WATER HAS TURNED GREEN — During this time of year, everyone thinks of algae when discussing a green pool, but did you know that your pool water can turn green even without algae present? Most pool owners know the fiasco of a green pool, but they think it’s always algae-related. In this article, we’ll explain why your pool water can turn green without algae, how to solve the problem, and how a robot pool cleaner like the Beatbot AquaSense Pro can help keep your pool in its best shape.
Pool Water Goes Green: What You Need to Know
Dirty green water is generally a sign of algae, but there are other reasons your pool water might look green. The two most common culprits are high levels of metals (copper or iron, for example) and an imbalance in your pool’s chemicals. Let’s break them down.
1.1 Elevated Metal Levels: Copper and Iron
Without any algae, excessive brass, especially copper and iron, can also result in green-colored swimming pool water. These metals can originate from your water supply, old pool equipment, or certain types of algaecides and pool chemicals. These metals can react with chlorine or other pool chemicals, potentially leading to discoloration that causes your pool water to look green.
Copper: Copper-based algaecides and pool heaters can result in copper accumulation in the water of the pool. Copper can oxidize and turn the water green when paired with chlorine.
Iron: Iron is typically introduced from pool ladders, pipes, or well water. When iron oxidizes, it can turn the pool water a murky, greenish hue.
1.2 Chemical Imbalance
A pool with an imbalance in the chemicals will also have greenish water. While this might look a lot like algae growth, it’s caused by improper water chemistry rather than biological contamination.
Testing has shown low chlorine levels: When chlorine levels are low, they can fail to effectively sanitize the pool, leading to an environment that fosters algae growth. “But even if you don’t have algae visible, the water can become green if the chlorine is not functioning effectively.”
High pH Levels: High pH prevents your pool’s chlorine from sanitizing the water effectively, adding a greenish tint — and high metal levels only make things worse.
High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS) — A high build-up of TDS in the role, often due to a surplus of pool chemicals, can also cause the water to turn green.
How to Wipe Out Green Pool Water (Without Algae)
If your pool water is green and you are confident that algae are not responsible, then you need to concentrate on balancing the chemistry and treating any mental problems. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help clear your pool water.
2.1 Test & Balance Your Pool Chemistry
KES: The first step to solving green pool water is testing and balancing the water chemistries. Check for the following:
Chlorine Levels: Make sure your chlorine levels are within the ideal range of 1 3 ppm If the chlorine is low, shock the pool to quickly raise the chlorine levels.
pH Levels: Between 7.4 and 7.6. If the pH level is high, the pH decreases (muriatic acid or sodium bisulfate).
Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness: Make sure to test and balance your alkalinity (80-120 ppm ideal) and calcium hardness (200-400 ppm ideal).
Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): A high TDS level means that, in certain cases, you may need to drain some pool water and replenish it with fresh water.
2.2 Get Rid of Metals in Your Pool Water
In the case of the green water being caused by metals such as copper or iron, a metal sequestrant will be necessary. The chemicals bind to the metals, which stops them from oxidizing and therefore causing discoloration.
Metal Sequestrant: Metal sequestrants neutralize the metals and help restore your pool’s clear water. Determine the proper dosage following the manufacturer’s instructions.
2.3 Use a Pool Cleaning Robot
So treating the chemical balance is all well and good but Beatbot AquaSense is a robot vacuum cleaner for the pool that will expedite the process of cleaning your pool. Fine particles and debris that can turn the water green are removed by an automated pool cleaning robot and help to keep your pool cleaner longer!
Automatic Cleaning: The pool robotic pool cleaner scrubs away dirt and debris from the walls and floor of your pool, preventing problems such as a green pool and cloudy water.
Effective Filtration: A robotic pool vacuum with a high-efficiency filter allows you to collect compromised particles that impact the water’s transparency while adding another layer of filtration.
2.4 Shock the Pool
Once you bring the metal levels to an acceptable level with respect to the pool’s chemical balance, consider shocking the pool to get a deeper clean. Pool shock products have a very high concentration of chlorine that is enough to kill any organic matter remaining in the water. Doing is especially important especially in cases where there are hidden algae or bacteria that cause the color to be green.
How to Prevent Green Pool Water in the Future
Well, now that you know how to fix green pool water (without algae) it is time to look at the long game. Preventing this from happening in the future requires regular maintenance along with a pool vacuum or robotic pool cleaner.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance 3.1
Vacuum your pool with a vacuum cleaner for the pool regularly: A pool vacuum will be able to pick up debris and particles that can collect in the water.
Skimming: Kill two birds with one stone and use that skimmer to remove floating debris, leaves, and dirt so as to keep the water clear.
Filtration: Make sure your pool’s filtration system is working effectively and changing or cleaning out the filter as necessary.
3.2 Routine Chemical Testing
If you own a pool, balance out your water at least once a week. A balanced pool chemistry will prevent common problems that can lead to high metal levels or low chlorine — both of which can cause a green pool.
Wrap-Up: Green Pool Water Doesn’t Always Indicate Algae
Although green pool water is commonly known to have algae, that is not the sole cause of this trouble. High metal concentrations, bad water chemistry, and even total dissolved solids can all cause a coloring without a bit of algae anywhere. By testing and balancing your pool water, cleaning it with our favorite cleaning robot pool cleaner — the Beatbot AquaSense Pro — and keeping up with your maintenance, you can keep these green discolorations from settling into the water.
Regardless, periodic maintenance and proper pool cleaning equipment are necessary to keep your pool looking great, even if algae isn’t the problem. Clear blue water is all thanks to a swimming pool robot cleaner that takes care of debris all year long.
