August 16, 2024

Why is My Pool Green Even Chlorine Levels Being High?

Why is My Pool Green Even Chlorine Levels Being High?

A pool with clear water represents chic, relaxation, and enjoyment, but observing the water become green can be alarming. You might expect that adding chlorine would fix this problem, but many pool owners are surprised, "Why is my pool green even when the chlorine level is high?" 

In this post, we'll examine why your pool can still become green even with proper chlorine levels and the expert services provided by Anomaly, a reputable pool maintenance company.

What Causes Pool Water to Turn Green?

Algae is the most extensive source of  green swimming pool water. Algae develop in water with favorable circumstances for growth, such as warm, dead, or unbalanced water. Although chlorine is a powerful sanitizer, mustard algae in the pool can grow if specific parameters are not maintained or external influences impact the water quality.

A variety of factors can contribute to green color of pool water, including:

  • Insufficient filtration or circulation 
  • Imbalance in water chemistry 
  • Presence of phosphates 
  • Failure to properly treat the pool after heavy rains or extreme sun exposure

The Role of Chlorine in Pool Maintenance

Chlorine is a vital ingredient used to clean swimming pools. It functions as a sanitizer, eliminating hazardous bacteria, viruses, and algae that can grow in water. A proper chlorine level typically prevents mustard algae growth in a swimming pool, keeping the water pure.

Chlorine mixes and breaks down organic pollutants. This process produces chloramines, which release a strong chlorine smell and limit chlorine's power. Free-available chlorine (FAC) remains active in the water, ready to tackle new pollutants.

Key Functions of Chlorine:

  • Disinfecting: Kills bacteria, viruses, and other dangerous germs. 
  • Oxidizing: Breaks down organic substances like dampness, oils, and leaves. 
  • Preventing Algae: It slows down the growth of algae, which can result in cloudy or green water. 
Green Pool

Why a Pool May Be Green Even High Chlorine Levels

A high chlorine level should prevent algae from growing. Pools can still turn green even when the chlorine levels are within the recommended limit. This could happen for several reasons:

Chlorine Lock

Chlorine lock occurs in the pool when the chlorine in the water becomes ineffective due to the presence of too many pollutants, or when the water contains an excessive amount of stabilizer (cyanuric acid). When this occurs, chlorine cannot function, and algae might begin to grow.

High pH Levels

If the water pH is too high, chlorine becomes significantly less effective at sanitizing the pool. The optimal pH range for pool water is 7.2–7.6. When pH levels rise above this range, the efficiency of chlorine decreases, allowing algae to grow even at high chlorine levels.

Organic Material Buildup

Organic material, such as leaves, insects, and oils from swimmers, can collect in the pool and consume the available chlorine. If this occurs sooner than chlorine can cheapen the components, algae may begin to grow. Poor cleaning habits and not having the best water filtration system often contribute to this problem.

Dead Water

Even with high chlorine levels, a pool requires proper circulation to distribute the chemicals throughout the water correctly. Poor water circulation can result in "dead zones" where chlorine cannot reach, allowing algae to grow.

Presence of Phosphates

Phosphates, which enter pool water via leaves, fertilizers, and even some pool chemicals, provide a food source for algae. High phosphate levels can promote algae growth even when chlorine levels are normal or higher.

Green Pool Service

Other Factors That Contribute to a Green Pool

Aside from chlorine concerns, various other things can contribute to your swimming pool green color.

pH Imbalance

As previously stated, high pH levels can prevent chlorine from operating effectively. To keep your pool clear and algae-free, test the water pH regularly and modify it with pH increasers or reducers.

Poor Circulation and Filtration

Your swimming pool pumps and filter system are essential for keeping the water clean. If the system isn't working efficiently or long enough, water won't circulate properly, and debris will build up, resulting in a green swimming pool.

Presence of Phosphates

When phosphorus levels are high, keeping the pool clean is difficult. Phosphorus can enter the pool from various sources, including organic debris and polluted water.

Heavy Rainfall

Rainwater can carry debris, pollutants, and algae seed into the pool. Furthermore, rainwater is generally slightly acidic, which can lower the pool's pH and reduce chlorine efficiency, resulting in green water. 

Pool Algae

How to Address a Green Pool: Solutions

Managing a green pool requires several approaches. It is crucial to test and balance the pool water, shock the pool when needed and verify that the filtration system is functioning properly.

