How To Test and Fix a Green Pool

The most common reason pool water turns green is due to algae growing in the water. Algae can grow rapidly, particularly in hot weather, which is why it can surprise you overnight during the warmer months. This generally comes down to an imbalance or lack of chlorine in the water.

Chlorine is an effective sanitiser; however, letting chlorine levels drop for even a day can start an algae outbreak. So, it’s important to check your chlorine levels frequently to save you any nasty surprises.

In any case, there are several simple steps you can follow to get your pool back to full health without having to drain it. Please note that these steps are for chlorine sanitiser-based pools (including salt and mineral pools).

 5 Simple Steps to Get Your Sparkling Clean Pool Back

1. Balance the pH and Chlorine shock the water.

2. Check the filtration system for any problems or malfunctions. Rectify if required.

3. Brush the walls and floor to dislodge the algae into the pool water. Rake up any debris from the bottom of the pool floor. Make sure all baskets are clear.

4. Backwash the filter.

5. Return the valve to the filter and turn on the pump.

What should I do if my pool is dark green and I can't see the bottom?

If your pool is dark green and you can’t see the bottom, you may need to add a clarifier or flocculant the next day to remove the dead algae.

For a 50,000L green pool, you can add:

• 1kg of Ezy Sanitiser and 2.5L Pool Power Algaecide. Keep the filter running for 24 hours, and then add 500ml liquid clarifier. After treatment, pools will have varying degrees of cloudiness caused by dead algae. If the water does not clear up through normal filtration, then consider using a strong flocculant.*

For 50,000L light-green looking pools, we recommend:

• 500g of Ezy Sanitiser, 1L of Pool Power Algaecide and 1 x Sparkle Clarifier Tablet or 200ml of Natural Clarifier and run filter for 24 hours.

Note: Copper-based Algaecides such as the Long Life Algaecide or Pool Power Algaecide should not be used in Ionised Pools, with some brands of chlorinators or where high copper levels may be present.

Should copper be an issue, then we recommend Pool Algaecide or Supreme Algaecide. These algaecides need to be added monthly as a maintenance algaecide. When the pool is clear, it is advisable to test for phosphates and treat them with the appropriate dosage of Phosphate Remover to prevent algae from re-occurring.

*Caution: Flocculants can be time-consuming and labour-intensive to use.

Other Ways to Fix a Green Pool

Cartridge Filters

When using clarifiers and flocculants, please monitor your pressure gauge and when the pressure reaches a high level, remove the cartridge and rinse clean.

Sand and Glass filters

At the completion of the treatment of your pool water, backwash and thoroughly clean your filter using Filter Cleaner.

Warnings:

1. Do not add any chemicals to your pool unless you know what you are doing. Adding the wrong chemicals will create additional problems.
2. When mixing pool chemicals with water, use caution. Always add the chemical to the water.
3. Never mix different chemicals together.

Tips:

1. Remove leaves and other floating matter from the pool daily. It's much easier to remove floating debris before it settles on the bottom.
2. Wear old clothes when using pool chemicals. If chlorine spills or drips on clothing, it may remove some colour.
3. You can take a water sample to your local pool store on a regular basis and get a complete analysis. This can help you catch pool water problems early.
4. Keep your chlorine level between 2.0 and 4.0 ppm to prevent algae from developing in your swimming pool.