How To Clean A Green Pool Effectively

When you decide to install a pool in your backyard, you probably expected to have clean and clear water all the time. You may have already found out that it is not always going to happen.

Hopefully, you are inspecting your pool daily. If so, you may see that your pool water is becoming cloudy, or you may see a little green.

If you are away for a time, when you come back and look at your pool, it may be covered entirely. Why this may be alarming, this article will explain how to clean a green pool to get it back to its crystal clean appearance. 

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Why is My Pool Green?

Algae is the culprit for turning your pool green. It is the only reason why it is green. If the green is a light color, the algae have just started.

When you have a deeper green color, it means that you have a bigger algae bloom and a more significant problem. Green algae grow when you have low levels of chlorine or sanitizer. 

How to Clean a Green Pool

If you follow these five steps, you can kill the algae and have a clear pool in under a week. 

Step One – Brush the Walls and Floor of the Pool

Using a telescopic pole and a pool brush, you want to scrub any surface to which the algae is clinging carefully. These surfaces may include the steps, walls, and floor.

You want to remove the algae from all surfaces and get it floating in the pool. Removing it from the surfaces allows the chlorine in the water to kill it.

When your pool is made of concrete, you should use an algae brush. Algae will cling to all surfaces because they are stubborn and tough. 

Step Two – Test Levels

Next, you want to test the pH and alkalinity levels in your pool. You can use test strips or a liquid test kit. They will both work sufficiently.

You want the alkalinity level to be between 100 parts per million and 150 parts per million. The pH level of your water should be somewhere between 7.4 and 7.6.

If either of these numbers is on the low side, that is ok. You will take care of that in the next step.

If either of these numbers is too high, you want to bring them down to where they should be. Therefore, you want to adjust the alkalinity first using a proper guide. Then, test the water again.

When you adjust the alkalinity, it should also adjust your pH and get it into the proper range. If it does not, you should then adjust your pH using a guide. 

It is essential that you adjust both the pH and alkalinity to appropriate levels because it allows the shock treatment to be the most effective.

If the levels are too high or too low, it may not be enough to kill the algae. You can choose to test the levels before you brush the algae if you would like. It does not have any impact on your ability to kill the algae. 

Step Three – Time to Shock the Pool

The magic to kill the algae happens in this step. The shock used for a pool has a high amount of chlorine that kills algae and sanitizes your pool.

You want to be sure to use shock with a minimum of 70 percent chlorine, which is always referred to as calcium hypochlorite. 

If you typically use non-chlorine shock, you have to use shock with chlorine to kill the algae. For example, you want to shock your pool in the evening.

The amount of shock you need depends on the color of the algae. When you do not have a green pool, you will use one pound of shock for 10,000 gallons of water. 

If the water in your pool is teal green, it means you have small or new algae blooms, and you need two times the amount of shock.

If you have dark green water, it means that there is a significant amount of algae growth, and you need three times the shock.

Finally, if the water is black green, it contains the most challenging algae to kill and needs four times the amount of shock. 

Step Four – Run the Filter

Once you have shocked your pool at night, you want to then run your filter overnight for a minimum of eight hours.

If you can, run your filter 24 hours every day until the water is clear. Running the filter constantly helps your water clear faster. 

It is essential to backwash your filtering system when it needs it. If your pool is still green the next morning, you want to shock it again the next night.

In the morning, the water should begin to look cloudy blue. That is where you want to get to with the water. This means that you killed all the algae. At this point, you can use a pool clarifier to help clear the pool faster.

Keep in mind, if you use a clarifier, you should still run the filter for another 24 hours at a minimum. This helps to remove the dead algae from your water. In addition, running the filter helps to remove the shock.

Step Five – One Last Test

Once you have removed all the green from your water and it appears cloudy or clear, you can test it one more time.

In addition to testing alkalinity and pH, you should test chlorine levels and calcium hardness.

This is the point where you want to add chemicals to balance them. Once the numbers are where they should be, you can use the pool.

FAQs about Cleaning a Green Pool

What is the fastest way to clean a green pool? 

The fastest way to clean a green pool is to clean it, scrub all of the pool surfaces, get the chemical levels in the right place, and then shock the pool. 

How do I get my green pool water clear? 

When you want to know how to clean a green pool, you want to ensure that you have the proper chemical levels. When the chlorine levels are not correct, that can also cause your pool water to turn green. You must also remove the food source for the algae by skimming the pool. 

