How To Get Your Pool From Green to Clean
The passage of hurricane Imelda wreaked havoc on our town leaving many homeowners to deal with the cleanup process.
For those who own a pool, the storm means you are probably dealing with a massive mess in your backyard. It is highly probable that your pool has turned into an unsightly green pond. If this is the case, you’re also wondering, “How to get that pool from green to clean?” As as pool maintenance experts, at Crocodile Pools, we’ll be happy to explain the necessary steps for restoring your pool to its former glory. At the very end, we’ll let you in on a little secret that will make it much easier than that to get your pool from green to clean.
1. Determine if you can salvage your water chemistry or if it is simply too far gone
Figuring out how dirty the pool is the first step to determine what needs to be done to fix it. In some cases, chemically treating your pool may be enough. In other cases, the best solution is to drain the pool and have it acid-washed.
As a general rule of thumb, if you can see at least six to eight inches below the surface of the water, chances are your pool can be treated chemically. If, however, the water is too murky and you can’t see past a couple of inches, then you may need to drain it and have it power washed.
2. Test the pH levels of the Water
Green water is an indication that your chlorine levels are low, so you probably don’t need to test that. However, you should check the pH level of the water.
If the pH level is too high, then the shock treatment will turn your pool unusually cloudy. You can expect your pool to be temporarily cloudy after you shock your pool. Once all the algae and other solids are filtered out, the water clears up.
To get an accurate reading on your pH levels, we recommend you use the high-end kits. However, the more economical test strips will at least let you if your pH levels are high or low.
For those of you who have never tested a pH level, you want it to be 7.2 or lower.
If your test results show that your pH level is high, adding about a gallon of muriatic acid should get it down to a level where you can shock it.
3. Shock Your Pool
Once your pool’s pH is 7.2 or two, you can start the shock treatment. For this you will need to purchase either granular chlorine (calcium hypochlorite) or liquid chlorine.
The amount of chlorine needed depends on the size of the pool; on average, you will need about 5 pounds of granular chlorine or ten gallons of liquid chlorine to shock a pool.
Here are the steps you need to follow to shock your pool:
Turn your filter pump on
Broadcast the chlorine evenly over the water, make sure you cover the entire surface of the swimming pool
After a few hours, add a good quality algaecide
To make cleanup more manageable, you can also add a flocking agent, so the dead algae particles clump together
4. Check Your Filters
Make sure your drain is not clogged or obstructed by leaves, or dirt before you turn on your filter pump.
Before you shock your pool, clean your filter.
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) Filter: If your pool uses this type of filter the first thing you should do is backwash the DE filter; then add fresh DE powder.
Sand Filter: Backwash the filter for a minimum of five minutes.
Cartridge Filter: Ensure the filter is in good condition and rinsed thoroughly
If you’ve been wondering how to lower your pool maintenance costs, improve filtering and lower your energy bill, then you need to consider Switching to a Variable Speed Pump.
5. Brushing and Filtration
Twenty-four hours after you’ve added the chemicals to your pool, your pool should no longer be green. You can expect it to be cloudy, and there might be a few stubborn patches of green which will need brushing.
During the next few days your pool will need a lot of brushing and filtration to get it back to its former glory.
While the pool clears, you will need to check your filters.
Clean cartridge filters during this process at least twice a day until the pool is clear.
If you use a DE filter and you notice the cloudy water does not clear up, check your screen as it may be clogged or in need of repair
If you use a sand filter, it may take up to a week for the water to clear
6. Maintaining Your Pool
Now that your pool is crystal clear, you will need to provide upkeep. For this you need to preserve your chlorine and pH levels. You should also add a water clarification solution from time to time.
If you don’t have a DE filter installed, consider investing in one, they will save you money in the long-run.
Make sure you regularly clean your filters:
DE filters need to be cleaned once a month
Backwash your sand filter for at least four minutes every two weeks
Clean your cartridge filters every three to four weeks. Clean them more often if you notice algae in the water
7. What’s the BEST WAY to Get Your Pool From Green to Clean?
You may be thinking, “Wow! I don’t have time for all of that work!”
Well, here’s our suggestion, get a Free Green to Clean estimate from Crocodile Pools. Contact us or check out our Free Pool Maintenance Estimator. We’ll be happy to help!
You’ll be surprised how affordable it is to keep it safe and clean!
Contact Us to schedule a free evaluation and to set up weekly maintenance so your pool is always safe, beautiful and ready for your family and friends to enjoy!
Join our many other happy customers that now enjoy a beautiful safe, clean pool year-round. Best of all, we’ll save you money!
Crocodile Pools provides Southeast Texas with the highest quality pool maintenance services at the best prices.
We’re Safe. NSPF CPO certified and we hold an up-to-date Texas Residential Appliance Installation License.
We’re Secure. Insured & Bonded
We’re Friendly & Reliable.
We’re Responsible. We run background checks and drug screens its staff.
Best Value. Our full service includes chemicals.
We’re Local! Serving Beaumont & Lumberton.
We’ve Got Even More Specials! Get One (1) Free Month for Every Friend You Refer!
Our Commitment to You
Answer the phone when you call
Show up on time
Provide an excellent service
Resolve issues to your satisfaction