Green pool water: how to fix it?

You come back from a few days of vacation and there... It's a disaster! Your pool water has turned green , your walls are slippery... There is no longer any doubt: in the absence of maintenance , your pool has certainly turned. Indeed, a few days are enough for green algae to appear in your pool, responsible for this green color - not very inviting. If this mishap happens to you, don't panic! Most of the time, you will quickly find healthy and crystal clear water... Provided you identify the cause of the problem! Because yes, the appearance of green algae in your pool can be due to several factors .

So before you rush headlong into a somewhat approximate treatment, discover our guide to understanding, preventing and correctly treating green water in your swimming pool.

The different causes of green pool water

The appearance of green algae inside your pond can be the result of several factors , such as:

• a rapid increase in water temperature: water temperature has a direct impact on the development of green algae. This is why, during high summer temperatures , it is not uncommon to notice a change in the color of the water in your pool.
• Poor water balance: pH and TAC (total alkalinity) are two parameters that you must constantly balance . When this is not the case, it leads to the imbalance of other parameters – such as the disinfectant level – and therefore, the proliferation of green algae in your pool.
• a filtration time that is too low: regarding the filtration time of your swimming pool, remember that it must correspond to: the temperature of your water / 2. If it is lower, it is normal to notice the appearance of green algae in your pool.

Other factors can be responsible for green water. Indeed, water pollution (dead leaves, pollen, etc.) or a high number of swimmers can contribute to the proliferation of green algae inside your pool.

3 Steps to Get Rid of Green Algae in Your Pool

Now that you have identified the problem, discover the 3 steps to regain clean and healthy water :

1. Perform a water analysis: this step consists of checking the pH level and the alkalinity level of your pool. Indeed, these two parameters play an essential role in the good health of your pool. To be optimal, the pH must be between 7 and 7.4 . The alkalinity level must be between 120 and 180 PPM . Before moving on to the next step, it is imperative that your levels are correct. Indeed, otherwise, the chlorine that you deposit in your pool will be inactive. Your pool will therefore tend to turn more quickly.
2. Perform a shock treatment: to do this, you must select the shock treatment adapted to the disinfectant in your pool: chlorine, bromine or active oxygen. Refer to the instructions for your product to determine the correct dosages.
3. Cleaning your pool: once the shock treatment has been applied, let your filtration system run for 48 hours. After this time, you should see an improvement in the color of your pool. This will be the time for you to completely clean your pool: bottom, walls, skimmer baskets, etc. To clarify the water, you can use flocculant and run your filtration for 48 hours. If you have a cartridge filtration system, be careful! Flocculation can damage it. Do not hesitate to ask Aboral specialists for advice to make the right choice.

In summer, it is essential to spend more time maintaining your pool . With our advice, you should be able to limit the appearance of algae . If, despite everything, your pool continues to turn green, consider consulting our team of experts . They will be happy to advise you!