Is it safe to get in a green pool to clean it? 

It is not the best idea to get into the pool when it is green. You could get sick from being in a pool with algae. You could also get a bacterial infection on your skin by getting into a green pool.

How long does it take to clear a green pool?

It could take anywhere from three to five days to get your pool from green to clear water. 

More FAQs

Why is my pool still green after shocking it?

If your pool is still green after shocking it, it is possible that algae were not the cause or that your cleaning process may not have been thorough enough.

Will baking soda clear a green pool?

Baking soda will not clear a green pool. It only increases alkalinity and pH levels, which does not effectively eliminate algae. Algae can be effectively eliminated by using chlorine.

Does baking soda remove green from pool?

Baking soda does not remove green from pool.

How do I fix my green pool overnight?

To fix a green pool overnight, you can start by balancing the pH and shocking the water with chlorine. It is also important to inspect the filtration system for any issues or malfunctions. Additionally, brushing the walls and floor of the pool will help dislodge the algae into the water. Afterward, backwash the filter and return the valve to the filter position before turning on the pump.

How many days does it take to clear a green pool?

It takes approximately 3 to 4 days to clear a green pool by raising the chlorine level and maintaining it at a high level until all the algae is dead. It is also important to run the filter 24 hours a day during this process.

How do I get my pool from green to blue?

To transform the question into a statement: “To change the color of your pool from green to blue, you should follow these steps:”Rephrased answer: “Start by removing any leaves and debris from the pool. Then, clean the pump and filter to ensure proper circulation. Vacuum the pool thoroughly to remove any remaining dirt or algae. Next, add chlorine to the water to sanitize and restore clarity. Scoop out any floating debris and continue vacuuming as needed. Finally, establish a regular maintenance routine to keep your pool water clean and blue.”

How do you dissolve green algae in a pool?

To dissolve green algae in a pool, one can effectively eliminate it by applying a flocculent and administering a shock treatment. Vigorously shocking the pool will help eliminate suspended algae. It is recommended to add enough shock to turn the pool water into a blue/grey color. The target is to achieve 30 ppm of free chlorine, which typically requires approximately 2 to 5 kg of shock for every 10,000 gallons of pool water.

How long does shock take to clear pool?

The time it takes for shock to clear a pool can vary, but rest assured that your treatment is not in vain. The natural microorganisms responsible for the process require some time to work effectively. Typically, it can take anywhere from 12 to 24 hours for the pool water to become clear, which is much quicker compared to using harsh chemicals that may take a couple of days.

What home remedy can I use to clean my green pool?

To clean a green pool, you can use a home remedy such as household borax. Similar to how baking soda can treat black algae, borax works effectively against blue and green algae. By using borax to scrub the algae clinging to your pool walls and then using a brush to dislodge it, you can effectively remove the algae. Afterwards, you can either vacuum or scoop out the free-floating algae.

How do you clean a green pool without emptying it?

The answer to the question “How do you clean a green pool without emptying it?” can be rephrased as follows: To clean a green pool without emptying it, a no-drain acid wash method can be used. In this method, the water in the pool is retained. Instead of spraying the walls and floor of the pool, the pH level of the water is lowered to create an acidic environment with no alkalinity. The next step involves manually scrubbing the surfaces of the pool to remove its outer layer.

Will chlorine fix a green pool?

Restated question: Can chlorine effectively treat a green pool?Rephrased answer: Chlorine is essential for treating green pool water caused by algae. It is recommended to use chlorine for initial treatment and follow up with a second shock treatment for best results, particularly if the water is extremely cloudy. To ensure optimal clarity, run the pool filters until the water becomes clear.

How long does it take for a green pool to clear up?

It takes approximately 3 to 4 days for a green pool to clear up by raising the chlorine level and maintaining it at a high level until all the algae is eliminated. It is important to run the filter continuously for 24 hours a day and consistently maintain the elevated chlorine level.

Is a green pool safe to swim in?

A green pool is not safe to swim in due to the presence of algae, which can promote the growth of harmful bacteria like E. Coli. Opting to swim in a pool with algae increases the chances of developing a rash, infection, or illness.

Should I drain my pool if the water is green?

You should drain your pool if the water is green. The green color is a result of Algae blooms, which occur when there is not enough chlorine to prevent them. This happens because the chlorine loses its potency due to a chemical imbalance or the lack thereof.

How much shock is needed to clear a green pool?

