How the water is recovered
- Water test to find out what went wrong: chlorine, pH or filtration
- pH correction, without which chlorine doesn't work
- Shock treatment with chlorine and algaecide
- Walls and floor brushed to loosen the algae
- Continuous filtration and filter backwashes
- Flocculant and vacuuming of the sediment if it stays cloudy
Why pools turn green
- Low chlorine: in July and August it's gone in a day or two.
- High pH: above 7.8 chlorine loses most of its strength.
- Not enough filtration: the pump isn't running long enough or the filter is clogged.
- Rain, wind or dust: they bring in organic matter that eats up the chlorine.
How long it takes to clear a green pool
If the water is only slightly cloudy or light green, it's usually clear within one or two days. If it's dark green and you can't see the floor, it can take three to five days of treatment and filtration.
Waiting is the worst option: algae multiply fast in the heat, stain the tiles, and every day it takes more chemicals. If the pool has turned green more than once, the technician will check the pump and filter too, because that's often where the problem is.
FAQ
Does a green pool need draining?
Almost never. It's recovered with the water in. Draining only makes sense in extreme cases, and refilling a pool in Ibiza is expensive.
Can I swim while it's being treated?
Not until chlorine and pH are back to normal. The technician will tell you when it's safe.
How do I stop it happening again?
Regular visits, especially in summer, and a pump that runs as many hours as the pool needs.