Dealing with a Green Pool: Causes and Solutions
If you're facing a green pool, it's likely due to an algae bloom and bacteria growth, making the water unsafe for swimming. This can happen for several reasons, including improper filtration, incorrect pH balance, and high phosphate levels. Below, we break down the causes and provide a step-by-step guide to restoring your pool to a clear, inviting state.
Common Causes of a Green Pool
1. Improper Filtration
The filter system is essential for removing debris, including algae, from the pool. Domestic swimming pools typically use either media filters or cartridge filters:
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Media Filters: These can use sand or glass media. In a sand filter, water is pumped through sand, which captures debris and algae. Sand should be replaced every 4-5 years for optimal performance. Glass filters function similarly but are more effective at trapping fine particles and typically need replacement every 8-10 years, depending on manufacturer recommendations.
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Cartridge Filters: These use corrugated paper or polyester cloth to separate pollutants from the water. If a filter becomes clogged with debris or contaminants, it will not function correctly, allowing algae to flourish and turn your pool green.
2. Incorrect pH Balance
Maintaining the correct pH balance is crucial. A healthy pool should have a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8.
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High pH Levels: These make chlorine less effective, allowing algae and bacteria to grow, leading to a green pool.
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Low pH Levels: This turns the water acidic, which can corrode metal and plastic pool components.
3. High Phosphate Levels
Phosphates act as a food source for algae. High phosphate levels can increase chlorine demand and lead to algae blooms. Phosphates can enter your pool through rain, runoff, pets, or sunscreen lotions. Poolcare Ltd can test your water for phosphates and advise you on the best removal methods.
How to Restore Your Pool Water
Restoring your green pool to its original state requires a thorough approach and often several chemical treatments. Here's a step-by-step process:
1. Check Filtration System
Ensure your filter is functioning correctly and running for the appropriate amount of time (e.g., 2 hours per day in winter and 8 hours in summer). If it isn't performing well, seek professional help.
2. Test Your Water
If your pool is discoloured due to low chlorine or imbalanced water, bring a sample of your pool water to Poolcare for testing. Collect around one cup of water from elbow depth, away from jets, and bring it in within an hour of collection. We'll test the water balance and recommend the appropriate chemicals to rebalance and remove algae.
3. Treat with Chemicals
If needed, treat your pool with large quantities of algaecide and chlorine. This should kill off the algae within 24 hours, provided you follow our instructions closely. Using a phosphate remover can also help eliminate phosphates present in the water.
4. Seek Professional Help if Necessary
If the pool remains green even after chemical treatment, it’s time to call in a professional pool expert to help resolve the issue.
A Step-by-Step Guide to Cleaning a Green Pool
1. Assess the Situation: Determine the severity of the algae problem—whether it's just a slight green tint or a heavily contaminated pool.
2. Safety Precautions: Always wear gloves and goggles when handling pool chemicals.
3. Remove Debris: Use a skimmer or net to remove leaves, twigs, and any large debris from the pool.
4. Brush the Walls and Floor: Scrub algae off the pool's walls, steps, and floor to loosen it and make it easier to remove.
5. Vacuum the Pool: Use a pool vacuum to clean up any algae settled on the bottom of the pool.
6. Adjust pH and Alkalinity Levels: Use a testing kit to check the pool's pH and alkalinity levels, and adjust as necessary.
7. Shock the Pool: Apply a suitable pool shock treatment to kill off bacteria, algae, and other contaminants.
8. Circulate the Water: Turn on your pool pump and filter to help distribute the chemicals and aid in the filtration process.
9. Monitor and Repeat if Needed: Keep an eye on the water's clarity and chemical levels, and repeat treatments if necessary.
10. Backwash and Clean the Filter: Once the water begins to clear, backwash or clean your pool filter as per the manufacturer’s instructions to ensure it functions efficiently.
Need Immediate Help?
Dealing with a green pool can be challenging, but with the right approach, it can be restored to a sparkling, healthy state. If you're struggling with a green pool, call Poolcare Ltd at 07 575 8471, and we can help return your pool to crystal-clear condition as quickly as possible.
