If your pool water is looking cloudy or has turned a nasty green, here’s a guide to help you transform it back to that inviting blue color. For years, I had a love-hate relationship with my pool. In the heat of summer, it’s a lifesaver. But come spring, peeling off the cover to find green, murky water is frustrating and disheartening.
I understand the desperation when you uncover your pool, only to find it resembles a swamp more than a swimming spot. Trust me, I know how wasteful and costly it can be trying to fix it without success. After our first spring with a new pool, we tried every solution suggested by the pool store, even considering a costly cleaning service. In the end, I drained the pool, only to have the green water return after refilling it—what a nightmare!
The main issue was, I didn’t understand why the water turned green and what it took to get it clear again. Turns out, it’s usually due to algae, which need to be dealt with properly to enjoy your pool again.
So, here’s how you can tackle this problem step-by-step.
First, ensure your pool pump is functioning well right when you open your pool for the season. The key to clear water is good circulation, as the water must flow through the filter to get cleaned. Check for pressure at the jets or on the gauge; if it’s low, the circulation system might be clogged.
If you see any leaves, branches, or other debris in the pool, remove them immediately. Algae feed on this organic matter, so getting rid of it makes it easier to clear up your water.
Next, test the water’s chemical levels using a test strip, focusing on the pH level, which needs to be balanced for the other chemicals to work effectively. Once balanced, add chlorine to sanitize the pool. For a quick increase, use liquid chlorine—approximately 2 gallons per 10,000 gallons of water, possibly more if your pool is really bad.
After that, you need to “shock” the pool with calcium hypochlorite to destroy remaining algae and bacteria. It’s like giving your pool a power boost, temporarily raising chlorine levels to clean up the mess. Pour 2 one-pound bags per 10,000 gallons directly into the deep end and let the pump run continuously.
If your pool still looks cloudy but is now blue, the cloudiness is probably dead algae. Use a pool clarifier to settle the particles to the bottom for easy cleanup. Follow the product’s instructions, and by the next day, the water should be clearer.
Lastly, with clearer water, vacuum the pool to remove the settled particles and brush down the pool walls to get rid of any lingering algae. Stubborn spots may need a tougher brush with wire bristles.
To keep your pool looking great, stick to a regular maintenance schedule including testing chemical levels, adding necessary chemicals, and cleaning debris. With these steps, you can enjoy your pool all summer long! Good luck and happy swimming!
