So why exactly is your pool green?
When the chlorine in a pool drops below 1 ppm, algae often grows. When algae grows in a pool, it will obviously begin to change color. In order to get rid of the algae, you may need to “shock” your pool. In other words, you will need to super-chlorinate the pool because chlorine kills algae. For regular pool upkeep, one lb of hypochlorite granular chlorine (calcium hypo-chloride) for every 10,000 gallons of water is necessary for shocking. During an algae infestation, it is going to take a lot more.
There are three causes of green pool water:
- The first is a lack of chlorine. Without chlorine the pool water will quickly start to grow algae and turn green. Water without chlorine, especially if it has an algae bloom, is unsafe to swim in, and can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects.
- The second thing that causes pool water to look green (or yellow) is pollen. Pollen gets carried into the pool water by the wind and is too small for the sand filter to remove. As the pollen builds up in the water and settles on the liner, it gives the water a green or yellow look. Despite its unattractive look, pollen is completely harmless and has no ill effects on the yourself or the pool.
- The last cause of green water in pool water is metals, usually copper, that have oxidized. Metals can be introduced through source water, from some cheap algaecides, or, if the water is acidic, from the metal components of the pool, most commonly from copper heater elements. Shocking the pool will oxidize these metals, and, if there are enough metals present in the water, turn the water green. If left untreated, high amounts of metals will stain the finish of the pool. Anyone with blonde hair that swims in a pool with excessive metals will also have their hair turn green.
Call us and we will turn it back to sparkling blue!
