Pool Turned Green? A Rescue Plan That Works

You come home from a December break and the pool has turned green. It's one of the most common summer pool problems in Cape Town, caused by heat, sun, rain and a few days without enough chlorine or filtration. The good news is that most green pools can be cleared in a few days.

Why pools turn green

Green water is algae. It grows fast when chlorine levels drop, especially in hot weather with lots of sunlight. Debris like leaves adds to the problem, and a dirty or under-run filter can't keep up.

Step 1: Clear debris and check the equipment

• Remove leaves and debris with a net.
• Empty the skimmer and pump baskets.
• Backwash and rinse the filter. A clogged filter is often half the problem.

Step 2: Brush everything

Brush the walls, floor, steps and corners thoroughly. Algae clings to surfaces, and brushing breaks it up so the chlorine can reach it.

Step 3: Balance the pH

Test the water. Chlorine works best when pH is between 7.2 and 7.6. If pH is high, adjust it first, otherwise much of your shock dose will be wasted.

Step 4: Shock-dose

Add a shock dose of granular chlorine such as HTH Granular Chlorine, following the pack instructions for your pool's volume and the severity of the algae. Dose in the evening so sunlight doesn't burn off the chlorine. Very green pools may need a second dose the next evening.

Step 5: Filter, filter, filter

Run the pump continuously until the water clears. The water often turns cloudy grey or white as the algae dies. That's normal. Backwash when the filter pressure rises, brush daily and vacuum the dead algae off the floor.

Preventing a repeat

• Before going away, balance the water, top up chlorine and set the pump timer for longer runs.
• Ask someone to empty baskets and check the pool once a week.
• Keep a regular chlorine routine with a product like MAXCHLOR GOLD.

Stock up

HTH Granular Chlorine, MAXCHLOR GOLD Chlorine and Salvatex Household Gloves are available from maxproducts.co.za.

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Products mentioned in this guide

Available now from our sister company Max Products at maxproducts.co.za, in trade sizes and delivered in Cape Town.

HTH Granular ChlorineShop now →MAXCHLOR GOLD ChlorineShop now →Salvatex Household GlovesShop now →

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