Why is algae still in my pool after shocking?

Author: Mrs. Shaina Sawayn  |  Last update: Sunday, May 10, 2026

Algae can persist in a pool even after shocking. A green pool – especially one that turned green overnight or after rain, can also be from a pool pump that isn't properly circulating water or an issue with your filtering system.

Why is shock not killing algae in my pool?

It could be you didn't add enough chlorine. It could be that didn't brush the pool well enough first. It could be that your filter isn't performing as well as it could or just needs more time.

Why is my pool still green after shock and algaecide?

Pool turned green after adding algaecide maintenance The algaecide probably had copper in it and the high chlorine or pH levels made it turn green. Lower the pH (which should fade the green confirming that this is metal in the water) and add a metal sequestrant.

How long does it take for algae to clear after shock?

Don't worry, your treatment has not gone into waste. Even if you shock your pool properly, it takes a while for the natural microorganisms to do their job. This can take up to 12-24 hours, as opposed to a couple of days with harsh chemicals. Thus, the pool water takes time to get clear.

Why is the algae in my pool not going away?

You probably have high CYA levels, chlorine can no longer react or pH also out of wack which algae feeds in high pH, reading phosphates creating more food source for algae. Control the chems and circulation, that will be majority of the problem. Also last time filter was cleaned is important.

Why is My POOL Still GREEN, Even After Shocking? (And How to Fix It) | Swim University

Why is chlorine not killing the algae in my pool?

Green pool water is often a result of algae growth, and chlorine is effective in killing algae and restoring the pool's clarity. However, simply adding chlorine may not be sufficient; you may also need to adjust the pH level, shock the pool, and run the filtration system consistently to fully clear the water.

What is the fastest way to get rid of algae in a pool?

Use a pool brush to vigorously scrub any pool surfaces covered in algae, including the walls, floors and steps. Apply a green algaecide according to the directions on the label. Let the water circulate for 24 hours, then brush the pool surfaces again. Vacuum or backwash to remove any remaining dead algae.

Should I add shock or algaecide first?

While shocking and adding algaecide is effective in getting rid of algae, 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.

Why is my pool not clearing up after shocking?

If you still can't see the bottom after shocking your pool, you may need to add a clarifier or flocculant the next day to remove the dead algae. Flocculant binds to small particle impurities in the water, causing them to clump together and fall to the bottom of the pool.

What is the best algaecide for green algae in a pool?

What's the best way to get rid of green algae? Suncoast All In One Algaecide is the best way to get rid of algae in your pool. It kills and prevents every type of algae, including black, green and yellow mustard algae, as well as pink bacteria. In addition, it has clarifying properties to help keep your pool clear.

Can you put too much shock in a green 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.

What happens if I put too much algaecide in my pool?

When algaecide treatments are applied incorrectly, one potential result is foaminess in the pool. Even high quality copper-based and silver-based algaecides will cause foamy pool water, if too much is applied.

What to do after shocking pool for algae?

If you're dealing with an algae infestation, brush the pool after shocking to remove lingering debris and run the filter. Rinse or backwash your filter to avoid recontamination. If you've still got traces of algae, shock your pool again. After shocking, test your water chemistry.

How often should I backwash my pool with algae?

Run your filter 24 hours a day and backwash 2 times a day for the quickest results. Run the backwash cycle for 60 - 90 seconds. The more you run your pool, and the more you backwash the filter, the faster the pool will clear up.

What is the best pool shock to get rid of algae?

Calcium Hypochlorite Pool Shock: Power Powder Plus 73

Leslie's Power Powder Plus 73 is the fastest dissolving granular shock on the market. This particular cal-hypo pool shock is 73% calcium hypochlorite, which means it can handle the toughest algae and bacteria problems.

Why does my pool have algae if chlorine is high?

Clear pool water with a green tint may be from pollen, chlorine-resistant algae, or most often from a too-high pH level. When a pool's pH is over 7.8, even high levels of chlorine destabilize and cannot sanitize, and metal in your water and pool components can oxidize, giving off a greenish hue.

Why is my pool still green after shocking multiple times?

The primary reason behind a green pool post-shock is often inadequate chlorine levels. Shocking is a method to boost chlorine levels rapidly to eliminate bacteria and algae. However, if the chlorine isn't sufficient, it won't effectively combat the algae, leading to a pool still green after shock.

Will baking soda clear a green pool?

As pool experts, we hear this question a lot. The short answer is no; baking soda will not clear a green pool, as it cannot kill algae. Adding baking soda to your pool will, however, raise your alkalinity and pH levels and can be helpful when dealing with small growths of black algae.

Why is my pool not responding to shock?

If your pool doesn't respond to the shock, the next step is to consult a pool care professional. The pool may need to be completely drained for a chemical reset. Keep in mind, it may take one week or longer to see clear water, although the pool's condition should be improving daily.

Will pool clarifier remove dead algae?

After clearing algae

When: Use a water clarifier after you've killed an algae bloom as it'll help to coagulate dead algae particles in your pool water.

Can you put algaecide and shock in at the same time?

Can I add algaecide and shock at the same time? No. Let the shock try to fight the algae first. Add algaecide about 24 hours after shock to finish the job and prevent future algae blooms.

How much shock do I add to my pool with algae?

Light green or isolated algae may only require 10 ppm (parts per million) of added chlorine to eradicate. Medium green or yellow blooms may need double the dose. For dark green or black algae, adding enough pool shock to reach 30 ppm may be necessary.

What clears a green pool fast?

How to Clear Green Pool Water Fast?
  • Shock the Pool: Use a high dose of chlorine shock treatment. ...
  • Use an Algaecide: Add an algaecide suitable for your pool type. ...
  • Clarifying the water: Add a clarifier the next day to bind the dead algae particles and make them easier to filter out.

Why does algae keep coming back in my pool?

You'll always have algae in your pool, but a few things can kick off an algae bloom. You could have inadequate filtration for your pool's size or low or inconsistent chlorine levels. Bad water circulation with dead spots or pool imbalance in your pool chemicals are also two big culprits.

How to remove algae without scrubbing?

Determine how severe the algae or other biological growth is. For heavy soiling, dilute 2 parts water to 1 part GK Greener Kleener. For light to medium soiling dilute 3 parts water to 1 part GK Greener Kleener. Easily apply the formula to the affected area using a garden sprayer or a brush.

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