My pool water is green - do I need to shock treat it?

Question

Hi, I was over eager in filling my new pool (24x12 ft Intex Ultraframe) before I was ready with the filter/saltwater chlorinator and the plumbing and needed some other parts etc then went on holiday... so the water has been sitting there recieving English rain/weather/leaves and various debris for about 5 or 6 weeks now.... and on my return from holiday I see it's turned a lovely dark green colour. Uuukkk.

Almost finished plumbing things up... is it worth running the filter and saltwater chlorinator or are stronger measures required? I've heard people mention shock treatment but not really sure what this is - I believe it is a very strong treatment of chlorine? How exactly do you use this and is it suitable for my pool?

Many thanks

Ross

Answer 1

all i did was put shock it in then use algeside then a clairifier and let the pump run untill it clears up do not turn the pump off then after a few days get in and vacum it

Answer 2

The most common cause of green color to swimming pool water is algae.  'Shocking' the pool may not clear it up, you probably need to use an algaecide, plus sweep & scrub the pool sides and bottom.  Once algae has been allowed to start it is sometimes difficult to eliminate it and there is the possibility it will keep coming back.  Follow the directions on any algeacide you purchase EXACTLY; it is a rather harsh chemical and can be a health risk if used incorrectly.

Copper contamination can also cause pool water to turn green, but this is very very rare.

Answer 3

Run the filter and get a few bags of shock.  A pool store will give you what you need.  Shock is fast acting chlorine that will kill what ever is in your water.  You may have to do it a few times over the course of a few days.  Keep that filter running.

Answer 4

Regular use of the pool will increase the organic matter in the pool water that in turn will lower the efficiency of the sanitiser being used. A shock treatment will burn these organic materials out of the water and therefore allow the sanitiser to do its job properly. It may also become necessary to shock treat a pool if the water turns green due to an algae bloom.When you shock treat a pool you are looking to increase the level of sanitising / oxidising chemical by a minimum of 3 times the normal amount.