No pool owner would want to see a green pool, with them, this is a case that must be solved immediately. Most of them will have questions like, why is my pool green but chlorine is high, and a lot more. Even though this is a common scenario for some, new pool owners might still be in shocked and wonder why such a thing happened.
If this happens to you, you do not have to panic, there are measures to take to be able to solve the problem and turn your dilemma into a good thing. There are also reasons why it has happened, and these points must be understood well to make the situation solvable. Let us know more as we get along the article.
Part 1. What Are The Reasons To My Green Pool?
There must be valid reasons as to why is my pool green but chlorine is high scenario. These reasons might be simple while others can be a bit complicated, thus both must be addressed as soon as possible so as not to make the situation worse.
Once you see that your pool is cloudy and green, the reason behind it must be because of algae growth. Even if you have a high dose of chlorine added through the process of shocking, algae can still be persistent in said situations. If your pool is also green, there could also be issues with your pool pump or the filtering systems causing the improper circulation of your pool water.
It can also happen that your pool water is green however it is clear, well this green tint can be caused by pollens and the like, algae that are said to be chlorine resistant, or just because you have a high pH. Once your pool’s pH is above 7.8, it can cause the high chlorine levels to fail in its task to sanitize and stabilize. As a result, metals that are naturally in your water as well as other pool components can oxidize which in turn will result in having a greenish hue. To help you easily devise a way to fix this dilemma, these are the other reasons why is my pool green but chlorine is high.
- There is an overgrowth of algae.
- You have lots of excess pollen on the surface of your pool water.
- You have a high phosphate level.
- Your filter is running enough and passages can be blocked, or your filter is not functioning well.
- Your pool’s water circulation is poor.
- The pH level of your pool water is 7.8 or higher.
- You have low chlorine levels.
There is nothing to worry about especially if you are a responsible pool owner, these issues can be addressed immediately and your green pool can quickly turn from being green to a clear one! Let us know how to fix your green pool in the next part of this post!
Part 2. How Do You Make A Green Pool Clear?
You do not have to be sad as you wonder about possible answers to your question, why is my pool green but chlorine is high. You can still do something about it, and we will help you with it! In this part of the article, we will learn how to make a green pool clear quickly and properly!
To make sure that your green pool is cleared quickly, cleaning the filters, floors, ladders, steps, and walls is necessary. You might also need to add chemicals in case there are needed values to increase to rebalance the chemical balance of your pool water. You cannot rush clearing a green pool, there are steps that you must follow, and the entire process might take you a few days depending on how severe the situation is. To clear your green pool, the following steps must be executed.
1. Brush the Walls and Clean the Filters
You can use a stiff bristled brush to get rid of stains caused by algae. Some pool owners use baking soda and clean it using gentle abrasive, this would protect your tiles from scratches. If you are done with scrubbing, your filters might be dirty as they filter out removed algae, make sure to check if it is clean. You can also check it before making sure that it is free from any slime or dirt.
2. Test the PH of your Pool Water
Once the pH is too high, chlorine might not work well. High pH makes water alkaline and cloudy, especially after a shock. Add hydrochloric acid to neutralize it. pH should be low for proper balance. Even saltwater pools need regular chemical testing.
3. Determine the Alkalinity, Phosphorus, and Free Chlorine Levels
Once your pool turns green, there is a high chance that it is related to the levels of your chlorine and phosphorus. There are times that you can use to also increase the alkalinity levels of your pool such as baking soda. These chemicals must be kept within the required ranges to prevent effects on your pool, such as your pool turning green.
4. Shock the Pool Water.
To increase the dose of free chlorine levels in your pool, you need to perform pool shocking. You can repeat pool shocking twice in case you are not satisfied with the results that you have obtained. It is a requirement to always check the labels of the pool shock that you are about to use to make sure that you are on the right track!
5. Run your Pool’s Filter until You Can See Clear Water.
Once you are done with pool shocking, you need to run your pool’s filter for at least 24 hours. This will make sure that dead algae will be cleared and shock will be fully dissipated into your pool water.
6. Once done with pool shocking, test your pool water, and adjust chemicals
Once you have seen that your pool has been cleared, you now can run a second water test and see if the chemicals and needed components are finally within range. You can always use items to increase and decrease levels of components or chemicals as needed. Make sure that the pool is being checked daily, and keep needed chemicals in check and on proper levels as well.
As long as these steps are taken into action and mind, then your green pool will be cleared in no time. You can always repeat the same procedures over and over until you see a clear pool, in case pool water is still green once you are done.
Part 3. Is It Safe To Swim In a Green Pool?
As pool owners, aside from your question, why is my pool green but chlorine is high, the safety of dipping into a green pool might also be asked. Of course, it will depend on you, but you should not. There are many possible reasons why your pool is green. It may be infested with lots of bacteria, and algae, and its filtration and water circulation might be compromised as well. If this is the scenario, health issues might be possible to obtain aside from having issues on the skin, face, breathing, and a lot more. So, if your pool is green and slimy, you must not swim on it.
Part 4. FAQs
1. Is it Possible to Clean a Green Pool without Using Any Chemicals
If you are one of the many persons who prefer home remedies over the use of heavy pool chemicals that you can purchase at a pool store, you can use a household borax to clear green and blue algae which can be both possible reasons why your pool water is green. Use it to scrub algae away, and then you can use a brush afterward. Never forget to vacuum your pool to get all the free-floating algae in your pool.
2. Can Chlorine Make my Green Pool Clear?
Chlorine can kill algae present in your pool water, and if it is the reason why your pool is green, then you can use it as a way. But it is also a must to make sure that all chemicals present in your pool correlate with one another to keep a proper balance.