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
Balance the pH and Chlorine shock the water.
Check the filtration system for any problems or malfunctions. Rectify if required.
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.
Backwash the filter.
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 isdark greenand 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:
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 usingFilter Cleaner.
Warnings:
- Do not add any chemicals to your pool unless you know what you are doing. Adding the wrong chemicals will create additional problems.
- When mixing pool chemicals with water, use caution. Always add the chemical to the water.
- Never mix different chemicals together.
- Remove leaves and other floating matter from the pool daily. It's much easier to remove floating debris before it settles on the bottom.
- Wear old clothes when using pool chemicals. If chlorine spills or drips on clothing, it may remove some colour.
- 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.
- Keep your chlorine level between 2.0 and 4.0 ppm to prevent algae from developing in your swimming pool.
FAQs
Most often, the remedy for a green pool is to shock it. To properly clear green pool water, you'll need to clean the pool tiles, filters, and equipment thoroughly, add shock and algaecides, and rebalance your pool water. The entire process to fix a green pool usually takes a few days.
How do I turn my green pool into a clear pool? ›
Most often, the remedy for a green pool is to shock it. To properly clear green pool water, you'll need to clean the pool tiles, filters, and equipment thoroughly, add shock and algaecides, and rebalance your pool water. The entire process to fix a green pool usually takes a few days.
How do you treat a green pool in New Zealand? ›
Follow these steps to clear the green
The fastest and most effective way to clear algae in your pool is to boost your chlorine levels through a shock treatment and an algaecide supplement. For the best results, try using BioGuard Burn Out Extreme supplemented with BioGuard Algi Destroyer.
How do I fix my green pool ASAP? ›
How to Clear Green Pool Water Fast?
- Shock the Pool: Use a high dose of chlorine shock treatment. ...
- Use an Algaecide: Add an algaecide suitable for your pool type. ...
- Clarifying the water: Add a clarifier the next day to bind the dead algae particles and make them easier to filter out.
Shock the Pool
A good way to do this is buying 25 gallons of chlorine and adding three, four, or five gallons at a time. The huge amount of chlorine will work to kill the algae. The best and fastest way is to use a shock that contains at least 70% chlorine.
Will baking soda turn a green pool clear? ›
As pool experts, we hear this question a lot. The short answer is no; baking soda will not clear a green pool, as it cannot kill algae. Adding baking soda to your pool will, however, raise your alkalinity and pH levels and can be helpful when dealing with small growths of black algae.
Will vinegar clear a green pool? ›
Vinegar can also be used to remove mineral deposits from a pool, shine up metal surfaces, clean your pool filter, and get rid of algae and other things growing in your pool. You can use a vinegar solution and scrub brush to accomplish most of this and use undiluted vinegar for stubborn stains.
What home remedy is good for green pool water? ›
In the same way that baking soda can be a spot treatment for black algae, household borax does the same for blue and green algae. Simply use the borax to scrub away algae that's sticking to your pool walls, then use the brush to dislodge it. Follow up by vacuuming up or scooping out the free-floating algae.
How do you clean a green pool in one day? ›
The pump needs to run the entire 24 hours. If you own an automatic pool cleaner, leave it in the pool disconnected to that it can get treated as well. You will need to add copious amounts of chlorine paired with an algaecide to combat the green monster. For inground pools I recommend using calcium hypochlorite.
How to get crystal clear pool water? ›
To prevent cloudy pool water:
- Run the pump for at least 8 hours daily.
- Maintain a pH within the ideal range of 7.2 to 7.6.
- Maintain chlorine within the ideal range of 1 to 3 ppm.
- Use pool shock weekly. ...
- Chemically clean the filter or backwash when you open the pool and during mid-season.
For green water, apply a flocculent and shock it. Shock the pool vigorously to get rid of suspended algae. You should add enough shock that it turns your pool water a blue/grey colour. You're aiming for 30 ppm of free chlorine, and you'll need roughly 2 to 5 kg of shock for every 10,000 gallons in your pool.
How do you clean a green pool without draining it? ›
Use a pool brush to vigorously scrub any pool surfaces covered in algae, including the walls, floors and steps. Apply a green algaecide according to the directions on the label. Let the water circulate for 24 hours, then brush the pool surfaces again.
How long does green pool water take to clear? ›
The only thing that kills algae is CHLORINE (or your sanitizing product, or one of the copper-based algaecides on the market). You need to raise the level of your chlorine – shock the pool – and maintain that high level until all the algae is dead. This may take 3 to 4 days.
Will bleach turn a green pool clear? ›
Do you have a green pool and can you use bleach to clean it? Absolutely. Learn how to clean your swimming pool using bleach instead of traditional chlorine. Use as directed.
What chemical do I need to make my pool clear? ›
If it's too low, it can lead to bacteria or algal growth – a common cause of cloudiness. To fix this, add chlorine tablets or liquid chlorine. To protect chlorine levels in the future, consider buying stabilised chlorine or adding cyanuric acid (CYA).
