There’s nothing like jumping into a crystal clear swimming pool on a hot day. But what happens when your pool water turns a murky green color? It’s not only uninviting to swim in but can also be a sign of poor water quality and a breeding ground for algae and bacteria.

If the water is light green, likely, the algae are just beginning to form, and luckily, you’ve caught the problem on time. When it comes to pool algae, the good news is that you don’t have to drain the pool to kill the algae, and the issue indicated the chlorine or sanitizer levels are way too low. 

Keep reading to see how to get the green out of your pool and where to find affordable pool service in Las Vegas. 

Start With Brushing the Pool’s Floor and Walls

Scrub the walls, the floor, the steps, and other pool surfaces hosting algae. You would want to scrape the algae off the surfaces and make them float so the chlorine and sanitizers can kill it. 

Use a sturdier algae brush if your pool is concrete than a nylon-bristled brush. You might need to put some elbow grease to scrape the algae off the surfaces.

Check the pH and Alkalinity Levels

Testing the pH and alkalinity levels is pretty straightforward; you only need rest strips or a liquid kit test. Basically, you’re looking for the following: 

• A pH level between 7.4 and 7.6. If it’s lower than 7.4, there’s no need to worry, as you can simply shock the pool to raise the pH level later.
• Alkalinity level between 100 and 150 ppm (parts per million). 

Shock the Pool to Kill Algae

Shocking is another solution to get the green out of your pool and restore its crystal-clear blue hues. You’ll shock the pool with chlorine, killing the algae and removing the green, and the best time to do so is at night.

Pool shocking treatments contain massive amounts of chlorine and sanitizers that will both eradicate the algae and sanitize the water. 

• If your pool is teal green, up the shock dose by 2;
• If your pool is dark green, up the shock dose by 3;
• If your pool is blackish green, up the shock dose by 4 (this is the hardest type of algae to kill).

Keep the Filter Running for 8 Hours

After shocking the pool, keep the pool filter running overnight for at least 8 hours. This is to ensure your pool water gets filtered faster. If the pool is still green or teal, repeat the shock in the evening. 

This should settle the issue and restore the blue color in your pool water. Don’t panic if the water is cloudy blue, it’s totally normal, and the cloudiness will subdue in a couple of hours.

City Wide Pool Service: Pool Services You Can Trust

If you’re looking for top-notch pool services in Las Vegas, City Wide Pool Service is exactly what you need. With years of experience in the industry, our team of trusted technicians is dedicated to providing our customers with exceptional service, quality workmanship, and the best value.

We offer services for Las Vegas residents with a holistic approach to common pool issues. If you have any questions, get in touch with us – we’d love to talk.