How to Clean a Green Pool After Heavy Rain

After a heavy downpour, it’s not uncommon for a crystal-clear pool to turn an uninviting shade of green. Rainwater can introduce dirt, debris, and algae spores into your pool, while also diluting chlorine levels and disrupting water chemistry. The result? A green, murky mess that needs immediate attention. In this guide, we’ll walk you through how to clean a green pool after heavy rain and restore it to swim-ready condition.

Why Your Pool Turns Green After Rain

A green pool after a storm is a common issue for pool owners. Rainwater can be slightly acidic and often carries contaminants like leaves, soil, and phosphates—all of which contribute to algae growth. Worse still, heavy rainfall can dilute the chlorine and alter the pH and alkalinity of your water, making it harder for sanitisers to do their job.

When the chemical balance is off, and the pool is filled with organic material, algae find the perfect opportunity to bloom. If your pool turned green after rain, you’re dealing with the result of that imbalance and contamination. The good news? With the right steps, it’s fully recoverable.

Step-by-Step Guide: Green Pool After Storm Cleanup

Cleaning a green pool after rain may seem overwhelming, but a structured approach can restore clarity within days. Here’s what to do:

Remove Surface Debris

Start by skimming the pool to remove any visible debris like leaves, branches, insects, and dirt. This prevents organic material from decomposing and feeding algae.

Brush the Pool Walls and Floor

Algae tend to cling to the pool’s surfaces. Use a stiff pool brush to thoroughly scrub the walls, steps, and floor. This breaks up biofilm and helps sanitizer penetrate where it’s needed.

Test and Balance Water Chemistry

Use a pool water test kit to check the chemical levels. After a storm, the pH often drops and chlorine becomes too diluted to be effective. You should aim for:

• pH: 7.2 – 7.6
• Free Chlorine: 1 – 3 ppm
• Total Alkalinity: 80 – 120 ppm

Adjust these levels before shocking the pool. Correct water balance ensures chlorine works efficiently to kill algae.

Shock the Pool

Shocking the pool is essential for eliminating algae and bacteria. Use a chlorine shock treatment and add enough to raise chlorine levels to at least 10 ppm. It’s best to shock your pool in the evening so that the sun doesn’t burn off the chlorine. Make sure the pump is running to circulate the shock evenly.

Run the Filter Continuously

Let your pool filter run non-stop for at least 24 to 48 hours after shocking. This helps remove dead algae and restores water clarity. Clean or backwash your filter frequently during this process, especially if water flow is reduced.

Vacuum to Waste

If algae have settled at the bottom of the pool, use a manual vacuum and set it to “waste” mode. This prevents dead algae from cycling back into the pool through the filter.

Re-Test and Adjust as Needed

Once the water starts to clear, retest the pool’s chemistry. Adjust chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels if needed. In stubborn cases, a second round of shocking and brushing may be necessary.

How Much Pool Shock Should You Use?

Here’s a general guideline for shock dosage when treating a green pool:

Always refer to the manufacturer’s instructions on your specific shock product, and wear protective gear when handling chemicals.

How to Prevent a Green Pool After Rainfall

Prevention is key to avoiding repeat cleanups. By taking a few precautions before and after a storm, you can save time, money, and frustration.

• Add shock before storms: Prevent algae growth by boosting chlorine levels in advance.
• Use a pool cover: Keeps out rainwater, dirt, and debris.
• Run your pump during and after rain: Maintains circulation and prevents stagnation.
• Clean up immediately post-storm: Remove debris and test water as soon as the rain stops.
• Regular chemical testing: Monitor chlorine and pH levels weekly, and more frequently during storm season.
• Maintain landscaping: Trim trees and bushes to reduce leaf litter and organic contamination.

These proactive steps reduce the chances of needing another green pool after storm cleanup session in the future.

When to Call Green Pool Cleaning

If you’ve followed these steps but your pool is still green, cloudy, or unbalanced, it might be time to call in the professionals. At Green Pool Cleaning, we specialize in deep-cleaning green pools, correcting chemical imbalances, and restoring safe swimming conditions.

Our certified pool technicians can diagnose underlying issues like poor filtration or stubborn algae blooms, saving you time, money, and frustration. Whether your green pool is mild or severe, we’ll take care of it quickly with proven methods and commercial-grade treatments.

Conclusion

Knowing how to clean a green pool after heavy rain is essential for every pool owner. The sooner you act, the easier the recovery process will be. By removing debris, adjusting chemicals, shocking the water, and maintaining circulation, you can reclaim your pool and restore its beauty within a few days.

If you’re overwhelmed or short on time, let Green Pool Cleaning take care of the hard work for you. With years of experience, top-rated service, and a focus on customer satisfaction, we’re your trusted partner in green pool recovery—rain or shine.