There’s nothing more frustrating than pulling back the cover on your swimming pool to find it’s turned green.
The good news is, it’s a common issue and, with the right approach, it can be sorted quickly and effectively.
Why has your pool turned green?
A green pool is usually caused by algae growth. This happens when chlorine levels drop, filtration is poor, or debris builds up in the water. Warm weather and lack of regular maintenance can speed the process up, turning clear water cloudy and green in a short space of time.
Step 1: Remove debris
Start by clearing out any leaves, twigs or visible debris using a skimmer or net. The cleaner the pool is before treatment, the more effective the next steps will be.
Step 2: Check and balance your water
Test your pool water and adjust the pH level to between 7.2 and 7.6. This is important, as chlorine works best within this range. If the pH is too high or too low, your treatment won’t be as effective.
Step 3: Shock the pool
Next, carry out a chlorine shock treatment. This involves adding a high dose of chlorine to kill algae and bacteria. Follow product instructions carefully and allow the system to circulate for at least 24 hours.
Step 4: Brush and clean
Once the algae has started to break down, brush the walls, floor and steps of your pool thoroughly. This helps loosen any remaining algae so it can be filtered out.
Step 5: Run the filtration system
Keep your filtration system running continuously until the water begins to clear. You may need to backwash your filter regularly during this stage, as it will collect a lot of debris.
Step 6: Vacuum the pool
Vacuum the pool to remove any settled particles. For very green pools, it’s often best to vacuum to waste to avoid overloading your filter.
Step 7: Repeat if needed
In more severe cases, you may need to repeat the shock treatment and cleaning process. Persistence is key, and each cycle will bring your pool closer to being clear again.
Preventing it from happening again
Once your pool is back to normal, regular maintenance is essential. Keep your chlorine levels consistent, clean your filters, and remove debris as it appears. Routine servicing can also help spot issues early and keep everything running as it should.
Need a hand?
If your pool is particularly green or you’d prefer to leave it to the professionals, a specialist cleaning and treatment service can save you time and ensure the best results. With the right care, your pool will be back to crystal clear condition before you know it.
