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23/03/2025

Integra Pool Service’s Comprehensive Green Pool Recovery Guide

Giving You Only The Best Advice

Green pools are a common frustration for pool owners, but with the right knowledge and steps, you can restore your pool to crystal-clear perfection. At Integra Pool Service, we’ve crafted this exhaustive guide to help both homeowners and professionals tackle green pools effectively. Tailored to our climate, water quality, and pool types, this step-by-step resource covers everything from assessment to maintenance. Let’s dive in and transform your green pool into a sparkling oasis.

Why Pools Turn Green

Pools turn green primarily due to algae growth, which thrives under certain conditions. Poor sanitation, such as low chlorine levels, allows algae to take hold, especially in Australia’s warm climate where heat accelerates growth. Imbalanced water chemistry—like high pH or low alkalinity—creates an algae-friendly environment. Environmental factors, including heavy rain diluting chemicals or intense sunlight, also contribute, making regular care essential.

Assessing the Severity of a Green Pool

To choose the right recovery approach, assess your pool’s condition and categorize it into one of three levels:

  • Mild: Hazy or light green water; the pool bottom remains visible, signaling early algae growth.
  • Moderate: Cloudy green water; the bottom is partially obscured, indicating moderate algae and debris.
  • Severe: Opaque dark green or black water; the bottom is invisible, suggesting heavy algae and potential contamination.

Initial Observations Checklist

Before starting, perform a thorough check:

  • Water Color: Note the shade and visibility to determine severity.
  • Debris: Look for leaves, dirt, or other contaminants that could clog filters.
  • Equipment Function: Confirm the pump, filter, and chlorinator are operational.
  • Filter Pressure: High pressure may indicate a clogged filter needing attention.

Water Chemistry Fundamentals

Restoring a green pool starts with balanced water chemistry. Test and adjust these parameters:

  • pH: 7.2–7.6 for optimal chlorine effectiveness.
  • Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm to stabilize pH.
  • Free Chlorine: 1–3 ppm for maintenance; higher (10–30+ ppm) for shocking.
  • Cyanuric Acid: 30–50 ppm to protect chlorine from UV breakdown.
  • Calcium Hardness:
    • 200–400 ppm for concrete/plaster pools.
    • 150–250 ppm for fiberglass/vinyl pools.

How Imbalances Fuel Algae Growth

  • High pH: Reduces chlorine’s ability to kill algae.
  • Low Chlorine: Leaves water vulnerable to algae proliferation.
  • Low Alkalinity: Causes pH swings, encouraging algae.
  • Low Calcium Hardness: Can damage surfaces, creating algae hideouts.

Testing and Interpreting Results

Use a liquid test kit for precision or test strips for quick checks. Follow the kit’s instructions to get accurate readings, then retest after adjustments to ensure balance.

Chemicals Used in Recovery

Here’s a rundown of essential chemicals for green pool recovery. Always consult and follow manufacturer instructions for safe handling and dosing:

  • Chlorine (Granular, Liquid, Tablets): Sanitizes water and kills algae; use unstabilized chlorine (e.g., calcium hypochlorite) for shocking.
  • Shock (Chlorine-Based or Non-Chlorine): High-dose oxidizer to destroy organic matter and algae.
  • Algaecide: Targets specific algae types (e.g., green, mustard, or black algae).
  • pH Increaser/Decreaser: Sodium carbonate to raise pH; hydrochloric acid to lower it.
  • Alkalinity Increaser: Sodium bicarbonate to boost alkalinity.
  • Calcium Hardness Increaser: Calcium chloride to protect pool surfaces.
  • Flocculant: Coagulates particles for removal (best with vacuum-to-waste systems).
  • Clarifier: Traps small particles for milder cases, aiding filtration.

Approaches Based on Green Severity

Mild Green Pool

  • Steps:
    • Adjust pH (7.2–7.6) and alkalinity (80–120 ppm).
    • Superchlorinate to 10–20 ppm free chlorine.
    • Run the filter 24/7.
    • Brush surfaces to dislodge algae.
    • Clean or backwash the filter as needed.
  • Chemicals: Moderate chlorine shock, optional clarifier.
  • Timeline: 1–2 days.

Moderate Green Pool

  • Steps:
    • Balance all chemistry parameters.
    • Heavy shock to 20–30 ppm free chlorine.
    • Add algaecide.
    • Run filtration continuously, backwashing as required.
    • Vacuum debris.
  • Chemicals: Strong chlorine shock, algaecide, optional flocculant (if vacuum-to-waste is available).
  • Timeline: 3–5 days.

