Why Is My Pool Green?

Have you noticed your pool water turning green? This is likely due to an overgrowth of algae in the water. Algae can flourish quickly, especially during hot weather, catching you off guard overnight. The cause of this is usually an imbalance or insufficient amount of chlorine in the water. Chlorine is a powerful sanitiser, but if its levels drop for even a day, it can trigger an algae outbreak. Therefore, monitoring your pool's chlorine levels frequently is crucial to avoid any unpleasant surprises.

Your pool may have varying levels of cloudiness due to dead algae. Once your pool is clear, it's recommended to test for phosphates and use the appropriate dosage of Phosphate Remover to prevent algae from coming back. To prevent potential issues, keep your pool clean by monitoring these factors:

1. Little or no chlorine in the pool

If there is little to no chlorine in your pool, it can lead to the growth of bacteria and algae, causing the water to turn green. To prevent this, it's recommended to test the water and balance the chemicals to ensure proper levels. If you need help with this, you can consult a pool professional.

2. Chlorine bound by chloramines

Another issue that can arise is when the chlorine in the pool is bound by chloramines, which are chemical byproducts that accumulate when the water is not treated with enough chlorine. To address this problem, you can perform a chlorine shock treatment after testing the water. The amount of chlorine needed will vary based on the pool size and other factors, so it's best to seek advice from a pool pro for more information.

3. pH Value too high

The pH level in your swimming pool may be too high, which means the water is more alkaline than it should be. Several factors, including weather, oils, dirt, and cosmetics, can contribute to this issue as they come into contact with the pool water. When the pH level is too high, the chlorine in the pool becomes less effective. To fix this problem, test your pool water and balance the chemicals to adjust the pH value.

4. Not enough cyanuric acid (CYA)

If your pool lacks adequate cyanuric acid(CYA), it is at risk of chlorine evaporation due to the sun. CYA acts as a water conditioner and is often called "sunscreen for chlorine". To remedy this issue, it's advisable to test your pool water and balance your chemicals accordingly.

5. Not enough circulation/filtration time

Insufficient circulation and filtration time can lead to an unclean pool. Proper circulation helps distribute the chemicals added to the water, much like stirring cream and sugar, into a cup of coffee. Generally, it's recommended to run the pool pump for every 3.77 degrees of air temperature. For example, if it's 37 degrees outside, the pool pump should run for at least 10 hours daily. To ensure optimal pool maintenance, adjust circulation time based on weather patterns and how frequently the pool is used.

To ensure proper maintenance of your pool, consider using a calendar or setting reminders on your phone. If you already have enough things to keep an eye on, you can hire a pool technician to vacuum your pool, check chemical levels, and clean your filters regularly. If your pool turns green, it's best to seek advice from an expert to ensure you are using the right products to treat it. Although treating the issue is not complicated, it's important to take the necessary steps to restore your pool to its normal state.