Green Pool Cleanup Guide: From Swamp to Sparkling

There's nothing worse than walking out to your backyard oasis and finding a green, murky swamp. Algae blooms can happen quickly in Florida, especially after heavy rains or equipment failure. But don't panic! With the right approach, we can turn that green monster back into a sparkling swimming pool.

Why Did My Pool Turn Green?

Green water is almost always caused by algae growth, which thrives when your sanitizer (chlorine) levels drop too low. Common culprits include:

Low Chlorine: Without enough sanitizer, algae spores multiply rapidly.
High Phosphates: Phosphates are food for algae. If levels are high, algae can grow even with chlorine present.
Poor Filtration: If your filter is dirty or your pump isn't running long enough, water stagnates and algae takes hold.
High pH: Chlorine is much less effective at high pH levels, allowing algae to survive.

The "Green to Clean" Process

Transforming a green pool isn't just about dumping in shock. It requires a systematic approach:

1. Test and Balance

Before adding chemicals, we test the water to understand the pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer levels. We must balance the pH first to ensure the shock will be effective.

2. Shock Treatment

We add a heavy dose of liquid chlorine to kill the algae and bacteria. This often turns the pool a cloudy blue/gray color as the algae dies.

3. Filter, Filter, Filter

Your filter is your best friend during this process. We run the pump 24/7 and clean the filter cartridges frequently to remove the dead algae from the water.

4. Vacuum to Waste

For heavy algae blooms, we may need to vacuum the debris directly out of the pool (bypassing the filter) to prevent clogging.

When to Call a Professional

While minor algae blooms can sometimes be DIY projects, a full "swamp" often requires professional intervention. Handling large amounts of chemicals can be dangerous, and improper treatment can damage your pool surface. If you can't see the bottom of your pool, it's time to call in the experts.