Why Your Pool is Turning Green & How to Fix It

Why Your Pool is Turning Green & How to Fix It

Why Your Pool is Turning Green & How to Fix It


A sparkling, blue pool is every pool owner's dream, yet a green pool can turn that dream into a nightmare. If your pool water has taken on a greenish hue, you're not alone—this is a common issue that plagues many pool owners. But what causes this unsightly transformation, how can you fix it, and more importantly, how can you prevent it? This comprehensive guide will explain everything you need to know about green pools.

If DIY efforts seem overwhelming or if you’re looking for expert assistance, Pure & Simple Poolcare in Orlando, FL offers professional pool services designed to keep your swimming pool crystal-clear year-round.

Why Does Your Pool Turn Green?

A green pool is a sign that something is off. Here are the common culprits behind the algae bloom taking over your pool water.

1. Poor Chlorine Levels

Chlorine is the unsung hero of pool maintenance. It kills harmful bacteria and prevents algae growth. Without the right amount of chlorine, your pool becomes the ideal breeding ground for algae, causing the water to turn green. Insufficient chlorine levels often result from neglect, overuse of the pool, or heavy rainfall diluting the chemicals.

2. Unbalanced pH and Alkalinity

Your pool's water chemistry plays a crucial role in keeping it clean and clear. High pH levels or imbalanced alkalinity reduce the effectiveness of chlorine, allowing algae to flourish.

3. Clogged or Inefficient Filtration System

A well-functioning filtration system circulates water and removes debris, keeping your pool clean. If your pool's filter is clogged or not running long enough each day, it won’t effectively remove debris and algae spores, leading to murky, green water.

4. Presence of Phosphates

Phosphates enter the pool through runoff, fertilizers, or swimmer residue like sweat and sunscreen. These nutrients serve as food for algae, significantly accelerating its growth.

5. Heavy Rainfall or Debris

If you live in Orlando, FL, you know that frequent rain showers can wash dirt, leaves, and other debris into your pool. This debris can introduce organic matter and phosphates, feeding algae and contributing to green water.

How to Fix a Green Pool

Fixing a green pool isn’t impossible with the right approach. Here’s how you can restore your pool to its former glory step by step.

Step 1 – Test the Water

Before taking action, test your pool’s water chemistry using a pool test kit or strips. Focus on chlorine levels, pH, and alkalinity. Low chlorine and high pH or phosphate levels are often the main culprits.

Step 2 – Shock the Pool

Shocking your pool means adding a large dose of chlorine to your water to kill algae and bacteria. Follow the instructions on the shock product and ensure your filtration system is running while you apply it.

Pro tip: Use a calcium hypochlorite-based shock for heavy algae blooms. For smaller issues, try a non-chlorine shock.

Step 3 – Brush and Vacuum the Pool

Even after shocking the pool, dead algae and debris won’t magically disappear. Use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floors thoroughly. Afterward, vacuum the pool to remove everything.

Step 4 – Keep the Filter Running

Your filter is your best friend during this process. Run it continuously for at least 48-72 hours to properly circulate water and remove remaining algae. Make sure to clean or backwash the filter thoroughly since it might get clogged with debris.

Step 5 – Retest the Water

Once your pool clears up, retest the water chemistry. Adjust the pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels to maintain the perfect balance and keep algae from returning.

If your pool remains green or you’re facing recurring issues, consider scheduling a professional service with Pure & Simple Poolcare. We offer reliable pool services across Orlando, FL, so you can sit back and enjoy your pool without the hassle.

How to Prevent Green Pool Water

1. Maintain Consistent Chlorine Levels

Make it a habit to check chlorine levels regularly, especially during the hot summer months or rainy seasons common in Orlando. A chlorine level of 1-3 ppm is ideal to prevent algae from growing.

2. Clean the Pool Weekly

Keep your pool debris-free by skimming, brushing, and vacuuming it weekly. Regular maintenance keeps organic matter from piling up and feeding algae growth.

3. Balance the Water Chemistry

Monitor and balance your pool water's pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. Aim for these ranges for optimal results:

  • pH levels between 7.4 - 7.6
  • Alkalinity between 80 - 120 ppm
  • Calcium hardness between 200 - 400 ppm

4. Run Your Filtration System Longer

During the summer or frequent use, run your filtration system for at least 8-12 hours daily. Proper water circulation prevents stagnation and aids in removing algae spores.

5. Use Algaecides and Phosphate Removers

Adding algaecides weekly helps deter algae growth. Similarly, phosphate removers can eliminate algae’s primary food source, preventing blooms before they start.

6. Schedule Regular Professional Maintenance

Sometimes, there’s no substitute for professional expertise. Scheduled services with Pure & Simple Poolcare ensure your pool stays in tip-top condition year-round.

Why Choose Pure & Simple Poolcare?

Maintaining a pool can be stressful, especially if you’re not sure where to start. That’s where Pure & Simple Poolcare, Orlando’s leading pool service provider, comes in.

We offer:

  • Expert Care: Years of experience handling complicated pool issues, so you don’t have to!
  • Tailored Solutions: Services customized to your specific needs, ensuring you get the most from your pool.
  • Convenience: We tackle the toughest green pool problems to free up your time.
  • Free Estimates: No-obligation quotes so you can make the best choice for your property.

Contact Pure & Simple Poolcare Today

If your pool is green and refuse to clear up despite your best efforts, it’s time to call in the experts. Pure & Simple Poolcare specializes in professional pool service in Orlando, FL, and is ready to help you restore your pool to pristine condition.

Leave the hassle to us! Contact us today for a free estimate and enjoy worry-free swimming.