If you’re considering whether or not you should install a pool at home, then you’re not alone! The truth is, more and more homes are being built with pools, but you’ll need to know how to fix some common problems or your pool could turn into a big headache really quickly. One such problem is your pool turning an unsightly green color. We’ll take a look at some of the common problems pool owners face that cause green swimming pools along with typical fixes.
Why is my pool water green?
While pools can help to add some amount of luxury to your life, exposure to heat, heavy rain, or poor circulation as well the presence of algae, can cause it to have a green look.
Pool water turning green may be caused by a number of factors, and some of these are described below.
1. Inadequate chlorine
The chlorine level in a pool should be anywhere between two and four parts per million. A chlorine test can also be done to check your levels and ensure that a healthy ratio is maintained. If at any point it is revealed that your pool contains a lower number, then more chlorine should be added.
2. Cyanuric Acid
Too little chlorine usually means too much cyanuric acid. As you will see, inaccurate proportions can really impact the cleanliness of your pool. Cyanuric Acid or CYA is also known as a stabilizer and water conditioner that can be used to prevent chlorine degradation in sunlight.
In general, Cyanuric Acid should be about 30-50 million parts per million and anything greater than this can really affect the color of your pool.
3. pH Level
As you have probably noticed, pool maintenance requires a bit of precision and accurate quantities when it comes to chemicals. Just like in the case of chlorine and CYA, the pH of the pool has to be at a particular level. Otherwise, it will cause chlorine to become largely inactive.
Regular pH checks are extremely important in order to ensure that your pool has the ideal pH level of 7.0 and 7.6. Not only can this impact the color of your water, if you get below 7 or above 8 with your measurements, you risk harming swimmers with burning eyes or skin rashes.
“My pool is green, what do I do?”
Now that you’re familiar with the role of chlorine, cyanuric acid, and pH level in pool maintenance, you might be able to answer your own question of, “Why is my pool green?” The next thing you’ll need to do is find ways to make your pool aesthetically pleasing and healthy once again.
The transition your pool goes through from the crisp shade of blue as the sky reflects, to a very nasty green color can be attributed to the presence of algae. The shade of green is often dependent on just how much algae is present but generally, they develop when the appropriate pool water testing has not been carried out. The good news is, regardless of the reason for your pool turning green, there are many ways to deal with this issue and get your pool to reflect its lovely shade of blue once more!
What follows are some methods you can use when you need to figure out how to clean a green pool fast.
1. Keep your pool clean
Getting dirt and debris in your pool is unavoidable. However, if these items are not appropriately disposed of, it might increase the algae in your pool. In order to resolve this issue and ensure that your pool is kept clean at all times, the waste can be vacuumed. You can do this manually, or you can use newer robotic vacuums that crawl around the pool cleaning as they go. Make sure you set up your vacuum to waste – which means you bypass the filter so algae doesn’t flow back into the pool.
2. Regular water tests
Making regular checks on the pH, chlorine, and CYA levels is a very fundamental aspect of pool maintenance. By using a few strips to test the pH and alkaline level of the pool, you’ll be able to act accordingly to adjust the levels and resolve any potential issues.
3. Shock it
Pool shock can be purchased from any pool supply store. This product contains high levels of chlorine, and two treatments will typically kill off excess algae and get you back on the path to the sparkly clean water you love.
4. Run the filter
Especially after you’ve shocked your pool, you’re going to want to run your filter for at least 24 hours to make sure you remove all the dead algae. It may take even longer depending on how much algae had formed but keep running your filter until your water is clear again. If you want to speed up the clearing process a bit, you can also use a pool clarifier – a chemical that will speed the clarification process along.
Once you’ve mastered the art of pool chemicals and keeping your water clear, you can move on to other important items like outfitting your pool with top quality accessories. When you do, be sure to check out the American-made products from Global Pool Products. Our pool handrails, ladders, slides, and lifts can make your pool more accessible and more fun for you and your guests.