Testing and Balancing Pool Water

Evaluate the pool water's chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and phosphate levels. If the chlorine level is high but the pH is out of balance, use the required pool cleaning chemicals to adjust it. The optimal levels should be:

  • pH: 7.2 - 7.6 
  • Free Chlorine: 1 - 3 ppm 
  • Total Alkalinity: 80 - 120 ppm 
  • Phosphates: Should be close to 0 ppm to prevent algae growth

Shock Treatments

If green algae is continuously growing in a pool, then a chlorine shock treatment may be required. It involves adding a significant amount of chlorine to the pool to boost the chlorine level and algae kill quickly for the pool. Always follow the manufacturer's recommendations for the appropriate quantity of shock based on your pool size.

Cleaning and Filtration of The pool

After shocking the pool:

  • Scrub the walls and floor to remove any algae and debris.
  • Vacuum vigorously to eliminate any dead algae in the pool.
  • Ensure your filtration system works properly and runs long enough to keep the water flowing.

If you're still looking for an above ground swimming pool cleaning service near me, hiring Anomaly can help ensure your pool stays clean, safe, and properly maintained throughout the swimming season. 

Pool Algae Cleaning

How Anomaly Pool Services Can Help

Maintaining a pool may be difficult, especially when dealing with complicated issues such as algae. Anomaly Pool Services is a professional above ground and inground pool maintenance company that keeps pools clean, transparent, and balanced. Here are a few ways they can help with your green pool issue:

Comprehensive Water Testing

Anomaly Pool Services conduct a comprehensive water test to identify your pool's chemistry imbalances. They'll ensure chlorine, pH, and other essential levels are where they should be.

Professional Pool Cleaning

Our team offers deep pool cleaning services to avoid algae and other waste buildup, including brushing, vacuuming, and filter cleaning. Regular professional cleaning offers a green to clean pool for the best use especially in season.

Pool Equipment Inspection and Repair

Sometimes, the problem is more than just the water chemistry but the equipment itself. Anomaly pool repair service will inspect your swimming pool pump parts, filter pressure gauge, and other components to guarantee they function correctly.

Phosphate Removal and Algaecide Use

Anomaly Pool Services provides treatments to decrease phosphate levels and prevent algae growth. We at Anomaly, also use the best quality swimming pool cleaning equipment and products such as algaecide or pool phosphate remover for your pools to treat existing algal concerns.

Pool Cleaning

FAQs About Green Pools

My pool is green, what do I do?

If you're wondering, "My pool is green, what do I do?" Call the professional service such Anomaly, they will do a comprehensive pool inspection then follow these steps: 

  • Test the water's chemical balance 
  • Shock the pool with chlorine 
  • Run the filter continuously to clear up the algae 

What is the average cost to maintain a pool?

On average, a swimming pool maintenance cost ranges from $80 to $150 per month, depending on the size, type, and frequency of service. Contact Anomaly pool service for the real cost estimation. 

How to clear a green pool overnight?

To clear a green pool overnight: 

  • Shock the pool with a high dose of chlorine 
  • Run the filter continuously 
  • Use an algaecide for your pool to speed up the process of eliminating algae

How does Anomaly help to clean a green pool?

Team at Anomaly use different methods to clean a green pool such as, shock it with chlorine, brush the walls and floor, and vacuum up debris. We carefully check and balance the water chemistry. Also, regular pool maintenance will help prevent future algae growth.

Why is my pool still green after shocking it?

If your swimming pool color always green after shocking, it could be due to poor filtration, high phosphate levels, or an imbalanced pH. Testing the water and running the filter system continually after aftershocks is crucial.

Can I swim in a green pool?

Swimming in green pools is not recommended. Algae can carry hazardous germs, and the water's chemistry is likely imbalanced, maybe causing skin irritation or disease.

Anomaly Pool Cleaning

How often should I test my pool water to prevent algae growth?

You should test your pool water at least once a week to ensure that the chlorine levels and pH are within suitable limits. More regular testing may be required during hot weather or heavy pool use.

Can I use household bleach to clean my pool?

Although home bleach contains chlorine, it is not designed for pools and lacks stabilizers. Pool-grade chlorine products are preferable for pool care.

Does baking soda kill algae?

Baking soda does not kill algae, but it can help improve the pH and alkalinity of your pool water, making chlorine or algaecides more effective. 

Conclusion

A pool is green but chlorine is high, typically caused by other issues such as pH is low or high, poor circulation, or the presence of phosphates. Proper water chemistry, fixing equipment faults, and seeking professional assistance from professionals such as Anomaly Pool Services can help you enjoy a sparkling, algae-free green to blue swimming pool all year.

Copyright 2024. Anomaly Pool Services Company, LLC.