Why is My Pool Green & How to Fix it?

There’s nothing worse than getting ready for a refreshing dip in your backyard pool only to notice that the water has turned green.

There are a whole host of reasons why this might be the case, but green water tends to be a sign of a chemical imbalance and means it is unsafe to swim in. 

If you’re wondering why your pool water has turned green, you’ve come to the right place. At Backyard Paradise Luxury Pools, we’re experts in pool maintenance and in this article, we’ll explain why your swimming pool may have turned green and how you can fix it. 

Why is my pool green?

Your swimming pool is likely to turn green if there is a chemical imbalance. Usually, this will be if the chlorine is too low or the phosphorus is too high. Sometimes, higher pH levels will also not allow the chlorine to perform effectively. 

Other potential causes of green pool water include:

• Algae growth
• Pollen in the water
• Poor water circulation
• A broken filter

The cloudiness of the green water could also determine the cause of the problem. For example, if the water is green and cloudy then it is a sign algae may be a persistent problem, whereas clear green water indicates a chemical imbalance.   

How to fix a green pool fast?

If your pool water has turned green, it’s important to address the issue as soon as possible in order to ensure the water is safe to swim in.

Some of the quickest ways to restore your water to a suitable condition include:

Test your pool’s pH levels 

If the pool’s pH is too high, it will prevent the chlorine from effectively sanitizing your water. This can cause algae and bacteria to grow, which may turn the water green. Pool water should have a pH level of between 7 and 7.6. You can use testing strips to check the pH level and acid products to lower the alkalinity to a suitable level. 

Shock the pool water

Green water could also suggest that the chlorine level is too low. Chlorine needs to be between 1.0 ppm and 3.0 ppm to work effectively, and you can purchase chlorine shock treatments to restore the water chemistry to a suitable level.

Brush the pool’s floors and walls

If algae build-up is the main reason why your pool water has turned green, then you should consider giving your pool a thorough clean. Use a stiff brush to remove any algae stains from the pool’s floors and walls, and vacuum the bottom and the sides to remove any that may have grown. 

Clean pool filters 

If your pool’s filters are not working properly, it can cause algae and bacteria to thrive in the pool water, turning it green. Sometimes, slime from the algae may also have gotten into the filters which prevents them from working effectively. 

If this is the case for yours, take some time to clean them. If they still don’t seem to be working properly, you should consider calling for professional support. 

How can I prevent my pool from turning green in the future?

Undoubtedly the best way to stop your pool’s water from turning green is to regularly maintain it as this will ensure it stays in the best of health. 

It’s recommended that pool maintenance takes place on a weekly basis, but at Backyard Paradise Luxury Pools we understand that this can be a lot of work for people who just want to enjoy taking a dip every now and again.

This is why we offer a weekly pool maintenance service that will take care of vacuuming and brushing, water chemistry, equipment inspections, and much more on your behalf. 

For more information on this, as well as our other leading pool services, get in touch with our team today.