Green Pool Treatment & Algae Removal

Understanding Green Pools

A green pool is more than just unattractive. It's a sign that algae has taken over your water, and that usually means other problems are lurking beneath the surface. Algae thrives when chlorine levels drop too low, when filtration systems fail, or when water chemistry falls out of balance. In Southern California's warm climate, it doesn't take long for a neglected pool to turn completely green.

There are different types of algae, and each requires specific treatment. Green algae is the most common and usually the easiest to treat. It makes your water look like a swamp and clings to pool walls. Yellow or mustard algae is more stubborn and often resists normal chlorine treatments. Black algae is the worst, with deep roots that penetrate pool surfaces and resist chemical treatment.

The good news is that even the worst green pool can be restored. We've been treating algae-infested pools in Alhambra since 2024, and we've developed proven methods to eliminate algae quickly and prevent it from coming back. Our specialized treatment process works when DIY attempts fail, saving you time, money, and frustration.

Our Algae Removal Process

Treating a green pool requires a systematic approach. Here's exactly how we eliminate algae and restore your pool to swim-ready condition:

• Assessment and Testing: We start by testing your water to determine pH, alkalinity, chlorine levels, and other key parameters. This tells us exactly what your water needs and helps us identify the type of algae present.
• Debris Removal: We remove all visible debris, leaves, and floating material from the pool surface and floor. This allows chemicals to work more effectively.
• Brushing and Scrubbing: We aggressively brush all pool surfaces to break up algae colonies and remove them from walls, steps, and corners where they cling stubbornly.
• Chemical Shock Treatment: We add large doses of chlorine or specialized algaecides to kill algae throughout the water. This is far more powerful than normal chlorination and is essential for eliminating algae blooms.
• Circulation and Filtration: We run your filtration system continuously to remove dead algae particles and allow chemicals to circulate throughout the entire pool volume.
• Filter Cleaning: We clean or replace your filter cartridges or backwash your filter system to remove captured algae and prevent it from re-entering the pool.
• Vacuuming to Waste: We vacuum all settled debris and dead algae directly to waste, bypassing the filter to prevent contamination and ensure complete removal.
• Rebalancing and Follow-Up: We retest and adjust water chemistry to optimal levels, then schedule follow-up visits to monitor progress and ensure algae doesn't return.

The entire process typically takes several days to complete. During that time, your pool will gradually change from murky green to cloudy blue to crystal clear. We'll visit multiple times to brush, vacuum, test, and adjust chemicals until your pool is perfect. If your pool also has calcium deposits or dirty tiles, we can combine this service with our tile cleaning and scale removal for comprehensive restoration.

Why DIY Algae Treatment Often Fails

Many homeowners try to treat green pools themselves, but they often make mistakes that prolong the problem or make it worse. Here's why professional treatment is worth the investment:

Most people don't add enough chemicals. They're afraid of over-chlorinating, so they add small amounts that aren't strong enough to kill algae. Algae is resilient, and half measures just allow it to survive and multiply. Professional shock treatment uses precisely calculated doses that eliminate algae without damaging your pool.

DIY attempts also tend to skip crucial steps like brushing and proper filtration. You can't just dump chemicals in and hope for the best. Algae needs to be physically removed from surfaces and filtered out of the water. Without the right equipment and technique, you end up with a pool that looks slightly better but isn't actually clean.

Finally, most homeowners don't address the underlying cause. Even if you manage to clear the algae temporarily, it will come back if your filtration system isn't working properly or if your water chemistry remains unbalanced. We identify and fix these root causes so your pool stays clear after treatment. That's why many customers transition to our weekly maintenance service after algae treatment to prevent future problems.

How Long Does Treatment Take

The timeline for green pool treatment depends on how severe the algae problem is. A lightly green pool with recent algae growth can often be cleared in 3 to 5 days. A dark green or black pool with heavy algae infestation may take 7 to 10 days or longer to fully restore.

During this time, we'll make multiple service visits to brush, vacuum, test water, and adjust chemicals. Your pool will look worse before it looks better. After initial treatment, the water often turns cloudy or milky as dead algae particles float throughout. This is normal and means the treatment is working. The filtration system needs time to capture and remove all these particles.

You won't be able to swim during treatment. The high chemical levels aren't safe for swimmers, and the water isn't clean until we give you the all-clear. We'll keep you updated on progress and let you know exactly when your pool is ready to use again. Patience is important, but the end result is always worth the wait.

Preventing Future Algae Growth

Once we've restored your pool, you'll want to keep it that way. Here's what prevents algae from coming back. First, maintain consistent chlorine levels. Chlorine is your primary defense against algae. If levels drop below 1 ppm for even a few days, algae can start growing.

Second, run your filtration system long enough each day. Most pools need 8 to 12 hours of circulation daily to keep water moving and prevent algae from settling. Stagnant water is an invitation for algae growth. Third, brush your pool walls weekly even if they look clean. This prevents algae from getting a foothold on surfaces.

The easiest way to prevent algae is with regular professional service. Our weekly maintenance keeps chlorine levels consistent, water balanced, and surfaces clean. It costs far less than repeated algae treatments and gives you peace of mind that your pool will always be ready to use. Most of our algae treatment customers realize this and sign up for ongoing service to avoid going through the green pool nightmare again.

Frequently Asked Questions