Water, clarity and algae
A pool that turned green while you were away
Two or three weeks without care in summer heat is enough to turn a clear pool green. Recovery follows a sequence, and skipping steps wastes chemicals.
Algae grows quickly in warm water once chlorine runs out — which happens fast when the pump timer fails, a salt cell stops producing, or nobody doses while the family is away. The water may be pale green and cloudy, or dark and murky with the floor out of sight, depending on how long it has been left.
Water guides explain what a reading or a symptom means and the order in which to correct it.
The first job is not chemical. If the pump stopped, a tripped circuit, a reset timer or a blocked basket may be the reason the pool turned in the first place, and dosing without circulation achieves little. Once the equipment runs, the water is balanced, shocked heavily, brushed and filtered continuously until it clears.
The short version
Find out why it turned
A stopped pump, failed salt cell or empty feeder needs fixing before treatment.
Balance, then shock
With pH in range, a high shock dose kills the algae far more effectively.
The filter removes the algae
Dead algae turns the water grey-blue and must be filtered out, which takes continuous running.
The recovery sequence
Debris and baskets
Leaves and large debris come out first so they do not consume chlorine or block the system.
Shock and brush
A heavy dose sized to the pool volume and the severity, with walls and floor brushed to break up the algae.
Filter and clean repeatedly
The pump runs continuously, and the filter is cleaned or backwashed each time pressure climbs as it loads with dead algae.
Before the next trip
Arrange visits while away
Even one or two visits during a long summer trip prevent most green pools.
Check timers and power
Confirm the pump runs daily and the controller holds its programme after a power cut.
Leave the water well balanced
Starting with good chemistry buys time.
Common questions
Should a green pool be drained?
Usually not. Most green pools can be recovered in place; draining is considered only when the water chemistry is far out of range.
How long does recovery take?
It depends on how green the pool is, the filter type and its condition. Lightly green pools clear far faster than dark ones.
Is it safe to swim while it is clearing?
No. Wait until the water is clear, balanced and chlorine is back in the normal range.
Related pool care guides
- Reading a pool water test resultAnother water problem with a related cause.
- Salt levels in a salt poolAnother water problem with a related cause.
- Treating a green pool or draining itA related choice about how the pool is looked after.
- Restarting a pool that has been left unusedPool care for a related situation.
This guide sits under green pool recovery. Browse all pool care guides. We look after pools at homes and commercial properties across Dubai.
Ask about your pool
Tell us where the pool is and what you are seeing. A photograph of the pool and the plant room helps us plan the visit.
Phone
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Next step
Came home to a green pool?
Send a photo and tell us how long you were away. We will check the equipment and plan the recovery.