A swimming pool with green water or algae along the sides and bottom needs a serious cleaning. Green water, whether in the early spring after a winter of disuse, or in the summer after a period of sparse cleaning, is a sign of a problem for a swimming pool. The presence of algae can make the water unsafe to swim in, and the pool's filter system can be damaged or ruined by the growth of too much algae, especially if it's left untreated. Cleaning and clearing a green swimming pool requires attention to the pool's chemical balance and cleaning the pool regularly.
How to Clean a Green Swimming Pool
Use a suctioning pool cleaner at least once a week to clean up any existing algae. Suctioning pool cleaners help remove existing algae from the water and keep the water cleaner. Pool vacuums are effective at removing algae, leaves, dead insects and debris from the pool water; any organic matter that stays in the water can become a breeding ground for algae and bacteria. Make sure the water is kept clear of debris.
Use a skimmer net to sweep algae off of the surface of the pool, as well as to remove floating dead insects that can clog a filter trap. Use the skimmer net as part of the daily pool maintenance routine to ensure that the water stays clean.
How to Shock a Swimming Pool
Use chlorine shock at least once a week on the pool. Chlorine shock helps to keep the level of chlorine in the pool at the proper level and makes it less likely that algae will be able to survive. Chlorine shock helps to temporarily raise the level of chlorine in the water, making the treatment more effective.
Chlorine shock is effective for preventing pools from turning green, although it is also important to shock the pool once algae has been growing. The shock treatment helps kill off algae before it gains a foothold in the swimming pool water.
Using a Swimming Pool Test Kit
Getting the right chemical balance in the pool is vital for keeping the water clean and clear. Use a pool test kit on the water once a week. The pool test kit comes with powders and a color chart to tell you what the chemical levels of the water are and how much chlorine or bromine needs to be added. Fill the tubes with water and add any chemicals or powers according to the directions. Allow the water to change color before comparing it to the chart to see what the chemical level of the pool is.
Add chlorine or bromine to the water in the pool according to the results of the pool test kit. Add chlorine to the pool later in the day, as sunlight breaks up chlorine and makes it less effective.
Swimming Pool Filters – Keep Pool Filters Clean
Replace the filter cartridge in the pool's filtration system. The filter cartridge must be in the central portion of the system, where water can pass through it and be cleaned. A fresh filter cartridge traps more algae as water passes through it. Replace the filter each spring to ensure that it does an effective job of cleaning the water.
Run the pool filter constantly to keep water moving and prevent it from stagnating, which can lead to the growth of algae. Clear out the filter trap to prevent it from getting clogged with leaves, dead insects and debris. These items can stop the filter from cleaning water and allow algae to grow.
A clean swimming pool is a safe swimming pool. Algae, bacteria and debris can make swimming pool water dirty, unhealthy and unpleasant to swim in. Regular pool maintenance, both in the spring and throughout the swimming season, are vital for keeping the pool clean, safe and fun.
Bailey Shoemaker Richards - Bailey is a writer from Ohio. She is pursuing a creative writing degree at Ohio University, where she is currently a senior. Bailey ...
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