You notice it when the sunlight hits the water…the pool that was clear and sparkling a few days ago has started looking a little different. Maybe there’s a slight green shade around the edges, the water looks dull, or it just doesn’t have that fresh blue colour anymore.
It’s easy to think, “It’s only a little green, it’ll be fine.”
But that small change is usually a warning sign that something in your pool isn’t quite right.
For Adelaide homeowners, especially after a stretch of warm weather, green pool water is a fairly common issue. Hot days, extra swimmers, leaves, dust and changes in chlorine levels can all affect your pool balance faster than many people realise.
Why Does Pool Water Turn Green?
The most common reason is algae growth. Algae can start forming when chlorine levels drop, water circulation isn’t working properly, or the pool chemistry becomes unbalanced. It doesn’t always happen overnight either. Often, the first signs are subtle like a slight green tint, slippery surfaces or water that looks a little cloudy.
Then, if the problem is ignored, it can quickly become a much bigger clean-up job.
A pool can change surprisingly fast during Adelaide summers. One week it looks perfect, and after a few hot days without the right maintenance, it can start heading in the wrong direction.
Is It Safe to Swim in a Green Pool?
If your pool has started turning green, it’s better to avoid swimming until the water has been checked and treated properly. The concern isn’t only the algae you can see. A green pool often indicates that the water chemistry is out of balance, which can mean the sanitiser levels are no longer doing their job effectively.
Along with bacterial growth, this could cause problems including itchy skin, inflamed eyes or pain following swimming. Additionally safety comes into the picture as it is considerably more difficult to identify issues quickly when the water is murky and you cannot see the pool’s bottom.
Why Adding Extra Chlorine May Not Fix It
One of the first things many pool owners try is adding more chlorine.
Sometimes that helps but if the reason behind the green water isn’t fixed, the problem usually comes back. Checking water chemistry, balancing pH levels, cleaning pool surfaces, examining the filter, and ensuring the filtration system is operating efficiently are all part of proper green pool recovery. The chemicals are only one part of keeping a pool healthy.
Your Pool Equipment Could Be the Hidden Problem
A lot of homeowners don’t realise their pool equipment plays a huge role in water quality.
If a pool pump is struggling, the filter is blocked, or a chlorinator isn’t working correctly, your pool may not be circulating or sanitising properly. This is why some pools keep going green even when owners are adding chemicals regularly.
A professional inspection can help identify whether the issue is simply maintenance or whether your equipment needs repairs, servicing or replacement.
Keeping Your Pool Clear All Year Round
The easiest way to deal with a green pool is to prevent it before it starts. At Adelaide Pool Mart, we help Adelaide pool owners with everything from green pool recovery and regular cleaning to pool equipment repairs Adelaide-wide including pool equipment installation.
If your pool water is starting to look a little greener than usual, don’t wait until it becomes a bigger job. Getting it checked early can make all the difference.
Contact us today at (08) 8431 9199 or visit our store at Shop 2, 443 Magill Rd, St Morris SA 5068. Let’s make your pool dreams come true.
