Quick Answer
Green pool water contains dangerous bacteria and algae that require immediate professional treatment. Do NOT swim in green water or attempt DIY treatment - the large amounts of chemicals needed are hazardous to handle. Professional service safely eliminates algae in 24-48 hours for light cases or 3-7 days for severe infestations. Call (682) 710-7665 for emergency green pool recovery.
Professional service recommended for this issue
Why You Shouldn't DIY Green Pool Recovery
Chemical Hazards
- 🚫Requires 10-50 lbs of shock chemicals
- 🚫Improper mixing creates toxic chlorine gas
- 🚫High chemical concentrations burn skin/eyes
- 🚫Fumes can cause respiratory damage
Technical Challenges
- 🚫Filter systems often need professional service
- 🚫Wrong treatment makes algae chlorine-resistant
- 🚫Dead algae clogs filters causing damage
- 🚫Multiple failed attempts common with DIY
💡 Did You Know? Over 70% of DIY green pool treatments fail on the first attempt, leading to more expensive professional remediation and extended pool closure.
Identifying Algae Severity
Level 1: Light Green Tint
Can still see bottom, water has green hue
Treatment Time: 24-48 hours
Chemical Needs: 20 ppm chlorine shock
Level 2: Moderate Green
Can see 3-4 feet down, definite green color
Treatment Time: 3-5 days
Chemical Needs: 30+ ppm chlorine shock
Level 3: Severe Green
Can only see 1-2 feet, dark green water
Treatment Time: 5-7 days
Chemical Needs: 40+ ppm chlorine shock
Level 4: Swamp Condition
Cannot see steps, black-green water, possible odor
Treatment Time: 7-14 days
Chemical Needs: 50+ ppm chlorine, multiple treatments
Critical Safety Information
- •NEVER swim in green water - contains E. coli, Giardia, and other dangerous pathogens
- •Do not allow pets to drink or enter green pool water
- •Large chemical doses required create toxic fumes - stay away during treatment
- •Dead algae creates slippery surfaces - extreme fall hazard
- •Cannot see if someone is drowning in green water
- •Improper chemical mixing can create chlorine gas (potentially fatal)
- •High chlorine levels during treatment can cause severe burns
Step-by-Step Diagnosis
Algae Severity Assessment
Determine the level of algae infestation. Light green tint = Level 1, Can see 3-4 feet = Level 2, Dark green/can see 1-2 feet = Level 3, Cannot see steps = Level 4 (swamp).
⚠️ Warning: Do NOT enter the water for any reason - serious health and safety risk.
💡 Pro Tip: Take photos to document the severity for your pool professional.
Check Chlorine Levels
Test free chlorine - it will likely read 0 ppm as algae consumes all available chlorine. This confirms active algae growth rather than just colored water.
⚠️ Warning: Standard test strips may not work in heavily contaminated water.
💡 Pro Tip: If chlorine reads above 0 but water is still green, you may have metal issues instead.
Evaluate Circulation
Check if pump is running and water is circulating. Look for dead spots where algae accumulates. Poor circulation is often a contributing factor.
⚠️ Warning: Do not open pump lid if system is under pressure - turn off pump first.
Identify Contributing Factors
Consider what led to the algae bloom: equipment failure, missed maintenance, heavy rain, fertilizer runoff, or extended pump downtime.
💡 Pro Tip: Understanding the cause helps prevent future occurrences.
Stop and Call Professionals
Green pool recovery requires large amounts of chemicals that can be dangerous to handle. Professional treatment is safer, faster, and often more cost-effective.
⚠️ Warning: DIY attempts often fail, leading to wasted chemicals and extended pool closure.
Common Causes of Algae Growth
Primary Causes
- 🦠Low Chlorine: Falls below 1 ppm allowing algae to multiply
- 🦠Equipment Failure: Pump stops, chlorinator fails, or timer malfunction
- 🦠Poor Circulation: Dead spots allow algae colonies to establish
Contributing Factors
- 🌱High Phosphates: From fertilizer runoff or organic debris
- 🌱Warm Temperatures: Algae thrives above 80°F
- 🌱pH Imbalance: High pH reduces chlorine effectiveness
Professional Green Pool Treatment Process
How CoOpPools Eliminates Algae Safely
Initial Assessment & Safety Setup
Test for bacterial levels, evaluate equipment condition, establish safety perimeter, and calculate exact chemical requirements based on pool volume and algae severity.
Remove Debris & Pre-Treatment
Net out leaves and large debris, vacuum visible algae to waste (bypassing filter), and prepare circulation system for heavy chemical treatment.
Super Chlorination & Algaecide
Add calculated amounts of professional-grade chlorine (20-50 ppm based on severity), followed by specialized algaecides. This requires protective equipment and expertise.
Aggressive Brushing & Circulation
Brush all surfaces multiple times daily to break up algae colonies. Run pump 24/7 to circulate chemicals and filter out dead algae. Clean filter frequently.
