Likely algae
Dull, cloudy, or slippery
Low sanitizer, poor circulation, heavy debris, heat, or a missed brushing routine often contribute.
Field guide
Green Pool Recovery
A safe, practical order for diagnosing green water, restoring circulation, removing algae, and knowing when the color points to metals instead.
Before you add anything
Green water is commonly algae, but clear green water can also be associated with metals. Treating the wrong cause wastes time and may deepen staining.
Possible metals
Clear but tinted green
A color change after adding chlorine or filling from a well can point toward oxidized metals. Test before continuing.
Do not swim when you cannot clearly see the bottom or main drain. Poor visibility is a serious safety hazard.
The recovery order
Remove leaves and heavy debris
Empty baskets and manually remove as much organic material as possible so sanitizer is not consumed fighting debris.
Confirm the system can circulate
Check water level, pump prime, valve positions, basket condition, return flow, and filter pressure before extended operation.
Test the water
Measure free chlorine, pH, total alkalinity, and stabilizer with a reliable kit. The stabilizer level affects how much chlorine is required.
Adjust deliberately
Bring pH into the label-recommended treatment range, then add sanitizer according to your test results, pool volume, product label, and local guidance.
Brush, filter, and clean
Brush walls, steps, ladders, and shaded areas. Run and clean the filter as needed, watching pressure and flow.
Retest until the pool holds
Recovery is complete only when water is clear, surfaces are clean, circulation is normal, and sanitizer holds between tests.
When to call a professional
- You cannot see the pool bottom.
- The pump will not prime or the system cannot maintain flow.
- The filter or equipment is leaking, damaged, or unsafe to open.
- The green color appeared suddenly after chemical addition and the water remains clear.
- The pool may require draining, an acid wash, chlorine wash, or stain treatment.
Water cleared but still cloudy?
Use the clarity checklist to separate fine debris, filtration, circulation, and chemistry.