November 2011
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Changing Your Hot Tub Water in 4 Simple Steps
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How to Choose the Right In-ground Pool for You
in Maintenance
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Green water is one of the most commonly recurring problems in a poorly maintained swimming pool. The key word is poorly. Once you are aware of the two main causes of green water and how they relate to water chemistry and proper pool maintenance, you will understand how to keep your pool sparkling and ready for summer fun.
Algae
Algae is the most common cause of green water. Murky green water and slimy surfaces are the most obvious signs that a pool has an algae infestation. Three other common indications of algae are: (1) the water has a milky cloudiness (a sign that the algae is either blooming or dying); (2) a rapid drop in your sanitizer levels or an inability to maintain your sanitizer levels; and (3) a pool that only turned green after something out of the ordinary such as a rainstorm, pool party, or extended period of neglect.
No matter which Arch system you use, the basic steps you will take to combat an algae infestation will be clearly mapped out and easy to follow. Until you know your system’s specifics, though, here is a list of basic tips to guide you through the process:
- As green as your pool water may appear, you must balance your basic water chemistry, especially the pH, before treating the algae. If you don’t know your water balance, your Arch professional dealer can test a sample of your pool’s water for you and tell you exactly what you need to add.
- Brushing and vacuuming the pool to physically remove or at least disturb as much of the algae as possible before adding your treatment products will greatly improve their effectiveness and value.
- If you use the BAQUACIL CDX System®, click here for the steps to treating algae. If you use POOLIFE® products, click here. If you use POOL Breeze® products, click here.
- Once your pool is rid of the algae, use a brand-appropriate algaecide to prevent a re-infestation. Think of your primary sanitizer as your first line of defense and the algaecide as insurance. Preventing the algae in this manner is much less expensive than treating algae that’s already developed.
- Many pools are infested with algae in the off-season. You can help prevent this by properly winterizing the pool.
Metals
While an algae infestation is the main cause of green water, it is by no means the only reason. The second most common cause of green water is the presence of metals in the water, particularly copper. Metals may occur naturally in the water or they may be introduced by other factors such as corrosion caused by low pH; overdosing a copper-based algaecide; or forgotten coins that were tossed into the water. You will need to treat for metals and metal-based stains at their first indication.
Common signs that a pool has metallic contaminants in the water are:
- A clear green cast to the water
- Water that has turned green quickly after filling the pool, and
- Water that has turned green immediately upon adding shock or sanitizing products
- Water analysis by your professional pool retailer
Metals should always test at 0. There are metal control products available in each of Arch’s brands that can sequester any metallic contaminants in the pool water. Once the metals are neutralized, the green color will usually go away. You must maintain the prescribed dosage of the metal control product to prevent a recurrence of water discoloration or stains.
