Green Pool Cleanup
Complete algae removal and pool recovery process
Quick Answer
Green pool water indicates algae bloom requiring immediate shock treatment. Balance pH to 7.2-7.4 first, then shock with 2-6 lbs calcium hypochlorite per 10,000 gallons (amount depends on green severity). Run pump 24/7, brush twice daily, maintain 10-20 ppm chlorine until clear. Severe cases may need professional drain and acid wash.
Green Pool Severity Levels & Treatment
Light Green (Early Stage)
Can still see pool bottom clearly. Early algae contamination that's easiest to treat.
Treatment time: 2-4 days with proper shock treatment. High success rate for DIY cleanup.
Shock Required:
- • 2-3 lbs cal-hypo per 10,000 gallons
- • Target 15-20 ppm chlorine
- • Single dose often sufficient
- • Monitor for 24-48 hours
Expected Results:
- • Clearing begins in 6-12 hours
- • Return to blue water in 2-3 days
- • Minimal chemical cost ($25-50)
- • No professional service needed
Medium Green (Established Algae)
Bottom visible but unclear. Algae well-established throughout pool water.
Treatment time: 4-7 days with aggressive treatment. May require multiple shock doses.
Shock Required:
- • 3-4 lbs cal-hypo per 10,000 gallons
- • Target 20-30 ppm chlorine
- • Likely need second dose in 24-48 hrs
- • Monitor chlorine consumption closely
Additional Requirements:
- • Daily brushing essential
- • Filter cleaning every 2-3 days
- • Extended pump runtime (24/7)
- • Possible algaecide addition
Dark Green (Heavy Bloom)
Cannot see bottom at all. Severe algae bloom requiring aggressive treatment.
Treatment time: 7-14 days minimum. Consider professional service for faster results.
Shock Required:
- • 4-6 lbs cal-hypo per 10,000 gallons
- • Target 30+ ppm chlorine initially
- • Multiple doses required
- • Daily chlorine testing essential
Professional Considerations:
- • May need drain and acid wash
- • Specialized algaecides required
- • Professional equipment helpful
- • Risk of staining if improper treatment
Black/Blue-Green (Severe Contamination)
Professional service recommended. Possible black algae or extreme contamination.
Treatment approach: Often requires drain, acid wash, and complete refill for guaranteed results.
Why Professional:
- • Black algae is extremely resistant
- • Specialized treatment chemicals
- • Risk of permanent staining
- • May need surface restoration
Professional Options:
- • Complete drain and acid wash
- • Specialized algaecide protocols
- • Professional-grade equipment
- • Guarantee of results
GREEN POOL SAFETY
- •NEVER swim in green pool water - algae can harbor dangerous bacteria
- •Wear gloves and eye protection when handling shock chemicals
- •Add shock chemicals at dusk/night only - daylight destroys chlorine
- •Do not mix different types of chlorine or chemicals together
- •Keep pets and children away from pool during treatment
- •Wait until chlorine drops below 5 ppm before swimming
Complete Green Pool Recovery Protocol
Day 1: Emergency Response
Test Water
pH, alkalinity, chlorine
Balance pH
7.2-7.4 critical
Brush Pool
Break up algae films
Shock Treatment
At dusk/night only
Run Pump 24/7
Continuous circulation
Critical first day: Proper pH and immediate shock treatment determine success. Don't skip pH balancing step!
Days 2-4: Active Treatment Phase
Daily Tasks:
- Test chlorine levels every 12 hours
- Maintain 10-20 ppm chlorine at all times
- Brush entire pool surface twice daily
- Clean skimmer baskets daily
- Add more shock if chlorine drops to zero
- Keep pump running 24/7
Progress Indicators:
- Water clarity improving gradually
- Green color fading to lighter shades
- Chlorine holding levels longer
- Dead algae settling to bottom
- Return jets showing clearer water
Days 5-7: Cleanup Phase
Filter Maintenance (Critical):
Dead algae will clog filters rapidly during treatment.
- Backwash sand/DE filters every 2-3 days
- Clean cartridge filters thoroughly or replace
- Monitor filter pressure constantly
- Have spare cartridges ready for rotation
Vacuuming Strategy:
Once algae is dead (no longer green), vacuum to waste.
