WHY IS MY POOL GREEN? HOW TO FIX & PREVENT ALGAE IN ARIZONA POOLS

A crystal-clear pool is every pool owner's dream—so when your water turns murky green, it's frustrating. What’s causing this unwelcome color change? Algae.

Algae can take over your pool fast, especially in Arizona’s heat. Here’s why your pool is turning green and, more importantly, how to fix it.

COMMON CAUSES OF GREEN POOL WATER

🌧️ HEAVY RAIN & MONSOONS

Arizona’s monsoon season dumps dirt, dust, and debris into pools, throwing off your chemical balance and creating the perfect environment for algae. After a storm, test your water and adjust chlorine and pH levels immediately.

🔥 HEAT WAVES & HIGH TEMPERATURES

Warmer water accelerates algae growth, especially if chlorine levels drop. During the summer, run your pump longer and test chlorine levels more frequently to prevent algae from taking over.

💨 POOR WATER CIRCULATION

A stagnant pool = an algae-friendly pool. If your pump isn’t running long enough or your filter is dirty, your pool water stops circulating, allowing algae to bloom.

✔ Solution: Keep your pool pump running at least 8-12 hours/day in summer and 6-8 hours/day in winter.

🧪 CHEMICAL IMBALANCES & NEGLECTED MAINTENANCE

Skipping weekly pool maintenance is a recipe for disaster. Chlorine, pH, and alkalinity must be properly balanced to prevent algae growth.

✔ Solution: Test your pool water at least once a week and adjust chlorine and pH levels as needed.

⚠️ COPPER CONTAMINATION (NON-ALGAE CAUSE)

If your pool stays green even after shocking, high copper levels may be the culprit. When chlorine interacts with dissolved copper, it can turn your pool green.

✔ Solution: Test for metals in your water and use a metal sequestrant to remove excess copper.

HOW TO FIX A GREEN POOL (STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE)

If algae have already taken over, follow these steps to bring your pool back to fresh and clear.

🧹 STEP 1: BRUSH & VACUUM THE POOL

Algae clings to pool walls, steps, and floors, so it’s important to scrub it off before treating the water.

✔ Use a nylon bristle brush for fiberglass pools and a steel bristle brush for concrete pools.
✔ Vacuum the pool thoroughly to remove loose debris and algae particles.

🧪 STEP 2: TEST & BALANCE CHEMICAL LEVELS

Before shocking the pool, check your alkalinity and pH levels.

✔ pH levels should be between 7.2-7.8
✔ Alkalinity should be between 80-120 PPM

If your pH is too high, chlorine won’t work as effectively—so adjust as needed before shocking.

⚡ STEP 3: SHOCK THE POOL (DOUBLE OR TRIPLE DOSE!)

Regular shock treatments help keep pools clean, but when fighting green algae, you’ll need to double or triple the dose.

✔ Use liquid chlorine or calcium hypochlorite shock
✔ Add 2-3 times the normal amount for severe algae
✔ Always follow label instructions and wear protective gear

💡 PRO TIP: Shock the pool at night so the Arizona sun doesn’t burn off the chlorine before it does its job!

💦 STEP 4: RUN YOUR POOL FILTER NONSTOP

After shocking, run your filter continuously for 24-48 hours to remove dead algae and contaminants.

✔ Backwash or clean your filter to prevent clogging
✔ Keep the pump running until the water clears

🔄 STEP 5: REPEAT UNTIL CLEAR

If your pool is still green after the first round, repeat the process until the water is clear.

✔ Test & adjust pH, chlorine, and alkalinity
✔ Shock again if needed
✔ Keep brushing, vacuuming, and filtering

WHAT IF MY POOL IS STILL GREEN AFTER SHOCKING?

🧪 TEST FOR COPPER

If shocking didn’t work, your pool may have high copper levels. Test the water and use a metal sequestrant to remove excess copper.

⚖️ RETEST & ADJUST pH & ALKALINITY

If chemicals are still imbalanced, adjust pH and alkalinity until levels are in the correct range.

🧼 CLEAN, REPAIR, OR REPLACE YOUR FILTER

A dirty or broken filter won’t properly remove dead algae, allowing it to recirculate in your pool. If your filter is old or damaged, it may be time for a replacement.

HOW LONG DOES IT TAKE TO FIX A GREEN POOL?

A mild algae bloom can clear in 24-48 hours, while severe cases may take 3-5 days. Consistency is key—keep shocking, filtering, and brushing until it’s gone.

PREVENT FUTURE ALGAE BLOOMS WITH FRESH POOLS AZ!

Dealing with green pool water is a hassle, but with regular maintenance, you’ll never have to worry about it again.

💦 Let Fresh Pools AZ handle your weekly maintenance! We take care of:
✔ Brushing, skimming, and vacuuming
✔ Water testing & chemical balancing
✔ Filter cleaning & equipment checks
✔ Algae prevention & shock treatments

📞 Call us today to schedule service and keep your pool fresh year-round!
📍 Serving Queen Creek & the East Valley Community