Who doesn’t want to dive into the pool on a hot summer day? Obviously, one of the most pleasant feelings is relaxing the mind and body within the cool pool water. But before going to swim, it is necessary to observe the water condition and if the water seems not okay, especially when it turns green, you need to analyze the water and decide whether you can swim in a green pool or not.
It’s a galling feeling to discover the pool has turned green overnight. The most common cause of this problem is the multiplication of green algae, but it can occur for other reasons, too. Let’s talk about this common pool issue.
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Swimming in a green pool—is it okay?
There are various reasons that cause green coloration of the pool water and the different shade of green indicates different water conditions. Therefore, it depends on the shade of the green pool whether you can swim or not.
Pool algae
If you notice the clear blue pool water turns into any green shade, in most cases, it is because of algae. Lighter shade indicates fresh formation where deeper shade indicates multiplication of algae. Chlorine, bromine, or other deep cleaning agents can prevent this problem. Skin infection and breakout are the most common health effects of algae.
When you start swimming, the bacteria and other microbes present with algae can cause rashes and irritations of the skin, so it is better not to swim with algae.
Oxidized metals
When the pool looks clear yet green (a light green usually), it may be due to the oxidized metals of the pool. Oxidized metals like copper can make the pool green but not cloudy. This water is safe for swimming, but it may stain your cloth and hair green if there is a large amount of metal in the water.
pH concentration
When your pool has a high chlorine level and still looks green, check the pH of water. Too much alkaline water retards the function of chlorine, so adjust the pH. If the pool has a green tint, you can swim in it but avoid swimming in a dark green pool.
Pollen particles
Sometimes heavy pollen can turn your pool water green that can not be handled by a pool filter. After a few days, the water may turn sickly yellow. You don’t have to fight with it, the water is safe for swimming. The problem will disappear over time, but it can make your pool slippery so be careful about it.
Chlorine concentration
This problem is related to algae as the low chlorine concentration promotes the multiplication of algae and the pool will turn cloudy and green. Therefore, you need to add chlorine and algaecide to the water or you can also shock the pool. If the bottom of the pool is visible, it is enough to use chemicals, but when the bottom becomes invisible, you must drain the pool.
It is not recommended to swim in this type of pool water. Your eyes can be affected (conjunctivitis), and other skin issues may appear that can be transmitted directly or indirectly. Also, cloudy pools lower the visibility so if someone falls into the water accidentally, it will be hard to rescue.
These are the possible reasons why your pool might look green or cloudy, but it will depend on the pool condition whether you can swim in a green pool or not. You need to observe your pool before diving into it.
Are algae harmful to us?
Algae are usually not harmful themselves, but they may indirectly create negative impacts on health. Basically, when a pool remains untreated for a long time, algae grow in the water and multiply. But the problem is not about the greenish creature but the harmful microbes that depend on them. The bacteria can create health issues if swimmers are exposed to the water and that’s how algae may be harmful to humans.
How to cure a green swimming pool?
If you want to cure a green pool, you will need to follow some cleaning steps. Remove the algae and contaminants by vacuuming the pool. Use a special algae brush to kill and brush out the algae, adjust the chemicals of the pool and finally, shock the pool with concentrated chlorine. If still, you can’t get rid of it, you should consult with a professional.
How much time is needed for the pool to be cleaned from algae?
Usually, it takes 24 hours to completely get rid of the algae. If the pool still remains green, it may be loaded with too many unnecessary chemicals, like cyanuric acid or phosphate, and in that case, you will need to fix the issue. For a vinyl pool, it may take 3-4 days. If the pool water is cloudy, it may take up to one week to be cleaned.
Conclusion
Before you are going to swim in a green pool, it is better to determine the actual cause of green coloration of the pool so that you have some idea of the water condition and then you can choose whether you want to swim or not. You can take a few moments and swim but it is better to avoid swimming for a long time or regularly in a green pool.