How To Test and Fix a Green Pool

Understanding Green Algae in Pools

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.

Comprehensive Green Pool Treatment

If your pool has turned green, follow these steps to get it back to full health without draining it. These steps are for chlorine sanitiser-based pools, as well as salt and mineral pools.

 5 Simple Steps to Get Your Sparkling Clean Pool Back

1. Balance the pH and Chlorine:

• Test and adjust the pH to between 7.2 and 7.6.
• Shock the pool with a chlorine-based shock treatment, which will kill the algae.

2. Check the filtration system:

• Ensure the filtration system is working properly, and clean the filter if necessary.

3. Brush and clean:

• Brush the walls and floor to dislodge the algae into the pool water.
• Remove any debris from the bottom of the pool and clear all baskets.

4. Backwash the filter:

• Perform a backwash to clean the filter, which will help remove algae particles trapped in the filter.

5. Run the pump:

• Return the valve to the filter position and turn on the pump. Run it continuously for at least 24 hours.

How to Clear Green Pool Water Fast?

Have a pool party in a few days, and you need to clear green pool water fast? Follow these steps:

1. Shock the Pool:

• Use a high dose of chlorine shock treatment.
• Ensure the pH is balanced for maximum chlorine efficiency.

2. Use an Algaecide:

• Add an algaecide suitable for your pool type. For a 50,000L pool, use 1kg of Ezy Sanitiser and 2.5L Pool Power Algaecide.
• Keep the filter running continuously for 24 hours.

3. Clarifying the water:

• Add a clarifier the next day to bind the dead algae particles and make them easier to filter out.
• For stubborn cases, use a flocculant, but be prepared for more labour-intensive cleaning.

How to Shock a Green Pool

Shocking your pool is a crucial step in clearing green water. Here's how to do it:

1. Test and adjust pH and ensure the pH is between 7.2 and 7.6.
2. Calculate Shock Dosage: Follow the manufacturer's instructions for the correct amount of shock for your pool size.
3. Distribute the shock evenly around the pool.
4. Run the filter continuously for 24-48 hours. Brush the pool surfaces periodically to assist in the cleaning process.
5. After 24 hours, re-test the chlorine levels and pH. If the pool is still green, repeat the shock treatment.

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:

• Add 1kg of Ezy Sanitiser and 2.5L Pool Power Algaecide.
• Keep the filter running for 24 hours
• Add 500ml liquid clarifier after 24 hours if needed.

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 pools:

• Add 500g of Ezy Sanitiser, 1L of Pool Power Algaecide and 1 x Sparkle Clarifier Tablet or 200ml of Natural Clarifier
• Run the 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. When the pressure reaches a high level, remove the cartridge and rinse it clean.

Media filters (Sand & Glass)

After treating your pool water, backwash and thoroughly clean your filter using Filter Cleaner.

Warning and Tips

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.