There’s nothing more disappointing than walking out for your morning swim and being greeted by a pool full of murky green water. Whether you’ve just opened your swimming pool for the season or you’ve neglected maintenance for a short while, algae can quickly turn crystal-clear water into a cloudy, uninviting sight.
The good news? With the right approach, you can restore your pool back to its sparkling best in as little as 24–48 hours. Below, we share the essential steps to transform your green pool water back into a luxury oasis.
Step 1: Clean the Pool
Start by removing as much debris and algae as possible. Use a skimmer net to clear floating matter and a pool vacuum or robotic cleaner to remove algae from the floor. For stubborn growth, brush the pool walls and steps with a stiff-bristled brush to loosen algae before treatment.
Step 2: Backwash the Filter
Your filter works hard to trap contaminants, and when algae blooms, it can quickly become clogged. Backwashing the filter will flush out the built-up debris and allow it to function more effectively. [Learn more about backwashing your pool filter in our FAQs.]
Step 3: Shock the Pool
A pool shock treatment is essential for eliminating algae and bacteria. The dosage depends on how severe the green water has become:
- Light green/teal water: Double dose of shock treatment
- Dark green water: Triple dose
- Black, very murky water: Quadruple dose
For best results, always follow product instructions carefully.
Step 4: Add an Algaecide
Once the shock treatment has worked, apply a high-quality algaecide. This prevents regrowth and helps keep your pool water beautifully clear for longer.
Step 5: Run the Filter Continuously
Leave your pool filter running until the water returns to a clear, inviting blue. This may take up to 48 hours, depending on how severe the algae bloom was. Keep an eye on pressure gauges and backwash again if necessary.
Step 6: Test & Balance the Water
Finally, test your water chemistry using pH and chlorine test strips. Adjust as needed to ensure your swimming pool water is safe, balanced, and ready to enjoy.
Help – My Pool Water is Still Green!
If you’ve followed these steps and your water is still green, don’t worry—sometimes algae needs professional attention. Our pool maintenance and services team specialises in restoring pools to their crystal-clear condition, as well as providing seasonal servicing to prevent algae problems before they start.
📞 Contact us today to book a service and let us bring your pool back to its pristine, luxury finish.
