Pools are a fantastic addition to any home. They are great for everything from recreational use, exercise, and even physical therapy. One thing can keep that refreshing dip from happening is looking into the pool and seeing green water. Keep reading to learn about green pool water and if it’s safe.
What Causes Pool Water to Turn Green?
When pool water turns from a clear blue into any shade of green, the most frequent reason is algae. The most popular algae comes in two forms, green algae and mustard algae. Let’s look at the differences.
Green algae: This algae is most likely formed due to chemical imbalance.
Mustard algae: This algae is dead algae mostly caused by poor filtration/circulation.
Here are some facts:
Swimming in chemicals such as chlorine and bromine can help keep these algae’s from forming.
Water that is green from oxidation (algae) can stain the swimming pool and is known for turning hair green.
Airborne pollen, depending on where you live, can be too fine to be filtered out of the pool, causing it to build. If you live in a region where pollen counts are so high that your vehicles are coated in yellow dust, this may be causing your water to turn green.
Is it Safe to Swim in a Green Water Pool?
Short answer – it depends.
Algae is attracted to bacteria and parasites. These microbes can enter the body through the nose, eyes, ears, mouth, or a tiny cut. In this situation, it is less safe to swim in green pool water. This is why regular chemical testing is so important.
Should the green be due to pollen, there may be little to do in the way of minimizing the discoloration short of erecting a building around the pool. Fortunately, assuming there are no allergies to the pollen, it is safe to swim in green pool water.
If you are unsure of the presence of algae in your pool, please speak to a professional before swimming in any green pool water.
What To Do With a Green Pool?
If past the point of prevention, then it is necessary to do more than just pour a little chlorine into the pool. Time for a total clean.
Vacuum to Waste
First, you need to remove the algae and other debris from the pool by vacuuming. Since it isn’t desirable for the “junk” to get back into the pool, be sure the vacuum filter is set to Waste.
Brush the Pool
There are special algae brushes available for just this situation. Algae is formidable, and it is best to use a stiffer brush versus soft bristles to ensure it is all reached.
Test Chemistry
To know which way to adjust the chemicals, it is important to get the current starting point.
This can be done as the first step if that is easier for you.
Shock the Pool
This process kills the algae. Pool Shock is a cleaner with concentrated chlorine, preferably with a level higher than 70%. Chlorine must be used for this, even if your regular shock does not contain it.
Turn to a Professional
Concerns about water shouldn’t stand between you and a nice swim. Keep your pool pristine with Pool Troopers, your full-service pool maintenance company for residential pool owners throughout the sunbelt. See the full list of locations to find pool service and maintenance services near you. We look forward to being your backyard hero with our chemical, cleaning, and repair pool services. Pool Troopers has been providing pool service for homeowners since the 1950s. Our aim is to inform you of trends, tricks, and tips to maintain your pool and derive optimal enjoyment from it- call to learn more and schedule pool services today!
