Tips for Getting the Green Out of Your Pool

From time to time, every pool owner is likely going to experience the dreaded green water. This problem can be caused by all kinds of reasons, but one of the most common causes is water that you’ve allowed to get too dirty. The good news is that there is a simple method you can try to clear up the issue (and your water!) yourself.

Simple Steps to Crystal Clear Water

Start by removing any large, visible debris, like leaves or dead bugs, from the water using a net. Don’t panic if this stirs the water up and makes it look worse. It’s only temporary, and removing these big items now will prevent clogs and other issues that can lead to even more problems.

From there, go ahead and test your water for pH and alkalinity, bringing the levels back to the proper amounts. These will vary based on the size of your pool and other factors. If you’re not sure where your levels should be, you’ll need to seek professional help with this step.

Your next move is to shock the pool with extra chlorination. This will get rid of bacteria and algae. For minor problems, the water will clear up quickly. If your issue is more serious, you will need to repeat the shocking process each day until the water changes to that desired clear color. You can buy pre-made shock solutions to speed up the process.

Once the water looks better, run your filter non-stop for a few days. You should also backwash three or more times per day. This method should clear up your pool within no more than five days. If it doesn’t, then you could have a problem with your filter or some other issue that will require professional assistance.

Keep it Clean!

If you’re fortunate enough to have this method work for you, keep your water looking great through regular pool maintenance. You can either hire someone to care for your pool, or you can do it yourself. Just commit to skimming out large debris daily and vacuuming your pool every other day or so. Regular upkeep should keep that green water problem from coming back!