When it comes to enjoying the perfect Arizona summer, nothing beats lounging by a crystal-clear pool. But, maintaining that perfect pool can be a challenge, especially when you’re battling the elements unique to our desert climate.
Understanding the Green Pool Phenomenon
A green pool is a common problem, especially in sunny, hot climates like Arizona, where algae thrive. There are a few main reasons why your pool might turn green:
- Poor Circulation: Algae thrive in warm, stagnant water, and if your pool is not running long enough the water will not circulate enough to keep algae at bay. Algae often starts to grow in corners or edges of the pool where circulation is poor. Once algae starts to grow it can take over a pool rather quickly.
- Poor Filtration: Your pool filter is designed to remove small particles from the water. Filtration cleans your water while circulating it. Broken and dirty components, inside your filter, limit your system’s ability to filter out particulates which can lead to algae bloom.
- Imbalanced Pool Chemistry: Pools require a delicate balance of chemicals to stay clean and clear. Cyanuric acid, used to stabilize chlorine, can build up over time, particularly if you use chlorine tablets. When CYA levels are too high, chlorine is less effective at killing algae and bacteria, leading to a green pool. Additionally, phosphates may act as a source of nutrients and enter your pool through organic matter such as dirt and debris, animals, and fill water. Algae may feed on phosphates thus promoting its rapid growth.
Signs of problems that could lead to a Green Pool
Before diving into the solutions, it’s essential to recognize the signs of algae growth leading to a green pool:
- Murky or Cloudy Water: The water appears cloudy, dirty, or green and is not transparent.
- Slippery or Slimy Surfaces: Algae attaches to the pool’s surface and can make the pool walls and floor feel slippery or slimy.
- Unpleasant Odor: A strong, chlorine smell can indicate there is not enough active chlorine in the water to kill algae. If the pool is already green the pool could have a strong pungent smell similar to a small lake or pond. This unpleasant smell indicates the presence of algae or bacteria.
What You Can Do About a Green Pool
If you’ve identified that your pool is struggling with algae, don’t panic. There are several steps you can take to restore it to its former glory:
- Test and Balance the Water: Use a pool testing kit to check the levels of chlorine, pH, phosphates, and CYA. Adjust these levels as necessary. Using a phosphate remover to get rid of phosphates, makes it harder for the algae to live. Reducing CYA might involve diluting the water by partially draining the pool and refilling it.
- Shock the Pool: Shocking involves adding a large amount of chlorine to the pool to kill off the algae. Follow the instructions on the shock treatment product carefully. It may be necessary to shock your pool multiple times while you are trying to clear it up.
- Brush the Pool:: Brush all pool surfaces vigorously to expose the algae allowing the chlorine to penetrate the cells.
- Run the Filtration System: Keep your pool’s filtration system running continuously until the water clears up. This will help remove the dead algae and other contaminants. It may be necessary to clean or backwash your pool filter to keep it operating effectively, during the clean-up process.
- Algaecide Treatment: After shocking, consider using an algaecide to prevent future algae growth. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the best results. Note that based on your pool’s water Chemistry not all algaecides are a good choice.
Don’t Panic, We Have a Solution!
At AZ Oasis Pools, we understand the challenges of keeping a clean pool in our desert climate. We outlined some basic treatment methods that should work on simple algae infestation cleanups. Please call us if these steps do not solve your problem and we’ll come to your rescue and assess the pool to determine the best course of action.
Here are a few options:
- Treat the Pool: If the water parameters are acceptable and the pool isn’t too green, we might be able to treat the water and bring it back to life without draining it.
- Drain and Clean: Sometimes, the best solution is to drain and clean your pool completely. Cleaning may be spraying down the walls, pressure washing the walls, or a chlorine wash may be needed. We may also recommend an acid wash if there is staining that was not removed by the previous steps. This will give your pool a fresh start.
We will Help You Decide What’s Right for Your Pool
No need to stress about making the right decision! Our pool experts will discuss your options and recommend the best course of action for your specific pool.
Prevention is Key
Beyond emergency clean-ups, we emphasize the importance of regular maintenance to keep your pool sparkling all season long. Weekly check-ups and balanced pool chemistry are essential to prevent the dreaded green pool scenario. Our maintenance plans are designed to fit your schedule and ensure your pool remains a source of joy, not stress.
Dive Back into Fun with AZ Oasis Pools
Don’t let a green pool ruin your summer fun. Reach out to AZ Oasis Pools today for expert pool cleaning services and reliable maintenance plans. We’re dedicated to transforming your pool back to its pristine state quickly and efficiently. Let us help you enjoy every moment of your Arizona summer with a crystal-clear pool.