A green swimming pool water like that of a pond is, of course, the sign of a problem at the level of this one. It is therefore essential to find an adequate solution as soon as possible before considering swimming there again. This is the subject of this article, in which we explain the probable causes, as well as the cleaning and treatment methods to find clear and clean water for swimming.
Summary
What are the causes of green swimming pool water?
Before proceeding with any treatment to make up for green swimming pool water, it is important to identify and understand the source of the problem. By the way, you should know that the most common cause is the presence of algae in the basin. The latter are developing in particular thanks to:
- An abnormal pH level of the water;
- An abnormal level of disinfectant;
- A radical change in the temperature of the water.
In addition, the presence of copper, pollen or even fertilizers in your swimming pool can also be the cause of the observed green coloration.
How to find a limpid swimming pool in a few steps?
After you have identified the cause of your pool’s greening, you may want to consider water treatment. To do this, here are the steps to follow for optimal results.
Clean the pool water
Whatever the cause of the greening of your swimming pool, the first thing to do is to clean properly before starting any treatment. To do this, use a dip net to remove all deposits. If the green coloration of your pond water is related to algae, use a brush and a vacuum broom to complete the cleaning of the walls and bottom. Then empty the pre-filter basket, drain off the dirty water and refill your basin.
Analyze the water
The water in a swimming pool tends to turn green when certain parameters are not correctly set. These include in particular:
- water potential (pH) which specifies the acidity or not of the water;
- hydrotimetric titer (TH) which determines the lime content or the hardness of the water;
- alkalimetric title (TAC) which specifies the total concentration of carbonate ion and strong base in the water.
With the aid of electronic tester, reagent tester, or paper strips, be sure that:
- The pH is between 7 and 7.4;
- The TH is between 150 and 250 ppm;
- The TAC is between 180 and 200 ppm.
If you do not get the required values during your scan, you should correct them before proceeding to the next step. For this, you can in particular use a pH + or pH- product depending on the case.
Do anti-algae treatment
If the presence of algae is indeed the cause of the green color of your pool, it is recommended touse an algaecide for a more effective treatment. The general recommended dose is 1 liter of algaecide per 100 m3 of water. However, as with other cleaning products, always have the reflex to refer to the instructions for use on the container.
Shock treatment
The shock treatment of the water removes contaminants, fungi, bacteria and other organisms such as algae that have resisted cleaning. To carry out your shock treatment, you have the choice between hydrogen peroxide (for small pools), chlorine or bromine.
Whichever you choose, it is important to respect the dosages indicated on the containers of these cleaning products.
If you opt for a shock treatment with chlorine, obtain chlorine in granules or tablets. Then, while respecting the instructions on the packaging, you can add the product directly to the skimmers of your pool. For your chlorine treatment to be effective, make sure that your filtration system is able to operate continuously (for 48 to 72 hours), and that your filter is clean enough.
Use a flocculant
At this stage, your swimming pool certainly already presents a more reassuring aspect. However, if there is any residue that makes the water cloudy, you can use a flocculant. This considerably improves the quality of the water in your swimming pool and makes it clearer. In fact, it allows the filter to retain fine particles suspended in the water. It will therefore be necessary to let the filtration system run for 24 to 48 hours for an optimal end result.
Warning : Flocculation can damage diatomaceous earth filters, as well as cartridge or bag filters. It is also recommended to use the flocculant with a sand filter in order to get rid of all impurities. Finally, special attention is required regarding dosage.
What to do to avoid green swimming pool water?
You will certainly have understood it: going from green swimming pool water to clear water suitable for swimming is no small task. Therefore, the best thing to do is to prevent this phenomenon.
For this, it is particularly recommended to monitor regularly the water from your swimming pool (preferably once a week) during the summer season. Also ensure that your filtration system is working properly. For information, the filtration time must correspond to the flow rate of your pump, the volume of your pool and its temperature. Finally, make sure you are using the right cleaning products.
