6 Simple Steps to Fix a Green Pool
A green pool can quickly turn your backyard oasis into an unpleasant sight. Green water often indicates an algae bloom, typically caused by low chlorine levels, poor circulation, or unbalanced water chemistry. While it may seem daunting, fixing a green pool is entirely possible with the right approach. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the steps to fix a green pool, helping you restore your pool to a clean and safe state for swimming.
Whether you’re dealing with a mild algae problem or a full-blown green pool, these six simple steps for swimming pool green algae removal will help you get your pool back to its best condition.
Test the Pool Water and Check Chemical Levels
Before you begin the process of fixing a green swimming pool, it’s essential to test the water chemistry. Pool water that is too alkaline or too acidic, or that lacks proper chlorine levels, is often the culprit behind algae growth.
Key Water Levels to Check:
Here’s a table of ideal pool chemical levels to ensure your pool’s water is balanced and optimal for algae prevention:
| Chemical | Ideal Range | Purpose |
| pH | 7.2 – 7.6 | Controls pool acidity and impacts chlorine efficiency. |
| Free Chlorine | 1.0 – 3.0 ppm | Kills bacteria and algae, keeping water sanitized. |
| Total Alkalinity | 80 – 120 ppm | Stabilizes pH levels and helps prevent fluctuations. |
| Calcium Hardness | 200 – 400 ppm | Prevents corrosion and scale formation on pool surfaces. |
| Cyanuric Acid | 30 – 50 ppm | Stabilizes chlorine, protecting it from UV degradation. |
Once you’ve tested your pool water, make necessary adjustments to bring it within the recommended ranges. How to clear green pool water efficiently depends on starting with the correct water chemistry.
Brush the Pool Walls and Floor
Algae cling to the surfaces of the pool, and brushing the walls, floor, and steps is one of the most effective ways to dislodge it. Use a pool brush with strong, stiff bristles, especially for stubborn algae spots.
This step helps to clean green algae in a pool by breaking up the algae and allowing the chemicals you add later to work more effectively. Focus on the areas with the heaviest algae growth, but brush the entire pool to ensure a thorough cleaning.
Vacuum the Pool
After brushing, it’s time to vacuum the pool. Vacuuming will help remove the loosened algae and debris from the pool floor. If the algae has settled to the bottom, using a manual or automatic pool vacuum will ensure that the water stays clear and free of floating particles.
When vacuuming, ensure that your filter is running so it can catch the debris. If you have a large amount of algae or murky water, it might take more than one pass to get all the debris.
Shock the Pool with Chlorine
Shocking the pool is one of the most effective steps to fix a green pool quickly. Pool shock typically contains a higher concentration of chlorine, which will rapidly increase the chlorine levels in the pool. This step kills off any remaining algae and bacteria, making it an essential part of swimming pool green algae removal.
To shock the pool, follow the manufacturer’s instructions on the shock product you’re using. For severe algae growth, use a double dose of shock, and make sure to apply it during the evening or at night to prevent the sun from deactivating the chlorine.
Tips for Shocking:
- Dissolve the shock in a bucket of water before adding it to the pool to ensure even distribution.
- Keep the pool pump running during this process to help the chlorine circulate.
Add Algaecide for Extra Protection
While shocking the pool is a crucial step in getting rid of green algae in a pool, you may want to follow up with an algaecide. Algaecides are chemical treatments designed specifically to target and eliminate algae. For green algae, a copper-based algaecide is typically most effective.
Adding an algaecide will ensure that any remaining algae spores are killed, reducing the risk of further algae blooms. It also provides long-term protection for your pool, especially if you experience frequent algae issues.
Run the Filter and Monitor the Water
After applying chlorine and algaecide, it’s essential to keep the pool filter running for at least 24 hours. The filter will help remove any remaining algae and debris from the pool water, ensuring that your pool remains clean and clear.
Monitor the pool water over the next few days to ensure the algae is completely gone. It may take a day or two for the pool to fully clear up, depending on the severity of the algae bloom. If the pool remains green, repeat the shocking process and add more algaecide as needed.
Bonus Tip: Use a Pool Clarifier
If your pool water remains cloudy after swimming pool green algae removal, consider using a pool clarifier. Clarifiers help to bind small particles together, making it easier for the filter to remove them. This can significantly speed up the process of clearing up green pool water.
Additional Tips for Preventing Algae in the Future
Once you’ve successfully fixed a green swimming pool, you’ll want to take steps to prevent algae from returning. Here are a few tips to maintain clean, algae-free water:
| Tip | Description |
| Maintain Proper Pool Chemistry | Regularly test your pool water and ensure your pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels are balanced. |
| Ensure Proper Filtration | Keep your pool filter running at least 8-12 hours a day to ensure proper circulation. Stagnant water is a perfect breeding ground for algae. |
| Brush and Vacuum Regularly | Brush the pool walls and floor weekly, and vacuum as needed to prevent algae buildup. |
| Use a Pool Cover | If you’re not using the pool, cover it to limit exposure to sunlight and debris, both of which encourage algae growth. |
| Use Preventative Algaecide | Adding a small dose of algaecide every month can help prevent algae growth, especially in areas prone to algae blooms. |
Conclusion
Dealing with a green pool doesn’t have to be stressful. By following these steps to fix a green pool, you can quickly get your pool back to a clean and safe state. Regular maintenance and water testing are key to preventing future algae problems, so always keep an eye on your pool’s chemical balance. With the right approach, you can enjoy clear, algae-free water all season long.
If you’re looking for a professional solution to remove green algae from a pool, consider contacting experts in swimming pool green algae removal like Green Pool Cleaning, who can provide expert care and maintenance to keep your pool pristine.