally, if the pH and alkalinity levels are high, then drop them down to the above stage. To achieve this, adjust the alkalinity and test the water again to know if it's in the correct range. If required, adjust the pH levels too.
| Notes | With the balanced pH and alkalinity, the next step - shocking the water - will work effectively. Also, testing of water could be done before or after brushing the pool as it won't affect the algae killing process. |
Step 3: Shock the Pool
This is a significant step in killing algae. Pool shock can easily kill the algae and sanitize the pool as it contains high levels of chlorine. To achieve a better outcome, consider using a shock that has at least 70% available chlorine (calcium hypochlorite).
| Notes | It's best to shock with chlorine at night to kill algae, even though you generally refer to a non-chlorine shock. |
Additionally, the color of the pool tells how much shock is required to kill the algae.
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Ten thousand gallons of water (37,854 L) is treated with one pound (1 lb or 0.45 kg) of shocks. This is the usual pool treatment when it's not green.
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You may need to double, triple, or quadruple the shock treatment with the rise of green color. For example, a pool with 20,000 gallons of water is dark green; it would need 6 bags of shock, a triple dose.
Color Required Shock Treatment
Teal Green (smaller or newer algae rising) 2× shock
Dark green (significant algae growth) 3× shock
Black green (stubborn algae to kill) 4× shock
Step 4: 8 Hours of Pool Filtration ( Shock Again if Needed)
Once you shock the water at night, run the filter system for at least 8 hours overnight. For better results, run it for 24 hours until the pool is completely clean. This will help you clear the pool quickly.
| Notes | Ensure to backwash the filtration system when needed. |
If the water is teal or green in the morning, treat it again with the same amount of shock in the later night. It will turn crystal, cloudy blue by the next morning.
Additionally, consider using a pool clarifier to clean it faster. If you choose to use it, remember to run the filter for at least 24 hours to get rid of algae from the water and ensure the shock has totally cleared.
Step 5: Extra Water Testing and Adjustment of Pool Chemicals
After the pool gains cloudy blue or clear water, retest it for pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and chlorine levels. If any of them are not at their right level, add chemicals to balance them.
Remember to test it again to ensure everything is perfect. Once ready, enjoy your pool.
How to Stop the Algae From Returning Back to the Pool?
Once the pool is clear and clean, pool owners would want to maintain it that way. To ensure this, maintain a proper sanitizer level of water. This involves testing the water often, at least once a week. If possible, test it about every other day.
Additionally, add sanitizer without any delay if you notice the sanitizer levels are low.
Furthermore, pool owners can use algaecide as an extra step during regular maintenance. But it's optional. Stay consistent with testing and adjusting water levels. The pool will be good to use.
