Pools are meant to be the centerpiece of your backyard—an oasis for relaxation and enjoyment, especially during the warmer months. However, there’s nothing worse than discovering that your pool has turned green, signaling the growth of algae. This is a common issue that many pool owners face, and while it can be frustrating, it’s also completely fixable. But how much will it cost to restore your pool to its crystal-clear glory?
In this article, we’ll explore the entire pool restoration process, the costs involved, and how to prevent this issue from recurring.
1. Why Does Your Pool Turn Green?
Understanding why your pool turns green is essential to effectively restoring it. There are several key factors that contribute to a pool becoming overrun with algae, and recognizing these will help you address the root cause of the issue.
Chemical Imbalance
The most common cause of a green pool is algae growth, which typically occurs when the pool’s chemical balance is disturbed. Pool water must be properly treated with a combination of chemicals, the most important of which is chlorine. Chlorine kills bacteria and algae, but if the chlorine levels are too low, algae can grow unchecked.
pH Levels: Your pool’s pH level should be between 7.4 and 7.6. A pH that is too high or too low can reduce chlorine’s effectiveness. For example, a high pH level makes chlorine less effective, while a low pH can cause corrosion and staining of pool surfaces.
Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness: Alkalinity helps stabilize pH, and calcium hardness ensures that the water isn’t too aggressive or scale-forming. If these levels are off, it can create an environment conducive to algae growth.
Poor Circulation and Filtration
Your pool’s circulation system plays a crucial role in keeping the water clean. If the pump, filter, or both are malfunctioning or underperforming, the water may not be adequately filtered, allowing algae and debris to flourish. Algae thrive in stagnant water, so when circulation slows, the water becomes a perfect breeding ground.
Infrequent Pool Cleaning and Maintenance
Neglecting your pool’s regular cleaning routine can lead to the accumulation of debris like leaves, dirt, and organic matter. These materials can provide nutrients for algae growth, further exacerbating the problem. Regular vacuuming, skimming, and brushing are essential to maintaining a healthy pool.
Heavy Rain or Storms
Severe weather events can introduce a large amount of debris into your pool, as well as disrupt the chemical balance. Rain can dilute pool chemicals, and the influx of organic matter (leaves, twigs, dirt) can serve as a food source for algae. After a storm, it’s crucial to test and adjust the water chemistry to restore proper balance.
2. The Pool Restoration and Repair Process
Once your pool turns green, it’s not as simple as just adding more chemicals and hoping for the best. A methodical approach is needed to clear the algae and restore the water to a safe, clear state. Here’s a more detailed breakdown of the pool restoration process:
Step 1: Test and Balance the Pool Water
The first step in any pool restoration is testing the water. You need to know exactly where the chemical levels stand before proceeding with any treatments. A pool testing kit will allow you to measure:
- Chlorine levels: Chlorine is crucial in fighting algae. It needs to be within the proper range (1-3 ppm).
- pH levels: As mentioned earlier, the ideal pH is between 7.4 and 7.6.
- Alkalinity and Calcium Hardness: Both need to be within specific ranges to prevent scaling or corrosion.
- Cyanuric acid (CYA): If your pool uses stabilized chlorine (with CYA), this should be maintained between 30-50 ppm.
Once you’ve tested the water, adjust the levels accordingly. For instance, if the chlorine levels are low, you will need to add pool shock (more on that below). If the pH or alkalinity levels are off, make adjustments with the appropriate chemicals.
Step 2: Shocking the Pool
Shocking your pool is an essential step in treating algae. Pool shock is a super-chlorinated substance that quickly raises the chlorine level in the pool, killing algae and bacteria. When your pool is green, you will likely need to add multiple doses of shock, especially if the algae bloom is severe.
- Granular Pool Shock: This is the most common type of pool shock. It dissolves quickly in water and can raise chlorine levels to the point that algae cells are killed within hours.
- Liquid Pool Shock: This type of shock is faster acting but usually more expensive. It is often preferred by professional pool cleaners because of its quick response.
It’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for the correct amount of shock to use. If in doubt, err on the side of adding more shock, as algae can be tough to kill.
Step 3: Scrub the Pool’s Surfaces
After shocking the pool, you should use a pool brush to scrub the walls and floor. Algae often cling to surfaces, especially around steps, corners, and other hard-to-reach areas. Scrubbing these surfaces will help loosen the algae and allow the shock treatment to work more effectively.
Using a stiff-bristled pool brush is often the best choice for removing algae. Be sure to focus on the areas where algae growth is most visible.
Step 4: Vacuum the Pool
After scrubbing, vacuum the pool to remove dead algae, debris, and any other contaminants that may have settled on the pool floor. Many pool vacuums are designed to work in conjunction with your pool’s filter system to remove large particles effectively.
If you have a robotic pool vacuum, this can save you a lot of time. For pools with built-in vacuum systems, simply set the system to run until the pool is clean.
