Why is my pool water still green after shocking?
Algae in a pool! You wouldn’t wish this on your worst enemy! All you want to do is have a nice, relaxing day in your pool but unfortunately, there is a war to be won. Not what you wanted. But, here you are in this war you didn’t ask for. Where should you start? Let’s look through a checklist and see if we can’t get you back to that blue oasis ASAP!
1. Check Your Levels
Maintaining a healthy pool requires chemistry. pH levels total alkalinity levels are crucial for your plan of attack. A healthy pH level is somewhere between 7.4-7.6. When algae is present, stick to the lower end of these levels so that you have the power of acid on your side. Be sure, however, that once the algae is gone you quickly raise the pH level back to 7.6 in order to provide better care for your filtration system.
The range for total alkalinity is 80-120 ppm. Just as with pH levels, it is beneficial to keep your total alkalinity levels low when fighting algae. Typical levels are as follows:
- Cyanuric Acid: 20–30 ppm
- Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
- Chlorine: 2.0–4.0 ppm
- Total Dissolved Solids: < 1500 ppm
- Phosphates: < 300 ppm
2. Shock again
It is important to follow guidelines for chemicals and treatments. However, shock dosages are for maintaining pool health and preventing algae. Once algae is present, it is sometimes necessary to push those boundaries! Sometimes shocking with 3-4 times as much shock treatment is necessary to kill the algae. Just remember, shock is most effective if done at night so that UV rays are not interfering with treatment.
3. Run the filter 24/7!
Just like extra shock is needed, so is more filtration. Constant motion and circulation of all those combative chemicals will be more than algae can handle! Be sure that your filter is set to properly filter pool water and valves aren’t set to back wash, for example. Once the algae war has been one it may also be necessary to thoroughly clean the sand and/ or filters. If you continue to have algae problems, you may need to replace your filter and/ or sand sooner than later as it may not be functioning properly.
4. Algaecide
If you used algaecide, you may be really wondering why this hasn’t cleared up yet. Algaecide is a preventative treatment that creates conditions that are uninhabitable for algae. Once algae are present, though, this is not going to clear it away. Shock and filter and then, once your pool is beautiful once again, add that algaecide back in!
5. Millennium Pools and Spas
Hopefully, these steps will help you to win the war against algae and return to your normally scheduled summer relaxation. If not, Millennium Pools can help! We proudly serve Springfield, VA, the DC area, and Ijamsville, MD regions. Call 703-939-5062 (VA/DC) or 301-591-3750 (MD) or visit our website at www.millenniumpool.com!