Green Pool Treatment & Algae Removal

What Causes a Green Pool?

A green pool happens when algae takes over your water. This usually occurs when chlorine levels drop too low, your filter stops working properly, or the pool sits unused for several weeks. Algae spores are always present in outdoor pools, but they only multiply when conditions are right. Once they start growing, the problem gets worse fast.

Many Daly City homeowners find their pools turning green after vacation, during busy work periods, or when equipment breaks unexpectedly. The good news is that even the greenest pool can be restored to perfect condition. We have treated hundreds of green pools in the area, and most of them are swim-ready within 3 to 5 days. Our pool cleaning services are designed to tackle these tough situations quickly and affordably.

How We Treat Green Pools

Our Step-by-Step Process

Treating a green pool takes more than just adding chlorine. We follow a proven process that kills algae, clears the water, and prevents it from coming back:

• Debris removal: We skim leaves and visible debris from the surface before treatment begins.
• Chemical shock treatment: We add a heavy dose of chlorine or algaecide to kill active algae growth.
• Brush and circulation: We brush all surfaces to dislodge algae stuck to walls and floors, then run your filter continuously.
• Filter cleaning: We clean or backwash your filter multiple times to remove dead algae particles.
• Water balancing: We test and adjust pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer levels to keep algae from returning.
• Vacuum and polish: Once the water clears, we vacuum the bottom and do a final chemical balance.

What to Expect During Treatment

Most green pools need 2 to 3 visits over the course of a week. On the first visit, we shock the water and start the cleaning process. The pool will look cloudy or gray for 24 to 48 hours while the algae dies and your filter removes it. This is normal and means the treatment is working.

We return for a second visit to vacuum dead algae, clean the filter again, and rebalance chemicals. By the third visit, your pool should be clear enough to swim in. If the algae was especially heavy or your filter needs repair, the process might take a few extra days. We keep you updated every step of the way so you know exactly what is happening. For pools with ongoing filter problems, our filter cleaning service can help prevent future green pool issues.

Preventing Green Pool Problems

Once your pool is clear, you want to keep it that way. Regular maintenance is the best prevention. Even if you only run your filter a few hours per day and check chlorine levels once per week, you can avoid most algae problems. Many customers start with our green pool treatment, then sign up for weekly pool cleaning service to make sure it never happens again.

Daly City weather can make prevention tricky. Cooler temperatures and fog mean chlorine evaporates slower, but leaves and debris from nearby trees create more work for your filter. We recommend running your pump at least 6 hours per day during summer and keeping chlorine between 2 and 4 parts per million. If you travel often or have a busy schedule, our weekly service takes all the guesswork out of pool care.

Frequently Asked Questions