Step 5: Run the Pool Filter
At this stage, it’s critical to run your pool’s filtration system for an extended period, generally 24 hours a day, until the pool water is clear. The filter will trap remaining algae particles and contaminants, further clarifying the water. The length of time the filter needs to run will depend on the pool size and the severity of the algae bloom. In some cases, the filter may need to run for several days to fully clear the water.
Step 6: Backwash and Clean the Filter
Once the water has been restored to a clearer state, you’ll need to backwash the filter to remove any trapped debris and algae. A backwashing valve on your filter will allow you to reverse the water flow, flushing out contaminants.
If you have a sand filter, backwashing is essential, but if you have a cartridge or DE (diatomaceous earth) filter, you may need to clean or replace the filter media to maintain optimal filtration.
Step 7: Final Water Testing and Maintenance
Once the pool is clear and free from algae, retest the water to ensure that the chemical levels are within their proper ranges. Adjust the chemicals as necessary to keep the water safe for swimming. Once this is done, continue to monitor and balance the water regularly.
3. Why Professional Pool Restoration Is Worth the Investment
While restoring a green pool on your own might seem like a way to save money, the reality is that hiring a professional pool restoration service often provides the best value in the long run. Professional pool technicians bring expertise, speed, and peace of mind that DIY methods simply can’t match. Here’s why going with a professional is the smart choice when it comes to restoring your pool:
Pool Expertise and Precision
Pool restoration is more than just adding chemicals and scrubbing the surfaces. It requires a thorough understanding of pool chemistry, circulation systems, and the right tools to tackle even the most stubborn algae blooms. Pool professionals are trained to diagnose the root cause of the algae growth—whether it’s a chemical imbalance, filtration issues, or inadequate cleaning. Their experience allows them to quickly address these issues with precision, ensuring a thorough treatment.
Time-Saving Convenience
Restoring a green pool takes time, effort, and attention to detail. Pool owners often underestimate the amount of work involved in testing, adjusting, and treating the water, as well as cleaning and maintaining the filtration system. Professionals, on the other hand, have the skills and tools to get the job done quickly and efficiently, often restoring your pool to pristine condition in a fraction of the time it would take you to do it yourself.
If you have a busy schedule or simply don’t want to deal with the hassle, a professional pool restoration service can save you hours of frustration, leaving you with more time to enjoy your pool instead of restoring it.
Comprehensive Service and Guaranteed Results
When you hire a professional, you’re paying for a complete, end-to-end service. From thorough water testing and chemical balancing to scrubbing, vacuuming, and even fixing any issues with your pool’s filtration system, professionals handle everything. In addition, many pool restoration services offer guarantees, giving you peace of mind that the job will be done right the first time.
In contrast, DIY restoration might leave gaps in the process or fail to address underlying issues that could lead to future problems. For instance, improper treatment can damage your pool surfaces, equipment, or make the algae bloom come back sooner than expected. A professional ensures that every aspect of the restoration is covered.
Cost-Effectiveness in the Long Run
While professional pool restoration may cost more upfront, it can save you money in the long term. Attempting to handle the restoration yourself with multiple chemicals and tools can lead to wasted time and unnecessary expenses, especially if you make mistakes along the way. On top of that, without the right expertise, you could damage your pool’s equipment or surface, leading to costly repairs.
A professional restoration service helps prevent further damage, ensures proper chemical use, and optimizes the effectiveness of your pool’s filtration system. By getting it right the first time, you’ll avoid the need for costly follow-up repairs or repeat treatments, making it a more economical option overall.
Preventing Future Problems
Professional pool services don’t just restore your pool; they also provide valuable insights into maintaining your pool’s health in the future. A skilled technician will not only address the algae issue at hand but also give you recommendations on improving your pool’s circulation, water chemistry, and cleaning schedule to prevent future algae blooms.
They can also help identify potential issues with your filtration system, pool surface, or equipment, which, if left unaddressed, could lead to more significant—and costly—problems down the line. By hiring a professional, you gain a long-term solution rather than just a quick fix.
4. Preventing Green Pools in the Future
The best way to avoid the costly and time-consuming process of restoring a green pool is through regular maintenance. Here are some tips to help keep your pool clear and algae-free year-round:
- Regularly Test the Water: Test your pool water at least once a week to ensure that the chemical levels remain balanced.
- Routine Cleaning: Clean your pool regularly by vacuuming, brushing the walls, and skimming the surface. Removing debris before it can contribute to algae growth is critical.
- Proper Filtration: Ensure your pool’s filtration system is functioning correctly, and clean the filter regularly to maintain good water circulation.
- Cover the Pool: When the pool is not in use, cover it to prevent debris from falling in and disrupting the water balance.
Pool Remodeling, Renovations, and Resurfacing Costs Conclusion
Dealing with a green pool may seem overwhelming, but with the right knowledge and steps, it’s entirely manageable. The cost of restoring your pool depends on the severity of the algae problem, the size of the pool, and whether you choose to tackle the restoration yourself or hire a professional. Regular pool maintenance can help prevent future algae blooms, saving you time and money in the long run. Whether you do it yourself or hire an expert, restoring your pool can have you back in the water and enjoying your outdoor space in no time.
