Green Pool Recovery: 48-Hour Rescue Plan

Finding your pool turned green is every pool owner's nightmare. Whether it happened overnight or gradually over a few days, don't panic. With the right approach, you can restore crystal clear water in just 48 hours.

Why Pools Turn Green

Green water is caused by algae growth, which thrives when:

• • Chlorine levels drop below 1 ppm
• • pH becomes unbalanced (above 7.8)
• • Poor circulation or filtration
• • Warm weather and sunlight
• • Organic contamination (leaves, debris)
• • Heavy pool usage without proper maintenance

The 48-Hour Recovery Protocol

Hour 0-2: Assessment & Preparation

Step 1: Test Your Water

Before adding any chemicals, you need to know what you're working with:

• • Free Chlorine: Likely 0 ppm (should be 3-7 ppm)
• • pH: Probably high (should be 7.2-7.6)
• • Total Alkalinity: Check if within 80-120 ppm
• • Cyanuric Acid: May be too high (max 50 ppm)

Step 2: Calculate Your Pool Volume

Accurate chemical dosing depends on knowing your exact pool volume. Use our pool volume calculator for precise measurements.

Step 3: Gather Your Supplies

You'll need:

• • Calcium hypochlorite shock (65-70% available chlorine)
• • Muriatic acid (for pH adjustment)
• • Algaecide (polyquat 60 preferred)
• • Pool brush (steel for concrete, nylon for vinyl)
• • Leaf net and vacuum
• • Safety equipment (goggles, gloves)

Hour 2-4: The Shock Treatment

Step 4: Lower pH First

Shock is most effective at lower pH levels. If your pH is above 7.6, add muriatic acid to bring it down to 7.2-7.4. Wait 30 minutes between adjustments.

Step 5: Shock the Pool (The Big Guns)

For green pools, you need to shock at 2-3x the normal rate:

Step 6: Add Algaecide

30 minutes after shocking, add algaecide at double the normal dose. Polyquat 60 is best as it won't foam or stain.

Step 7: Brush Aggressively

Brush all surfaces thoroughly - walls, steps, corners, and behind ladders. This breaks up algae colonies and helps chemicals penetrate.

Hour 4-24: Circulation & Filtration

Step 8: Run the Pump Continuously

Your pump must run 24/7 during recovery. Good circulation is critical for:

• • Distributing chemicals evenly
• • Filtering out dead algae
• • Preventing new algae growth

Step 9: Clean or Replace Filter

Dead algae will clog your filter quickly:

• • Cartridge filters: Replace or deep clean every 12 hours
• • Sand filters: Backwash when pressure rises 8-10 psi
• • DE filters: Backwash and add fresh DE

Hour 24-36: Monitoring & Adjustment

Step 10: Test and Adjust

After 24 hours, test your water again:

• • Free chlorine should be 5-10 ppm (higher is okay during treatment)
• • pH should be 7.2-7.6
• • Water should be noticeably clearer

Step 11: Second Shock (If Needed)

If water is still green or chlorine reads 0, shock again at the same rate. Some severe cases need multiple treatments.

Hour 36-48: Final Cleanup

Step 12: Vacuum Dead Algae

Once water clears, you'll see dead algae on the bottom. Vacuum to waste (bypass the filter) to remove it completely.

Step 13: Balance Chemicals

With algae gone, balance your water chemistry:

• • Chlorine: 3-7 ppm
• • pH: 7.4-7.6
• • Total Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm
• • Calcium Hardness: 200-400 ppm

When to Call a Professional

Contact a pool service if:

• • Pool is still green after 72 hours
• • You're uncomfortable handling chemicals
• • Equipment isn't working properly
• • Water won't hold chlorine (chlorine demand)
• • You see black algae (requires special treatment)

Prevention: Never Again

Prevent future green pools with consistent maintenance:

• • Test water 2-3 times per week
• • Maintain 3-7 ppm free chlorine
• • Shock weekly during swimming season
• • Run pump 8-12 hours daily
• • Clean filter monthly
• • Remove debris promptly