Where Did The Algae Come From? For the most part, a lack of chlorine in the pool is usually the starting point of any pool turning green. Chlorine is the primary chemical we use to disinfect our pool water from germs and other contaminants. Algae grow as the disinfecting power of the chlorine in your pool diminishes.
Green pool water is often caused by the presence of algae in your pool. Algae blooms can appear when your pool has a low Free Chlorine. Exposure to high heat, heavy rain or poor circulation, without the use of a preventative algaecide, also increase your risk of developing pool algae.
If the filter cartridge has a coating of Algae, calcium carbonate (residue from calcium hypochlorite), iron or any other minerals, soak the filter cartridge in a solution of one part muriatic acid to twenty parts water until the bubbling stops. RINSE THOROUGHLY AFTER.
Water Quality: Another way to determine if your filter cartridge is terminally ill, is when you notice that the water stays cloudy or green despite proper chemical balance, or that you have to run your filter longer or use more sanitizer, to achieve clean and clear pool water.
Typically, cartridge filters need to be cleaned every two to six weeks. One of the most important factors that affect a cartridge filter operating effectively is that there not be too much flow through the filter. Too much flow significantly decreases the cartridge life and lowers the efficiency of the filter.
When to Change a Filter Cartridge
Usually, you can determine visually if your filter cartridge is working or not, but it's always recommended to change it once its use by date has passed. This date is often after one or two years, depending on the brand.
On a level surface, rinse the cartridge with a good hose nozzle from top to bottom as shown in the picture. Do not use a pressure washer as this can damage the filter element. Keep rinsing from top to bottom turning the cartridge around until clean. That's it.
Pool water turns green because of algae in the water. Algae can grow rapidly, particularly when it's warm like Summer, which is why it can surprise you overnight. This generally comes down to an imbalance or lack of chlorine in the water.
You can soak a ceramic filter in vinegar, detergent or bleach just as you can a paper filter, or you can also clean it with a commercial filter-cleaning product. Because the filter has a rigid filter media, however, you also have the option to put it in the dishwasher, and that's even easier.
Because they were not built for reverse water flow, cartridge filters can't be "backwashed" simply by reversing the water flow in the pool's filter system. These filters must be cleaned by hand when they are dirty.
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.
Shock Your Pool with Chlorine to Kill Algae
This is the main event in clearing a green pool—killing the algae. Pool shock contains a high level of chlorine that will kill the algae and sanitize the pool. For the best results, use a shock that contains at least 70% available chlorine, and shock the pool twice.
If you suspect swimming pool algae is making your pool water green or cloudy, check the water's alkalinity and pH balance. This is the most common cause of green pool water. Unfortunately, algae can become resistant to chlorine and sanitation because of the water's pH and alkalinity.
Should the green be due to pollen, there may be little to do in the way of minimizing the discoloration short of erecting a building around the pool. Fortunately, assuming there are no allergies to the pollen, it is safe to swim in a pool with that as the cause for green water.
Rainwater itself does not cause algae, but it can provide the right environment for algae. Rain will bring phosphates, nitrates and other organic contaminants into the pool. As we discussed earlier, rain also reduces chlorine levels.
The use of baking soda in pools can spot treat algae
No one ever wants to see algae build up in their swimming pool. It can turn any backyard pool murky green or cause unsightly black spots on the walls and floor of any swimming pool.
You local Hayward dealer should have a cartridge cleaner or you can use a mixture of laundry detergent and water. 1-cup detergent to 5 gallons of water. Dissolve the detergent in a bucket of water and soak the element(s) for 24 hours. YOU MUST THOROUGHLY RINSE THE ELEMENTS PRIOR TO REINSTALLING THEM INTO THE FILTER.
A cartridge filter uses cloth-type material as the filtering agent. Water is introduced through the filter, runs through the material, and sends clear water back into the pool. The cartridges, themselves, usually need to be replaced every 3 to 4 years, depending on usage.
The cost to replace a pool filter is between $1,500 and $2,000, including labor and materials. The filter alone costs between $150 and $1,000. Then you need to factor in the labor costs, which can quickly add up if your professional needs to add new lines or install new inlet and outlet pipes.
Bottom line, the filter must be backwashed on a regular basis to ensure that your pool water is clear. "When do we need to backwash?" - It is recommended to backwash your filter once every 4-6 weeks of regular use.
TroubleFreePool.com explained that when your filter is brand new, water can easily pass through the system without issue. However, as the filter continues to do its job, debris can accumulate over time and slowly clog the system. As a result, pressure builds up within the filter and continues to rise if not cleaned.