Help my pool is green or cloudy!

** Please note water problems take time to clear after chemicals are added as the water needs enough time to circulate and pass through the filtration system. A swimming pool should never be used if the pool is green or cloudy for both sanitary and safety reasons. **

GREEN ALGAE

(For variable speeds only- ensure you are running on a higher rpm – possibly 3200rpm until pool is clear)

Green algae is the most common algae found in swimming pools. It is also easily preventable with good chlorine or bromine readings. Green algae can be free floating or more commonly surface clinging on your pool wall or floor.

  1. Bring in a water test for your pool water to be balanced if possible
  2. Adjust any parameters not in proper range
  3. Ensure there is no debris or leaves in the pool
  4. Remove heavy algae by vacuuming to waste or drain if possible
  5. Shock the pool

By using a problem solving amount of Powerchlor/ Burn out/Ultra Shock (for dosage use the back of the container based upon your liter amts)

  • Add Erase at a dosage of 250ml/25000L or Banish at a dosage of 500ml/25000L (loose calculation)
  • Add Pool Tonic at a dosage of 250ml/25000L and/or 2 Clarifying Tabs to speed up clearing process if needed – DO NOT backwash until the pressure has gone up by 8-10 psi.
  • Give pool throughout brushing
  • When the pool is clear clean the filter sand or cartridge using Filter brite

**Pool should not be used while it is green or cloudy**

Keep the pool running 24/7 during this process and repeat if needed after 24 hours

Clearing an algae infested pool can take time, 2 weeks even! Do not backwash unless your pressure goes up 8-10 psi above normal as this will slow the clearing progress. Wait at least 2 days after adding the products above to allow the process to start to clear the pool.

Algae Prevention

            Algae is easily prevented with chlorine/bromine.

GREEN FREE GUARANTEE:

  • Keep Chlorine/ Bromine in proper range at ALL times
  • Use Banish once a week
  • Shock pool weekly
  • Balance water once a month – in store
  • BRUSH pool Weekly
  • Run the pool 24/7
  • Use Optimizer Plus
  • Leave your blanket off during the day

Yellow (Mustard) or Black Algae? Pink Slime? Let us know as the procedure is more intense!

CLOUDY POOLS

(For variable speeds only ensure you are running on a higher rpm – possibly 3200rpm until pool is clear)

Common causes:
  • chemicals
  • bather contaminants
  • low sanitizer (needs more chlorine)
  • early growth or dead algae
  • pollen/ plants
  • bad circulation or “low flow” filtration problems
  • equipment problems
  • rain
  • fertilizers (lawn sprays)
  • particulate
Things we need to know:
  • Is your pool cloudy or milky?
  • Is it hazy or can you see the bottom or shadows?
  • What is your chlorine/bromine reading? (or better yet bring a water test!)
  • Do you run your pool 24/7?
  • How often do you treat your pool and with what products?
  • What direction are your returns facing?
  • When was the sand/cartridge last changed?
Common solutions:

Depending on the answers to the above questions we will personalize our treatment plan which may include the following:

  1. Mechanical tests
  2. Shocking the pool with Powerchlor or burnout
  3. A Clarifier or Flocculent
  4. Filter aids
  5. Filter cleaners
  6. Equipment replacement
What can you do when we are not open?
  • Check for all of the above. Once you are confident in those responses you can shock if you believe that may help.
  1. Shock the pool by using a problem solving amount of Powerchlor/ Burn out/Ultra Shock (for dosage use the back of the container based upon your liter amts)
  2. Add Pool Tonic at a dosage of 250ml/25000L and if possible pair it with 2 Clarifying Tabs to speed up clearing process if needed – DO NOT backwash until the pressure has gone up by 8-10 psi.
  3. Give pool throughout brushing

**Pool should not be used while it is cloudy for safety reasons**

Keep the pool running 24/7 during this process.

Do not backwash unless your pressure goes up 8-10 psi above normal as this will slow the clearing progress. Wait at least 2 days after adding the products above to allow the process to start to clear the pool.

Repeat or change treatment as needed. Cloudy water takes time to clear and it is a bit of trial and error  plus time to see if it works. The best treatment is preventative!

If you are unable to maintain a chlorine/ bromine reading you may have a chlorine demand problem,. Please bring in your water immediately to the pool store for a special chlorine demand test!

** Disclaimer: the above is for informational purposes only. Every water problem is unique, and solutions are trial based on given information. Our recommendation with any water problem is to cease pool usage and bring in a water sample to your local pool company for advice and instructions. We are not liable for any injury or damages while trying the above. **