You step outside, and your pool is a little grungier than usual. You don’t want to get in, let alone have anyone else swim in it. Whether it looks green, cloudy, or has turned into a mess, it’s time to clean it.
Different pools have different problems, but there are some general tips that can help you get your pool back to swimming condition. From scrubbing swimming pool tiles to vacuuming, we’ll cover how to clean a pool that’s looking green or cloudy.
What causes a pool to look green?
One of the most common problems is a greenish-looking pool. This is usually caused by algae, which thrives in warm, wet conditions.
Algae can be introduced to your pool in several ways – from rainwater or debris falling in to swimmers tracking it in on their feet. In fact, algae spores are so small that they can easily enter your pool through the tiniest of cracks.
How to clean a green pool
Step 1. Check your chlorine levels
Because algae love warm, wet conditions, one of the best ways to get rid of them is by making your pool a less inviting environment. The first step is to check your chlorine levels and ensure they’re high enough.
Chlorine in a pool works by killing algae and other bacteria. So, if your chlorine levels are low, it’s likely that the algae in your pool will continue to thrive. If your chlorine levels are low, you’ll need to raise them by adding more chlorine to the water.
You can buy chlorine in several different forms, including tablets, granules, and liquids. The type you use is up to you but follow the packaging instructions carefully.
Step 2. Shock your pool
Once you’ve raised your chlorine levels, it’s time to give your pool a good shock. Shocking your pool is a process of adding a large amount of chlorine all at once, which helps to kill off any algae that are present.
The difference between shocking and chlorinating is that shocking is meant to be a one-time treatment, while chlorinating is an ongoing process. You can buy pool shocks at most hardware or pool stores. Again, make sure you follow the package instructions carefully.
Step 3. Brush and vacuum your pool
It’s not enough to kill the algae – you also need to remove it from your pool. Start by brushing the walls and floor of your pool with a stiff brush. This will help loosen any algae that are clinging to the sides.
The tile line, in particular, is a common place for algae to build up, so make sure you give it a good scrub. The type of tiles in your pool will determine how much elbow grease you need to use.
For example, Porcelain Pool Tiles are very smooth, so you might not need to put a little effort into scrubbing them. On the other hand, textured tiles can be more challenging to clean, as the algae can get caught in the nooks and crannies.
Once you’ve brushed the sides, it’s time to vacuum the floor. If you have an above-ground pool, you can use a handheld vacuum. For inground pools, you’ll need to use a vacuum attached to your pool’s filtration system.
Simply turn on the filter to vacuum your pool and lower the vacuum head into the water. Move it around until you’ve covered the entire floor.
Step 4. Balance your pool’s pH levels
After you’ve brushed, vacuumed, and shocked your pool, it’s important to balance the pH levels. pH is a measure of how acidic or basic your pool water is.
Ideally, your pool should have a pH level between 7.2 and 7.8. If the pH level is too low, it can cause skin and eye irritation. If it’s too high, it can make chlorine less effective.
What causes a pool to look cloudy?
Another problem is a cloudy pool. This can be caused by several things, including:
- Too much chlorine
- Not enough filtration
- Dirt or debris in the water
- pH imbalance
Cloudy and green pools can often go hand-in-hand. If your pool is cloudy, it’s likely that there’s also a build-up of algae. This is because algae love warm, wet conditions – exactly the environment that can cause a pool to become cloudy.
But sometimes, pools can get cloudy even if no algae is present. This can be caused by too much chlorine, insufficient filtration, or dirt and debris in the water. Let’s check out how to clean your cloudy pool that’s not green.
How to clean a cloudy pool (no algae)
Step 1. Check your chlorine levels.
As we mentioned, one of the most common causes of a cloudy pool is too much chlorine. If you’re unsure how to test your chlorine levels, don’t worry – we’ve got you covered. There are a few different ways to test your chlorine levels:
- Use test strips: dip a strip of paper into the water and compare the color to the chart on the packaging.
- Use a pool test kit: these usually come with a powder you need to dissolve in your pool water. Then, you add drops of liquid until the color changes. Again, you’ll need to compare this to a chart to work out your chlorine levels.
- Use a digital pool tester: this is the most accurate way to test your chlorine levels. The tester will give you an exact reading of how much chlorine is in your pool.
Typically, the ideal chlorine level for a pool is between 1 and 3 ppm (parts per million). If your chlorine levels are too high, you’ll need to drain your pool and add fresh water partially.
Step 2. Check your filtration system.
Another common cause of cloudy pool water is insufficient filtration. Your filter should run for at least 8 hours a day to ensure that the water is properly filtered.
If your pool is still cloudy after running the filter for the recommended amount of time, you might need to backwash your filter. This is a process where you reverse the water flow through the filter to clean it out.
The reason your filter might need to be cleaned is that it can become clogged with dirt and debris over time. This can reduce water flow and make it more difficult for your pool to stay clean.
Step 3. Clean your pool again.
If you’ve checked your chlorine levels and filtration system and your pool is still cloudy, you should give it another good clean.
Start by brushing the sides and vacuuming the floor, just like when you first cleaned your pool. Then, shock your pool with chlorine to kill any remaining bacteria. After you’ve done this, run your filtration system for at least 8 hours a day until the water is clear.
Step 4. Vacuum your pool.
If your pool is still cloudy, you can try vacuuming it. This will help to remove any dirt or debris that might be causing the problem.
To vacuum your pool, you’ll need to attach the vacuum head to the hose and lower it into the water. Then, turn on the vacuum and move it around the pool until the entire floor has been covered.
Once you’re done, empty the vacuum bag and brush the sides and floor of the pool again. Then, run your filtration system for at least 8 hours a day until the water is clear.
Conclusion
Maintaining a clean and clear pool can be a bit of a hassle, but it’s worth it when you can take a dip in your oasis. By following the steps above, you should be able to get rid of any cloudiness or discoloration in your pool and enjoy those summer days to the fullest. Happy swimming!