The amount of shock needed to clear a green pool depends on the level of algae present in the water. If the pool water is green or dark green, indicating a medium amount of algae, you will need to triple shock your pool. To triple shock, you should use 3 pounds of shock for every 10,000 gallons of pool water.

Is chlorine or shock better for green pools?

Chlorine is more effective than shock for treating green pools. It is necessary to use chlorine to eliminate algae and restore the water clarity. For best results, it is recommended to perform a second shock treatment, especially if the water is extremely murky. Keep the pool filters running until the water becomes clear.

Can you put too much chlorine in a green pool?

Restated question: Putting too much chlorine in a green pool, can it be harmful?Rephrased answer: When the chlorine levels are properly balanced, it effectively prevents algae growth and keeps the pool water clear. However, if there is an insufficient amount of chlorine, the water may gradually turn green as the algae multiply. It is important to exercise caution as excessive chlorine in the pool water can lead to the oxidation of metals and result in a different shade of green for the pool.

Can too much shock turns pool green?

Too much shock can cause a pool to turn green when there are metals like copper present in the water. The high levels of chlorine in the shock oxidize these metals, resulting in the green color of the pool water. To restore the pool water, it is recommended to add a metal control product like Zodiac Metal Remover.

Do I add chlorine or shock first?

The answer to the question “Do I add chlorine or shock first?” is that it is not recommended to add them together. This is because combining chlorine and shock renders both of them ineffective. Therefore, it is advisable to first shock the pool and wait until the chlorine levels drop below 5 PPM before introducing algaecide for optimal results.

What happens if you put too much shock in a pool?

If you put too much shock in a pool, the high level of chlorine can effectively eliminate unwanted organisms, but it may also result in cloudy water and a strong chlorine odor. If you notice any of these signs, it is advisable to cease shocking your pool and seek assistance from a professional.

Is pool shock the same as chlorine?

Pool shock is not the same as chlorine. You may wonder if you need to use both. Chlorine is essential for keeping your pool clean and clear, unless you use Baquacil products. It acts as a sanitizer and is necessary for maintaining a healthy pool. On the other hand, shock is a high dose of chlorine specifically designed to quickly raise the chlorine level in your pool.

Do you run the pump when shocking pool?

The pump should be running when shocking the pool. Pour the mixture from the bucket into the water around the edges of the pool and let the pump run for approximately 6 hours or longer. Afterward, test the water and wait for the free chlorine levels to decrease to 1 – 3 ppm before using the pool.

What is the cheapest way to clean a green pool?

The cheapest way to clean a green pool is by using baking soda. It can also be applied to your concrete or stone pool deck. Cleaning your pool naturally, this method is likely the simplest and most cost-effective. Additionally, baking soda can raise your pool’s alkalinity, and it is much more affordable compared to other alkalinity increasers.

Does chlorine fix a green pool?

Statement: Chlorine is necessary to fix a green pool.Rephrased answer: Chlorine is essential for treating green pool water caused by algae, even if you usually use non-chlorinated shock. For best results, it is recommended to repeat the treatment with a second shock, especially if the water was extremely murky.

What is a homemade remedy for green pool?

A homemade remedy for a green pool is to use household borax to treat blue and green algae. You can scrub the algae off the pool walls with borax and a brush, and then remove it by vacuuming or scooping it out.

Will vinegar clear a green pool?

Vinegar can be effective in clearing a green pool as it can eliminate mineral deposits, enhance the appearance of metal surfaces, clean the pool filter, and eliminate algae and other unwanted growth. To achieve these results, a vinegar solution combined with a scrub brush can be used, while undiluted vinegar can be applied for more stubborn stains.

How long does it take to get algae out of pool?

It takes up to three days to get algae out of a pool by shocking it with chlorine. It is advisable to consult a pool professional to determine the appropriate amount of shock to use for your specific pool.

Will Clorox bleach clear a green pool?

Clorox bleach can prevent algae growth in a green pool when used according to the recommended protocol. By super-chlorinating the pool with 6-12 cups of bleach per 5,000 gallons of water, in addition to regular chlorination, the growth of algae can be prevented.

How do I get the green out of my pool without a pump?

To remove the green color from your pool without using a pump, you can rely on your pool brush. By scrubbing the sides and bottom of the pool, you can effectively reduce or prevent the growth of algae. Additionally, this brushing action will create movement and circulation in the water, which helps to maintain a consistent level of chlorine throughout the pool.