Understanding and Treating Green Water in Your Pool
Green water in your pool is a common problem that can quickly turn your relaxation area into a source of frustration. Besides its unattractive appearance, green water is often a sign of algae growth, indicating imbalances in water quality. Thanks to technological advances, it is now easier to monitor and manage these imbalances. In this article, we will explain how to effectively analyze and treat this problem. You will discover practical solutions to eliminate green water and maintain healthy, clear water. The integration of smart sensors and monitoring applications can provide you with an in-depth understanding of your pool's conditions, making it easier to prevent and resolve this issue. Whether you are a novice or experienced, these tools and tips will help you keep your pool in perfect condition year-round.
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Why Is the Water Green?
Green water in your pool is mainly caused by the proliferation of microscopic algae that quickly invade the water when they find a favorable environment. Algae often develop due to chemical imbalances, inadequate filtration, or lack of regular maintenance. When they multiply, they give the water a characteristic green color. This color can also be accentuated by the presence of dissolved metals, such as copper and iron, which oxidize in the water. Ideal conditions for algae growth include warm water, an unbalanced pH, and insufficient chlorine levels. These combined factors can turn a clear pool into an uninviting green mass. Understanding these causes is essential for eliminating green water and preventing its recurrence.
Main Causes of Algae Proliferation
The proliferation of algae in a pool can generally be attributed to four main factors, which can sometimes combine: issues with water treatment, a filtration defect, poor pool maintenance, or excessively high water temperature. These problems can be technical in origin, such as equipment failure, or human, such as negligence.
1. A Problem with Water Treatment: Balancing and Disinfection
One of the most common causes of green water is an anomaly in the water treatment system. This can include a pH imbalance, inadequate disinfection, or a combination of both. Approximately 90% of algae proliferation cases are related to improper pH levels. An inappropriate pH can compromise the effectiveness of the disinfectant used, whether it's chlorine, bromine, or other chemicals. For example, chlorine is effective when the pH is between 7.2 and 7.5, while bromine works best with a pH between 7.5 and 8.2.
Disinfection Anomalies
Insufficient disinfection can result from poor-quality or improperly used disinfectant products. It is crucial to choose products suitable for the type of water and to follow dosage and storage instructions. For example, some low-quality chlorine tablets can disintegrate into weak acids, reducing the pH and the effectiveness of the treatment.
Over-stabilized Water
The stabilizer, often added to prolong the action of chlorine, can become problematic if its level exceeds 70 mg/l, rendering chlorine completely ineffective. In this case, the only solution is to partially replace the pool water to reduce the stabilizer level, as cyanuric acid does not dissolve and remains in the water.
Water Rich in Lime or Phosphates
Some fill waters naturally contain high levels of lime and phosphates, which can encourage algae proliferation. Phosphates, in particular, are a nutrient source for algae. They can come from various sources, such as fill water, rain, dead algae, and even swimmers. To manage these issues, the use of anti-lime and anti-phosphate treatments is recommended, and it is advisable to keep phosphate levels below 0.3 mg/l.
2. A Defect in Filtration
The filtration system plays a crucial role in maintaining pool water cleanliness. A filtration defect can prevent proper water circulation and effective disinfectant diffusion, promoting algae growth.
Clogged Filter
A clogged or poorly maintained filter can reduce filtration efficiency. Sand, diatomaceous earth, zeolite, or recycled glass filters require regular cleaning to prevent clogging. If the filter is blocked, this can be checked using a pressure gauge indicating high pressure in the hydraulic circuit. In this case, backwashing followed by rinsing is necessary to remove impurities.
Too Short Filtration Duration
The filtration duration must be adapted to the water temperature to ensure optimal disinfection. The general rule is to filter for half the number of hours corresponding to the water temperature in degrees Celsius. For example, for water at 26 °C, filtration should last 13 hours per day.
Defect or Malfunction in the Filtration System
Common malfunctions include failing pumps, leaks, or poorly calibrated regulators. An ineffective filtration pump can compromise water circulation, promoting algae growth.
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3. Poor Pool Maintenance
Regular pool maintenance is essential to prevent algae proliferation. This includes frequent cleaning of the walls and bottom of the pool, as well as checking and emptying skimmer baskets. Tools such as cleaning robots can also be very useful for keeping your pool clean.
Insufficient Cleaning
Insufficient or irregular cleaning of the walls, bottom, and waterline can promote the accumulation of organic debris and microorganisms that feed algae. It is recommended to use a net regularly and to use automated cleaning tools, such as cleaning robots.
Prolonged Absence
A prolonged absence can lead to insufficient pool maintenance, especially in secondary residences. It is important to plan maintenance measures during these periods to prevent water quality degradation.
4. Too Warm Water
While warm water is pleasant for swimming, it can reduce the effectiveness of some disinfectants, such as chlorine, and promote algae growth. During periods of intense heat, it is recommended to cool the water and avoid covering the pool, which could further increase water temperature. Chlorine, in particular, loses its effectiveness at temperatures above 28 °C and becomes inactive beyond 32 °C.
Prevention and Monitoring with Flipr
To prevent these issues and maintain a healthy pool, using a smart monitoring system like Flipr can be very useful. Flipr is a connected sensor that measures key parameters in real-time, such as pH, disinfectant levels, and water temperature, allowing you to react quickly in case of imbalance. Through its mobile application, Flipr provides personalized recommendations for maintaining your pool, helping you keep the water clean and clear throughout the year.
In addition to continuous monitoring, Flipr offers advanced features such as real-time alerts and maintenance advice based on artificial intelligence to help you anticipate and solve potential problems before they become critical. These tools allow you to easily maintain a safe and pleasant swimming environment while saving time and resources.
Conclusion
Green water in a pool is often the result of a combination of factors, but with a proactive approach and the right tools, like Flipr, it is possible to effectively prevent and correct this problem. If, despite your efforts, the water remains cloudy and laden with algae, or if you frequently encounter problems, it may be wise to consult a specialist for a thorough analysis and customized solutions. Regular maintenance, proper filtration, and the use of modern technologies are the keys to keeping a pool healthy and inviting.