Monitor & Maintain Attack
Test and maintain high chlorine levels (15-20 ppm) for several days. Continue brushing and filter cleaning. Add clarifier once algae is dead to speed clearing.
Final Balance & Prevention
Once clear, reduce chlorine to safe swimming levels (1-3 ppm), balance all chemistry parameters, add phosphate remover, and establish prevention protocol.
⏱️ Timeline: Light cases clear in 24-48 hours. Moderate cases take 3-5 days. Severe "swamp" conditions require 7-14 days of intensive treatment.
Cost Information
🔧 DIY Attempt
⚠️ Risks:
- • Chemical exposure causing burns or respiratory damage
- • Failed attempts requiring professional remediation anyway
- • Equipment damage from improper chemical use
- • Extended pool closure (often 2-3 weeks for DIY)
- • Wasted chemicals from incorrect dosing
- • Liability for injuries from unsafe water
👷 Professional Service
✅ Includes:
- • Complete algae elimination guarantee
- • All chemicals and algaecides included
- • Multiple site visits as needed
- • Filter cleaning and maintenance
- • Water testing throughout treatment
- • Prevention plan to avoid recurrence
- • Safe handling of hazardous chemicals
- • Equipment inspection and optimization
Detailed Cost Breakdown
| Item/Service | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Service Call & Assessment | $75 | $125 |
| Shock Chemicals (20-100 lbs) | $50 | $200 |
| Algaecides & Clarifiers | $25 | $75 |
| Labor (Multiple Visits) | $100 | $300 |
| Filter Cleaning/Service | $50 | $100 |
| Total Range | $300 | $800 |
💰 Value Tip: CoOpPools offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Our worker-owned model means fair prices and invested service.
Prevention Tips
Green pools are 100% preventable with proper maintenance. Following these proven strategies will save you hundreds of dollars and weeks of pool downtime.
Maintain Chlorine Levels
Keep free chlorine between 1-3 ppm at all times. Test and adjust levels 2-3 times per week. This is your primary defense against algae.
Weekly Professional Service
Professional weekly maintenance prevents 99% of algae outbreaks. Technicians catch problems early before algae can establish.
Proper Circulation
Run pump 8-12 hours daily during swim season. Good circulation prevents dead spots where algae thrives.
Regular Brushing
Brush pool walls and floor weekly, even when water looks clear. This disrupts algae before it becomes visible.
Phosphate Control
Test and remove phosphates quarterly. Keep levels below 100 ppb to starve algae of its food source.
🏊 Pro Tip: Regular professional maintenance prevents 90% of pool problems.Get your maintenance quote today
Related Pool Problems
Yellow/Mustard Algae
Often RelatedMore resistant strain that may develop after green algae
Low Chlorine Levels
Often RelatedThe primary cause of algae growth
Pump Won't Start
Often RelatedEquipment failure often triggers algae blooms
Black Algae
Sometimes RelatedCan develop in neglected pools with persistent algae issues
High Phosphates
Sometimes RelatedPhosphates feed algae growth
Filter Problems
Sometimes RelatedPoor filtration allows algae to thrive
💡 Did You Know? Pool problems often occur together.Green water (algae) can lead to or be caused by these related issues. Understanding the connections helps prevent future problems.
🚨 EMERGENCY SERVICE NEEDED
Don't let algae take over your pool! Our emergency green pool recovery service safely eliminates algae and restores crystal-clear water fast.
Mention "green pool" when calling for faster service
Frequently Asked Questions About Green Pools
Why is my pool water green?
Green pool water is caused by algae growth, which occurs when chlorine levels drop below effective levels (usually under 1 ppm). Contributing factors include poor circulation, high phosphates, equipment failure, or neglected maintenance. The green color comes from millions of algae cells suspended in the water.
Can I swim in a green pool?
No, never swim in a green pool. Green water contains harmful bacteria, pathogens, and algae that can cause illness, skin infections, and respiratory problems. Additionally, you cannot see the bottom, creating a serious drowning risk.
How long does it take to clear a green pool?
Professional green pool treatment typically takes 24-48 hours for light cases, 3-5 days for moderate cases, and 7-10 days for severe infestations. The timeline depends on algae severity, pool size, and equipment condition.
How much does green pool cleanup cost?
Professional green pool cleanup typically costs $200-600 depending on severity. This includes chemicals, labor, filter cleaning, and follow-up visits. DIY attempts often fail and can cost more in wasted chemicals and extended downtime.
Will algae come back after treatment?
With proper maintenance, algae should not return. The key is maintaining adequate chlorine levels (1-3 ppm), proper circulation, and regular maintenance. Weekly professional service prevents 99% of algae problems.
⚠️ Don't Risk Your Health or Safety
Green pool water is a serious health hazard requiring professional treatment. The chemicals and expertise needed are beyond typical homeowner capabilities.
Call (682) 710-7665 for Emergency Service