Why did my pool turn green after I shocked it?

Author: Aliyah Gorczany  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 17, 2024

Pools can immediately turn green after shocking when they have metals like copper in the water. These metals oxidise when exposed to high levels of chlorine which makes the pool water turn green. Adding a metal control product such as Zodiac Metal Remover will help to restore the pool water.

How do I fix my green pool after shocking it?

Run the pool filters until the water turns clear.

Depending on the levels of algae in your water, this could be several days. Add a pool clarifier if you want to help speed up the process, but let the filters run for at least 24 hours to pick up dead algae and allow the shock to fully dissipate in the water.

How long does pool stay green after shock?

You should start seeing a transformation after 24 hours. If you have green pool water after shock, it is imperative to think about your water and pool safety. Hence, don't use the pool after 24 hours.

Can too much chlorine make pool green?

When the levels are properly balanced, chlorine will keep the algae at bay, but the water will slowly begin to turn green as the algae take over if there's not enough. But be careful—adding too much chlorine in pool water can cause those metals to oxidize and turn the pool a different shade of green.

Why is my pool green even though I have shocked it?

If you still have a green pool after your first round of shock, add more! Fully ridding your pool of algae may require 3x or 4x the regular amount of shock to get the job done. The shock will not only kill the algae, but it will also clear up your pool water, bringing it back to its normal blue color.

Swimming pool water turns green after shock-fix without chemicals

Why is shock not killing algae?

Free chlorine: Unless the water has a sufficient free chlorine level, algae will grow and make your pool green and cloudy. Correct pH: For normal use, your pool's pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6: for shocking, it should be between 7.2 and 7.6. Shocking a pool with a too-high pH will cause cloudiness.

Is it OK to swim in a green pool?

No matter how badly you'd like to cool off, if your pool water is green due to algae growth, you may want to reconsider diving in. Green algae welcome the growth of bacteria like E. Coli. By choosing to swim in a pool with algae, you run the risk of developing a rash, infection, or illness.

Will baking soda clear a green pool?

Does baking soda kill algae in pools? Only algaecides can "kill" algae in pool water. However, baking soda can help clear up algae. Use both so you can restore sparkly, clean water!

Will algaecide clear a green pool?

Algaecides treat and prevent pool algae, but not all algaecides are created equal. To treat green pool water, ensure you select an algaecide that kills green pool algae. After treatment, some dead algae may remain in your pool. Continue to thoroughly brush your pool's surfaces often.

How many times can you shock a green pool?

Light Green or Teal Green Pool Water (early-stage algae): Double shock your pool with two pounds of shock per 10,000 gallons. Darker Green (significant algae growth): Triple shock your pool with three pounds of shock per 10,000 gallons.

Can you over shock a pool?

The simple answer is yes, you can over shock a pool. This is when the chlorine level in the water becomes too high and can be harmful to swimmers. When you shock your pool, you are raising the chlorine level to 10 times its normal level. This is done to kill off any bacteria or algae that may be present in your pool.

How many bags of shock does it take to clear a green pool?

Green or Dark Green Pool Water:

This means there's a medium amount of algae in your water and you'll need to triple shock your pool. Triple shocking requires 3 pounds for every 10,000 gallons of pool water.

What happens if pool has too much chlorine?

Sometimes the chlorine amounts in your swimming pool can become higher than the recommended levels, resulting in a less-desirable swimming experience. A few signs of high chlorine can include burning sensation in eyes, nose and throat, nausea, vomiting, dizziness, lung irritation, or skin rash.

When can I add chlorine after shock?

It Should Not Be Done Together

This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.

How long does shock take to clear pool?

Heavy shocking with granular chlorine will generally require 24–48 hours before the chlorine level has dropped to safe swimming levels (below 5 ppm). Lithium and non-chlorine shock labels typically allow immediate swimming or a brief 15-minute waiting period, but check the package label to be sure.

What is the best home remedy for green pool?

In the same way that baking soda can be a spot treatment for black algae, household borax does the same for blue and green algae. Simply use the borax to scrub away algae that's sticking to your pool walls, then use the brush to dislodge it. Follow up by vacuuming up or scooping out the free-floating algae.

What kills green in pool?

Shock Your Pool

We recommend using a calcium hypochlorite shock to treat your algae problems. However, green, yellow, and black algae will each require their own level of shock in order to be completely killed and removed from your water.

Does green pool mean high pH?

If the pH is high, your chlorine is slow to react, and algae can begin to form, making the pool appear green or cloudy. If the pH is low, the chlorine will be “hyperactive”, reacting quickly, and dissipating out of the pool too rapidly, causing a low chlorine residual.

Will green algae in a pool hurt you?

Green algae, which are a common sight in unmaintained swimming pools, aren't harmful. However, the bacteria that feed on the algae can present a health risk to humans. Green algae exposure can mean bacteria exposure, leading to rashes and various breaks on human skin.

Can a green pool be saved?

A good way to do this is buying 25 gallons of chlorine and adding three, four, or five gallons at a time. The huge amount of chlorine will work to kill the algae. The best and fastest way is to use a shock that contains at least 70% chlorine. If your pool is really green, then you may need to add more shock.

Do I use shock or algaecide first?

Algaecide should be used after each shock treatment, so it has a better chance to support your chlorine as it works its magic. Be sure to shock your pool first, then when the chlorine levels of your pool return to normal, add the correct amount of algaecide to several places around your pool while your pump is running.

How do I get the green out of my pool without draining it?

My pool has turned green and has sand in it. How do I clean it without draining it? Run your pool filter, then scrub your tile surfaces. Vacuum and shock your pool afterwards.

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