How to Clean Green Pool Water
Green pool water is a sign that the swimming pool has a chemical imbalance and needs a thorough cleaning. That is the only thing that will return it to the clear, sanitary water you need for safe swimming. Keeping swimming pool water from turning green is an important part of pool maintenance, as green water is often contaminated with algae and bacteria that can present health hazards to swimmers. Once pool water turns green, cleaning it becomes a challenge. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Pool filter
- Pool vacuum
- Skimmer net
- Pool testing kit
- Chlorine shock
- Chlorine
Instructions
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Turn the swimming pool filter system up to its highest setting to begin cleaning the water. Check to make sure there are no obstructions in the filter system that are blocking water from passing through it. Water that is filtered is less likely to harbor algae, because the water is cleaned continuously and is not allowed to settle or stagnate.
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Run the pool filter system on a high setting throughout the cleaning process to keep the water in motion and to remove any contaminants from the water. Replace the filter, if necessary, to ensure that the filter is able to capture more contaminants.
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Run a pool vacuum to remove contaminants from the floor and walls of the swimming pool. Most pool vacuums can be attached directly to the filter system to remove contaminants from the water and deposit them in the filter. Clean any green growths of algae on the bottom and sides of the pool.
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Clean the swimming pool with a pool vacuum every couple of hours during the cleaning process so that contaminants settle and are removed by successive vacuuming sessions. Vacuum the pool weekly once the water has been cleaned to prevent any future buildup.
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Use a skimmer net to remove larger objects from the surface of the pool, such as insects and leaves. These things can decompose in the water and promote the growth of bacteria. Additionally, larger objects can clog the filter and make it less effective.
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Check the chemical levels of the pool water with a pool testing kit. Follow all directions on the testing kit to determine the chlorine or bromine levels of the water in the pool. Use the color chart that comes with the test kit to determine how much chlorine or bromine needs to be added to the water to sanitize it.
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Test the pool water once a week and adjust the chemicals as necessary. Add chlorine to the pool in the evening. Sunlight breaks down chlorine and makes the treatment less effective.
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"Shock" the swimming pool with a chlorine shock treatment to help keep the water from becoming green. Shock treatments help sanitize the water, kill off the organisms that turn pool water green and keep the swimming pool clean.
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References
Resources
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