Severe Green Pool

  • Steps:
    • Test and balance all chemistry.
    • Extreme shock to 30+ ppm free chlorine.
    • Double-dose algaecide.
    • Use flocculant if applicable, then vacuum extensively.
    • Partially drain and refill if debris is excessive.
  • Chemicals: Maximum chlorine shock, algaecide, flocculant (with caution).
  • Timeline: 5–7+ days.

Surface Type Considerations

Concrete/Plaster

  • Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm to prevent etching.
  • Brushing: Vigorous to remove algae from porous surfaces.
  • Risks: Low calcium damages surfaces; overshocking may bleach plaster.

Fiberglass

  • Calcium Hardness: 150–250 ppm to avoid scaling.
  • Brushing: Gentle to prevent scratching.
  • Risks: Excessive chemicals can fade the gelcoat.

Vinyl

  • Calcium Hardness: 150–250 ppm.
  • Brushing: Avoid harsh brushing to prevent liner tears.
  • Risks: High chlorine can bleach or weaken vinyl.

Filter Type Considerations

Sand Filters

  • Best for flocculant use; backwash frequently during recovery.
  • Run continuously, backwashing when pressure rises 8–10 psi above normal.

Cartridge Filters

  • Not suited for flocculant; use clarifier instead.
  • Clean daily during recovery; replace if clogged.

Flocculant Use: When, How, and Consequences

When to Use

  • Ideal for severe cases with heavy suspended particles, only with vacuum-to-waste systems.

How to Use

  • Add per manufacturer instructions, turn off the pump for 12–24 hours, then vacuum settled debris to waste.

When to Avoid

  • Skip for cartridge filters or pools without waste lines; unnecessary for mild/moderate cases (use clarifier instead).

Consequences of Misuse

  • Clogged filters (especially cartridge), risking damage.
  • Wasted water/chemicals if vacuuming fails.
  • Prolonged cloudiness if particles linger.
  • Chemistry Impact: Flocculant may lower pH; retest and adjust afterward.

Step-by-Step Recovery Process

Step-by-Step Recovery Process

  1. Test and Balance Chemistry:
    • Adjust alkalinity first (80–120 ppm), then pH (7.2–7.6), then calcium hardness (based on surface type).
  2. Shock the Pool:
    • Calculate chlorine: Pool volume (L) × desired ppm increase ÷ 10,000. Example: For a 50,000L pool to 20 ppm, use 10kg granular chlorine.
  3. Add Algaecide/Flocculant/Clarifier:
    • Algaecide for moderate/severe cases; flocculant for severe (with vacuum-to-waste); clarifier for mild.
  4. Brush, Vacuum, and Maintain Filter:
    • Brush walls and floor, vacuum debris, and backwash/clean the filter.
  5. Retest and Fine-Tune:
    • Ensure all parameters are balanced post-recovery.

Additional Recovery Notes:

Consequences of Incorrect Chemistry or Steps
  • Persistent Algae: Low chlorine or high pH lets algae linger.
  • Equipment Damage: Low pH corrodes fittings; high calcium causes scaling.
  • Health Hazards: Imbalanced water irritates eyes and skin.
  • Always follow manufacturer instructions to avoid overdosing or dangerous chemical mixing
Maintenance Post-Recovery

Keep your pool pristine with these habits:

  • Weekly Shocking: 5–10 ppm free chlorine.
  • Regular Testing: Check pH, alkalinity, and chlorine weekly.
  • Filter Cleaning: Backwash or clean as needed.
  • Brushing: Regularly brush surfaces.
  • Preventive Measures: Use cyanuric acid (30–50 ppm) for UV protection and ensure good circulation.
Safety and Legal Notes
  • Safety: Wear gloves and goggles when handling chemicals; store them safely away from kids and pets.
  • Compliance: Always follow manufacturer instructions for all chemicals, ensuring safe and effective use.
Appendices

Pool Volume Calculator

  • Rectangular pools: Length (m) × Width (m) × Average Depth (m) × 1000 = liters. Example: 10m × 5m × 1.5m = 75,000L.

Troubleshooting:

  • Cloudiness Persists: Check filter, re-shock.
  • Algae Returns: Increase testing, enhance brushing.
  • High pH (>7.8): Add pH decreaser, retest alkalinity.

With this guide from Integra Pool Service, you’re equipped to tackle any green pool in Australia. Follow these steps, prioritize safety, and enjoy a crystal-clear pool all year round!

Tags :

algae, green, Green pool, Newcastle, recovery

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