If your pool is green and cloudy, it's likely an algae problem. Algae can persist in a pool even after shocking.
Simply follow the steps outlined below and eliminate the green and bring in the blue! 1. Shock the pool with chlorine every day until all the green is gone (possibly 3 to 4 days).
However, if the pool water has high calcium levels, the shock treatment can cause calcium to precipitate and form cloudy particles in the water. ' Be sure to keep the calcium hardness level between 200 and 400 parts per million (ppm) to avoid this result.
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!
'Adding baking soda to your pool will raise both the pH and alkaline level, which will help increase the pool's clarity and improve stability,' she says.
It's pretty tough to over-shock your pool; shocking your pool two days in a row with the proper dosage for your pool volume shouldn't be a problem – and in fact, is sometimes even needed to rid your pool of algae and other contaminants.
The wait time depends on the type of pool shock you've used. Always refer to the package to determine how long you need to wait, but most pool shock requires you to wait 8 hours before it's safe to swim.
If the water looks good and you simply want to boost the chlorine level a bit, add 1 bag per 20,000 gallons. If the water is hazy or cloudy, use a full bag per 10,000 gallons. Or, if there is algae, use 2–6 lbs per 10,000 gallons, depending on the extent of the algae bloom.
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.
If your pool is cloudy after shocking, it could indicate your pool's pH and Total Alkalinity are out of balance. Some pool shocks, like Calcium Hypochlorite, also known as cal-hypo, have an elevated pH level.
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.
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.
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.
After you finish the shocking process, Adrian recommends running the filter for 24 hours or until the water is clear. You should then retest the water again to check it meets the correct balance. 'When the chlorine level is below 5 ppm, and the pH level is 7.4-7.6, you're good to swim again,' he says.
If you put too much shock in the pool, simply wait it out. If you have a cover on your pool, take it off. The more sun that hits your water, the faster it will dissipate. Technically, if your free chlorine levels are holding up swimming UP TO your shock level, depending on your CYA, is safe.
Vacuuming After Shocking
Running the water pump during this period will allow the shock to do its job. After 24 hours, debris that was disturbed during your previous vacuuming may have settled back to the pool floor, so giving it another vacuuming will get rid of most of the dirt.
Sun Down – You'll want to shock your pool in the evening when the sun has gone down. This gives your pool plenty of time during the night to free the chlorine and clean the water. In the morning, you should be able to enjoy your pool. If you shock your pool during the day, the sun's UV rays will dissolve the chlorine.
You need to wait for at least 8 hours and up to 24 hours after using a chlorine-based shock before you can swim. And you'll want to retest your water to make sure your chemical levels are within range. If your free chlorine is at or below 5 ppm and your pH levels are at or below 7.6, it's likely safe to swim.
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.
White Vinegar
It's calcium buildup, and while it doesn't damage your pool or the water, it doesn't look great, either. Just like you run vinegar through your coffee pot to get rid of calcium buildup, white vinegar can wipe away this eyesore in your pool.
Use Pool Flocculant (Floc)
A chemical known as flocculant, or floc, is a good idea if you're in a rush, or would like to see your swimming pool water cleared quickly. Again, flocculant should be avoided if you are using a cartridge filter as it will clog the paper pleats.