Having a green pool is an eyesore that, if left untreated, can result in extensive damage to your property. It’s not uncommon for pool owners to experience this issue at some point, but the good news is that it can usually be fixed with a little bit of elbow grease and the right approach. Here’s a step-by-step guide on how to clean a green pool and get it back to its crystal-clear state.
Dirty Green Pool
Test the Water Chemistry
Before you start the cleaning process, it’s important to test the water chemistry to determine the cause of the green colour. There are several factors that can contribute to a green pool, including an excess of algae, imbalanced pH levels and a high concentration of phosphates. Testing the water will help you identify the issue and choose the appropriate treatment.
Brush the Pool Walls and Floor
The first step to clarity is to give the walls and floor of the pool a good scrubbing. This will help to loosen any algae or dirt and make it easier to vacuum up. Use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floor, starting at the shallow end and working your way towards the deep end. Be sure to get into all of the nooks and crannies, as algae can hide in these areas.
Shock the Pool
Shocking the pool is a process that involves adding a large amount of chlorine to the water to kill the algae and bacteria present. This is an essential step in the cleaning process because it will help to eliminate the source of the green colour. To shock the pool, you’ll need to purchase a pool shock product from your local pool supply store. Follow the instructions on the package, as the amount of shock needed will depend on the size of your pool and the severity of the algae growth.
Vacuum the Pool
After you’ve shocked the pool, it’s time to start physically removing the algae and other debris from the water. The easiest way to do this is to use a pool vacuum. There are several types of pool vacuums to choose from, including suction-side, pressure-side and robotic. Regardless of the type you choose, the process is essentially the same. Simply attach the vacuum hose to the skimmer box, turn on the pump and start sucking up the debris. Be sure to focus on the areas of the pool where the algae is the thickest.
Backwash and Rinse the Filter
After you’ve vacuumed the pool, it’s crucial to backwash and rinse the filter to remove any remaining dirt and debris. To backwash the filter, follow the instructions in your owner’s manual. This process generally involves reversing the flow of water through the filter, which will flush out any accumulated dirt and debris.
Balance the Water Chemistry
Once you’ve completed all of the above steps, it’s time to balance the water chemistry. This is a critical step to ensure your pool remains clean and safe to swim in. To balance the water chemistry, you’ll need to test the pH, total alkalinity and chlorine levels. Use a pool water testing kit to determine the current levels and then use pool chemicals to bring them within the recommended range. Be sure to follow the instructions on the chemicals carefully to avoid over- or under-treating the water.
By following these steps, you should be able to clean a green pool and get it back to its former glory. It may take some time and effort, but the results will be worth it. Once your pool is clean, just be sure to regularly maintain it by testing the water chemistry and using chemicals to keep the water balanced. If your pool does require the experience of a professional, get in touch with us here at Darwin Fibreglass Pools & Spas on (08) 8947 1192. We’d be more than happy to help!
