My Swimming Pool Water is GREEN – Help!
At Waters Choice, we find that one of the most frustrating things for swimming pool owners is when pool water is green. It can be difficult to determine what the problem is and how to tackle it the quickest way possible. Most likely the culprit is algae or phosphates.
Test Your Pool Water
First, always test your swimming pool water using a test strip. We personally use a brand called Insta-Test and find them very reliable. Knowing and UNDERSTANDING the levels of certain things in your pool water will help you determine which direction to go first.
Cyanuric Acid
After dipping your test strip in the water, what does it tell you? Check the back of the test strip container and compare your strip with it. Where is your level of Cyanuric Acid or CA? CA is a STABILIZER for chlorine when it’s exposed to sunlight. It reduces the effect that sunlight has on chlorine levels and when used correctly, it can dramatically increase the effectiveness of chlorine. If levels of CA are too high, it’ll bind to chlorine and make it work less effectively. If it’s too low, chlorine levels are very difficult to maintain.
Pool Water pH
Your water’s pH levels are important for a number of reasons. Most pool water contains tiny solds that dissolve into the bond with the water.
However, if pH climbs too high, the solds begin precipitating out of the solution. This means that solids begin to accumulate in your pool.
The best way to change this is by adding pool acid to lower the pH of your pool water. This combined with proper circulation will often alleviate the problem.
It’s a good idea to maintain your pool’s pH between 7.4 and 7.8. Make sure to replace your test strips regularly to make sure you receive accurate and reliable results.
Pool Water Alkalinity
Next, look at the Alkalinity or alk on your test strip. Is it high or low? Total alk is the measure of pool water’s capacity to neutralize acid.
Many people confuse total alk with pH. Alkalinity is the buffer that controls how pH moves. It goes hand in hand with the pH levels in your swimming pool water.
Phosphates
Finally, if your water is balanced and it’s STILL green, it’s time to give some thought to the possibility that you have phosphates. These are a natural component of most swimmer wastes such as hair and self care products. Its also present in rain water.
Consequently, phosphates are very persistent and won’t break down easily. Other sources include landscape fertilizers that blow into pool water, mulch, soil and/or leaves. Phosphates are an essential food source for algae. Testing for this in your pool water is very easy by purchasing a test kit. You can find these at your local pool supply store.
Common Problem
Green swimming pool water is fairly common and many struggle to successfully keep their water looking fresh. Educating yourselves on effective practices and products that are proven to work is a great first step. At Waters Choice we recommend checking for phosphates three times a year; pool opening, mid season, and when closing your swimming pool. Managing pool water’s phosphate levels greatly increase its water quality, purity, and your overall experience.