- Set filter valve to "waste" position
- Vacuum slowly to avoid stirring up debris
- Replace water lost during waste vacuuming
- Test and adjust chemicals after refilling
Days 8+: Recovery & Prevention
Final Steps:
- Return chlorine to normal levels (1-3 ppm)
- Balance all water chemistry
- Clean and inspect all equipment
- Resume normal filtration schedule
- Add preventive algaecide if desired
Prevention Plan:
- Maintain consistent chlorine levels
- Keep pH in proper range (7.2-7.6)
- Regular brushing and cleaning
- Adequate filtration runtime
- Professional service monthly
Southlake, Westlake, Grapevine Area Green Pool Challenges
Extreme Heat Acceleration
The area's brutal summer heat (100°+ for weeks) creates perfect algae growing conditions and accelerates green pool formation.
Heat Effects on Algae:
- • Pool turns green in 24-48 hours
- • Algae multiplies exponentially in heat
- • Chlorine consumption dramatically increased
- • Treatment takes longer in hot weather
Summer Adjustments:
- • Increase shock dosage by 25-50%
- • Test chlorine more frequently
- • Extended pump runtime required
- • Consider professional service in peak heat
Post-Storm Green Pools
Texas storms dump massive organic matter into pools and dilute chlorine, creating perfect algae conditions.
Storm Aftermath:
- • Massive leaf and debris contamination
- • Chlorine diluted by rainwater
- • pH dropped by acidic rain
- • Phosphates introduced (algae food)
Emergency Response:
- • Remove debris immediately
- • Emergency shock treatment same day
- • Test and balance chemistry quickly
- • Consider phosphate remover
Vacation Home Neglect
Many pools in the Southlake, Westlake, Grapevine area are vacation properties or second homes that get neglected, leading to severe green pool situations.
Neglect Consequences:
- • Months without chemical treatment
- • Equipment failures go unnoticed
- • Black algae establishment possible
- • May require complete drain/refill
Professional Solutions:
- • Automated chemical systems
- • Regular service contracts
- • Remote monitoring systems
- • Emergency pool recovery services
Professional Green Pool Assessment
Assess Algae Severity Level
Determine the extent of algae contamination for proper treatment
⚠️ Warning: Severe algae blooms may require professional drain and acid wash
Test and Balance Water Chemistry
Proper chemistry is essential for effective algae treatment
⚠️ Warning: High pH or cyanuric acid will prevent shock treatment from working
Calculate Shock Requirements
Determine amount of chlorine needed to kill algae
⚠️ Warning: Never add shock during daylight - UV will destroy chlorine immediately
Execute Treatment Protocol
Systematic approach to eliminate algae efficiently
⚠️ Warning: Do not swim until chlorine drops below 5 ppm and water clears
Monitor and Maintain Treatment
Track progress and adjust treatment as needed
⚠️ Warning: Algae can return if chlorine levels drop before complete elimination
Green Pool Recovery Costs
🔧 DIY Attempt
⚠️ Risks:
- • Incomplete algae elimination leading to rapid return
- • Chemical imbalance worsening the problem
- • Equipment damage from running pumps with clogged filters
- • Staining from improper chemical treatment
👷 Professional Service
✅ Includes:
- • Professional water analysis and treatment plan
- • Commercial-grade shock and algaecide treatment
- • Equipment inspection and cleaning
- • Daily monitoring and chemical adjustments
- • Guarantee of clear water results
- • Drain and acid wash if necessary
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Item/Service | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Shock chemicals (DIY)Depends on severity | $50 | $150 |
| Filter cleaning/replacement | $25 | $100 |
| Professional treatment service | $200 | $500 |
| Drain and acid washSevere cases only | $600 | $1200 |
| Total Range | $875 | $1950 |
💰 Value Tip: CoOpPools offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Our worker-owned model means fair prices and invested service.
When to Call a Professional
Call Immediately If:
- • Pool is black or extremely dark green
- • Algae returns after multiple treatments
- • Equipment malfunction during treatment
- • Suspected black algae (blue-black spots)
- • Pool needs to be ready for event/party
- • DIY treatment failing after 10 days
Professional Advantages:
- • Commercial-grade chemicals and equipment
- • Guaranteed results with warranty
- • Faster recovery time (3-7 vs 7-14 days)
- • Prevent costly equipment damage
- • Expertise in severe algae cases
- • Drain and acid wash capabilities
🚨 EMERGENCY SERVICE NEEDED
Green pools require immediate action to prevent permanent staining and equipment damage. Our algae specialists use commercial-grade treatments to restore your pool faster than DIY methods, with guaranteed results.
Mention "green pool recovery" when calling for faster service