Is swimming in green pool water safe?
We’ve all seen a swimming pool that doesn’t seem very appealing, with clumps of leaves, settled dirt at the deep end, and, in some instances, green water. Let’s look at what causes green water and how it might influence your pool.
Why is the water in my pool green? What Causes a Swimming Pool to Turn Green?
Pools require regular care in order to remain clean and enjoyable for the whole family. If your pool has lost its trademark crystal clear hue and is becoming green, it might be due to a variety of factors such as algae, pollen, metal, low chlorine levels, high pH levels, and damaged components.
Overgrowth of Algae
Green algae is the most prevalent cause of a green pool. Algae are single-celled plants that thrive in warm environments with plenty of sunlight and nutrition. Once algae have decided to make your pool their new home, they will develop and spread swiftly on the pool’s walls and steps.
Metals and pollen
Pollen might also be a cause of green water. Pollen is a green-yellow powder that may easily be brought in on the wind and drop in your pool, turning it green.
Because of their response to pool chemicals, your pool pump, ladder, heater, copper-based algaecides, and other metal components may also tint the water green.
Low levels of free chlorine
To maintain our pools clean and free of hazardous organisms, we utilize chlorine. If your chlorine levels are too low, various organisms, including algae, may take control.
High pH Values
A pH measurement determines the degree of acidity in your pool. If the number is too high, the chlorine will be unable to combat undesirable organisms. This is often remedied with a pH-lowering agent such as sodium bisulfate.
Filter is broken or is not running long enough.
Your filter is in charge of removing dirt and particles from the water and providing you with cleaner water. If your pool starts to seem foggy or green, your filter may not be operating long enough. If the issue continues, there might be a problem with your filter.
Is Swimming in Green Pool Water Safe?
Nothing is more frustrating for a pool owner than looking forward to a swim all day only to discover that your pool water has gone green and is no longer swimmable. No matter how desperately you want to cool yourself, if your pool water is green from algae development, you should think twice before jumping in.
Green algae encourage the development of bacteria such as E.Coli. Swimming in an algae-infested pool puts you at risk of having a rash, infection, or disease.
We strongly advise calling a professional and resolving your green water issues before entering your pool.
Cleaning a Green Pool
A well balanced chemical balance is required to keep a pool clean. To return the green water to its former splendour, you must first return the chemicals to their optimal ranges. This method may seem tedious at times, but the end result will be well worth it!
Examine the Water Levels in Your Pool
Begin by checking the water in your pool. Examine the chlorine, stabilizer, and pH levels to determine whether they are all balanced. Otherwise, balance them!
Turn on the pool pump and leave it running.
Next, start and leave your pool pump going. Circulation is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy pool, and your pump will keep everything moving while filtering your water.
Pool Filter Cleaning
Because your pool is green and muddy, so is your filter. Remove it and thoroughly clean it, replacing the cartridges and backwashing if required.
Remove any visible and large debris from your pool.
Before proceeding with the following few steps: thorough cleaning, huge sticks, leaves, pool toys, and any other large things should be removed from your pool.
Clean the Pool Walls and Flooring
Brush your pool using a stiff stainless steel brush (or a nylon brush for pools with fiberglass or vinyl liners). This will dislodge any algae that has developed on the walls, floors, and stairs, enabling the filter to take them in.
Surprise Your Pool
The shocking procedure is introducing chemicals to the pool in order to increase chlorine levels and destroy algae and germs. Read the directions on your startling product and twice the suggested amount for your pool.
Repeat the Pool Water Test
After you’ve eliminated the algae, it’s time to test your pool water once again. Adjust your levels till they fall between these ranges:
- 1.0-3.0 PPM chlorine (parts per million)
- pH: 7.2-7.8 PPM
- Alkalinity total: 80-120 PPM
- 200-400 PPM calcium hardness
Algaecide should be added.
You’ll apply algaecide to your pool as a last chemical shock. Algaecide includes extra chemicals that kill any remaining algae that the shock could not remove.
Brush Your Pool Once More
Take out your brush and go over your pool again, paying special attention to every corner. This will liberate any residual algae and direct it toward the filter.
Backwash or vacuum your pool
Vacuum any dirt that has accumulated on your pool’s flooring and walls. Turn your filter settings backward for an extra layer of cleanliness. This reversal in flow is known as backwashing, and it aids in the removal of any trapped dirt from your filter.
Start Your Pool Filter
Maintain the operation of your pool filter! Allow it to catch any residual dead algae and impurities, and you’ll be one step closer to swimming again.
Clean Your Pool Filter Once More
After bringing in all that filth, your filter will need another thorough cleaning. Thoroughly clean or backwash it, changing cartridges if necessary, and reinstall it to begin operating.
Keeping Green Algae from Growing in Your Swimming Pool
A well-kept pool is a clean pool! Keep up with your pool duties as much as possible to avoid having to repeat all of these processes in the future. Maintain proper water levels, operate the pump, add chemicals as required, and clean your filter.
