Did your pool suddenly go green? Well, it is possible for your pool to turn green overnight. As pool owners, it’s not a strange occurrence for us, especially when you are new to the system.
If algae bloom can attack the pool at the Olympics, where you have experts, and make the pool turn green overnight, then it can happen to anyone. Algae grows rapidly in pools.
So, if you fail to notice it when they are still appearing, you will be shocked the next time you visit the pool. To avoid algae growth, you need to ensure that you maintain the free chlorine level always.
On the other hand, pools turning green overnight can be caused by other factors. If you recently shocked your pool and it turns green overnight, the oxidation of metallic ions in the pool may be the cause.
Chlorine can oxidize metals like iron and copper. When these metals dissolve in the pool and become oxidized by chlorine, the reaction makes the pool water turn green.
These are the two most common causes of overnight green pools. If you check and there is no algae in the pool, there is a higher chance that there are metallic ions in the pool.
How do you fix a green pool fast?
Clearing a green pool can be a tedious job, especially when your pool is big. Since we are aware that algae is the major cause of green pools, our target is always to prevent it from getting into the pool.
But if they finally find their way into the pool, we have no choice but to clean the pool as soon as possible. You can say, you will manage it the way it is. Green pools can be detrimental to your health.
So, the issue now is how to fix the green pool fast and efficiently. You can shock treat your pool to clean green algae. The algae can be vacuumed out. Algaecides can also be used to kill algae in your pool.
There are different ways to clean your green pool. But the best method is the shock method. However, if the algae is much, the shock alone may not be enough to clean your pool.
Even if you decide to go ahead with it, it will take a long time to completely clear the pool. The best way to clear a green pool is to vacuum the pool first before applying shock.
With the vacuum, you have reduced the workload for the shock. That will not only make the work more efficient, but it will also make it faster.
Click here to learn how to vacuum your pool with a sand filter. For a step-by-step guide on how to shock your pool check this article.
How long does it take for a green pool to clear up?
Generally, it can take up to 4–5 days to completely clear a green pool. But by applying the method above, you can clear the pool within 24-48 hours.
Once you scrub the pool walls and bottom, the algae will be freed and can easily be vacuumed or killed by shock treatment.
First, vacuum the pool to waste to remove most of the algae particles. Then shock it to kill the remaining algae in the pool. With the filter running, the dead algae can be filtered out immediately.
Using this method can help you clean that green pool within 24 hours.
Will shock clear a green pool?
Yea, chlorine shock can be used to clear a green pool. But you have to be careful with the process to avoid adding an excess of chlorine. Check this post to learn how to shock your pool.
The shock works by breaking down the combined chlorine in the pool. Combined chlorine is not as effective as free chlorine.
In order to break down the combined chlorine, we need to add as much chlorine as possible to break up the combined chlorine. The amount of chlorine shock needed is called a breakpoint.
It requires little calculation. You can learn how to do the calculation by clicking the link above.
Is it OK to swim in a green pool?
It is not okay to swim in a green pool. The green color shows that there is algae in the pool. And we know that before algae can invade a pool, the free chlorine is no longer active.
With that in mind, it becomes obvious that bacteria and other disease-causing organisms could possibly be in the pool. So, swimming in such a pool is like exposing your body to different health risks.
An infected pool can infect humans as well. If you want to enjoy your pool and keep your body healthy, try shocking the pool before swimming.
How do you clear a green pool overnight?
The best time to shock a pool is in the evening when the sun has gone down. If you want your pool to appear clear the next day, scrub thoroughly and vacuum the pool.
Then shock the pool to destroy any remaining algae and bacteria. Make sure that your pump and filters are running. Let them run overnight. The next morning you will be surprised with how clear your pool will be.
Why is my pool still green after shock and algaecide?
As we stated at the beginning of this post, not all green pools are caused by algae. Your pool can be free of algae with chlorine levels high, but still green.
Other causes of the green pool are metallic ions in the pool. Metals like copper and iron cannot be removed from a pool with shock treatment.
When you shock your pool, the chlorine oxidizes the metals, resulting in the formation of compounds that force the pool to turn green. That’s why your pool remains green after the shock.
What happens if you put too much shock in your pool?
Too much shock will leave your pool with excess chlorine. Excess chlorine is not good for the pool and can cause health complications for the swimmers.
If you notice excess chlorine in your pool, stop swimming in it until the chlorine level drops. Some of the signs to help you know that your pool has excess chlorine are:
- Dry and itchy skin
- Burning eyes and nose
- Coughing
- Nausea, etc.
If you notice any of these signs, test the water to know the level of chlorine present. The ideal range is 1-3 ppm. It’s not safe when the chlorine level goes beyond 5 ppm.
If the chlorine level is high, you can lower it with any of the following methods:
Exposure to sunlight: the UV rays of sunlight can help to reduce the chlorine in your pool faster. So, open your pool and expose it to sunlight if the chlorine level is high.
These are solid and thick layers of translucent plastic bubble wrap exclusively fabricated for the swimming pool. Remember what high school chemistry says about heat and reactions.
Heat can help energize the chlorine molecules to react faster.
Adding sodium thiosulfate: One of the cheapest ways to lower chlorine levels is by adding sodium thiosulfate to the pool. It is highly reliable and is mostly used by commercial pool owners.
Adding hydrogen peroxide: 7 oz of a solution with 27% hydrogen peroxide can lower the chlorine in 10,000 gallons of pool water by 3 ppm. Though it is very effective, it alters the pH of the water. So you need to adjust the pH after using it.
Adding ascorbic acid: Mostly known as a stain remover, ascorbic acid can also be used to reduce the level of chlorine in your pool. 10 oz can lower chlorine levels by 3 ppm in 10,000 gallons of water.
Will baking soda clear a green pool?
If you are thinking of using household items to shock your pool, bleach is more effective than baking soda. You can learn how to use bleach to kill algae here.
You cannot use baking soda to clear a green pool because it doesn’t work as effectively as a shock should.
However, you can use it to spot-treat and kill algae. But that doesn’t mean that it can be used to clear out all the algae in your pool.
Should I drain my pool to get rid of algae?
Draining your pool to get rid of algae is not the best thing to do. Your pool can get damaged in the process. So, do your best to follow the methods described in the posts.
Draining the pool may look easier and cheaper, but you might end up getting stuck in the process.
