A green pool means chlorine levels are too low, water circulation is poor, or pool chemistry is out of balance. This can happen due to hot weather, heavy rain, high bather loads, or equipment issues—all of which weaken your pool’s defenses. When chlorine can’t keep up, algae move in fast, turning the water cloudy and green.
The good news? A green pool is completely fixable. Follow this guide to diagnose the problem and get your pool back to crystal-clear perfection.
If chlorine is the muscle behind keeping your pool clean, circulation and filtration are the bloodstream that keep everything moving. Without proper water flow, chlorine and other sanitizers can’t reach every corner of the pool, allowing algae to settle and grow.
Your pump ensures water moves through the system, distributing chemicals evenly, while the filter removes debris and contaminants that feed algae. If either isn’t working properly, chlorine becomes less effective, and the pool starts turning green.
Simple issues—like closed valves, a clogged pump basket, or a dirty filter—can restrict circulation, making it harder for your pool to stay clean. Running your pump for at least 8-12 hours a day, keeping the filter maintained, and ensuring return jets are angled for optimal flow can prevent stagnation and keep your water crystal clear.
If your pool is looking dull or cloudy, start here—sometimes, all it takes is a little flow to fix the problem!
Pool chemistry isn’t just about dumping in chlorine and hoping for the best—it’s a delicate balance of different factors that all work together to keep your water clear and safe. When one element is off, it can throw everything out of whack, making it harder for chlorine to do its job. If chlorine levels are low, pH is too high or too low, or stabilizer levels are off, your pool becomes a perfect breeding ground for algae.
Think of it like baking a cake—each ingredient plays a specific role. Chlorine is the main ingredient that kills bacteria and algae, but pH levels determine how effective that chlorine actually is. If the pH is too high, chlorine becomes sluggish and weak. If it’s too low, the water becomes too acidic, which can damage equipment and irritate swimmers’ eyes and skin. Alkalinity acts as a buffer to keep pH stable, while stabilizer (cyanuric acid) protects chlorine from breaking down too quickly under the harsh Aussie sun.
When pool chemistry is properly balanced, chlorine works at full strength, water stays clear, and maintenance becomes much easier. A weekly test can save you from bigger headaches down the track!
Your salt chlorinator is the engine of your pool’s sanitation system—without it, your pool won’t get the chlorine it needs to stay clear. Instead of adding chlorine manually, the chlorinator converts salt or magnesium into chlorine through a process called electrolysis. When working properly, it provides a steady stream of sanitiser, keeping your pool water healthy with minimal effort. But if something goes wrong? Algae can take hold fast.
Several issues can cause a chlorinator to underperform. Sometimes, the settings aren’t high enough, especially during summer when chlorine demand increases. A high bather load or excess organic debris (like leaves, dirt, and sunscreen) can also eat up chlorine faster than the system can produce it. A clogged or calcified salt cell is another common culprit, as calcium buildup can block the plates and reduce chlorine output. If your chlorinator isn’t doing its job, you might find yourself constantly shocking the pool just to keep algae at bay.
Regular inspections and maintenance keep your chlorinator running at peak efficiency. By checking the salt cell for buildup, monitoring salt levels, and ensuring the system is set correctly, you can prevent chlorine shortages before they turn into a full-blown green pool disaster. A little maintenance now saves a lot of frustration later!
Even with perfect chemistry and a working chlorinator, a dirty pool can still turn green. Leaves, dirt, and other organic debris don’t just make your pool look messy—they actually consume chlorine, leaving less available to fight algae and bacteria. If your pool is constantly struggling with algae, chances are it needs a deep clean.
Brushing the walls and floor helps break up algae colonies, making it easier for chlorine to kill them. Scooping removes dead algae and debris, preventing it from cycling back through the system. If the water is murky, a clarifier can help by clumping fine particles together so they get trapped in the filter better.
Sometimes, even after shocking, stubborn algae need an extra push—that’s where algaecides come in. Just be sure to choose one that’s compatible with your pool type. And don’t forget: keeping your basket and filter clean ensures your system can handle the job efficiently.
A little extra effort now means less maintenance later—and a pool that stays clear, inviting, and swim-ready!
A green pool is frustrating, but with the right approach, it’s completely fixable. By checking circulation, balancing water chemistry, inspecting the salt chlorinator, and keeping your pool clean, you can restore your water to crystal-clear perfection.
The best way to avoid a green pool? Stay ahead of the problem. Test your water weekly, run your pump at least 8-12 hours a day, clean your filter, and inspect your salt cell regularly.
Still struggling? Take a water sample to your local pool shop or consult a pool technician. With the right care, your pool will be back to sparkling blue in no time—and stay that way all season long!
An elegant, cost-effective, and easy to maintain freshwater or mineral plunge pool. Simply place, connect, fill and swim.
The OUTBACK plunge pool is manufactured in Australia from high-grade corrugated 316 Stainless Steel or COLORBOND® and lined with a commercial grade vinyl liner.
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