Chloe Zhang
There are several reasons why plastic liner pools turn green. The most common cause is a lack of chlorine, which allows algae to grow. Another cause could be metals in the water, such as copper, which can turn the water green when the pool is shocked. Organic matter such as pollen, algae, leaves, bugs, and mud can also cause green stains. In addition, high levels of cyanuric acid in the water can cause a green tint.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Cause of green colour | Copper, algae, pollen, metals, organic matter (e.g. leaves, bugs, mud), pine needles, pine pods, pine things, pool water chemistry, iron |
| Removal methods | Vacuuming, skimming, brushing, using a leaf rake, draining, using a submersible pump, testing and adjusting pH, total alkalinity and chlorine levels, using cyanuric acid, using pool liner stain remover, using chlorine tablets, using metal sequester, using ascorbic acid, using vitamin C |
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What You'll Learn
Copper and other metals in the water
If your pool water turns green right after being shocked, you are likely dealing with a metal issue. Metals are the most affected by pool shock, and when you shock a pool with metals in the water, the metals will oxidize. If there are enough metals present, this process can turn the water green.
To determine if metals are causing the green stains in your pool, you can test the pool water for metals using a metal test kit. If metals are present, you can eliminate them with a metal sequester, a chemical that binds to metals in the water to prevent them from causing stains.
In addition to copper, iron can also cause green staining in pool liners. Iron can result in reddish-brown or yellow stains, which may appear green underwater. To remove iron stains, you can use Vitamin C tablets, which will lift the metal stains.
Properly maintaining the pool water chemistry is crucial to preventing metal stains. High or low pH levels can cause metals to come out of solution and stain the pool surfaces. Therefore, it is important to regularly test and adjust the pH, total alkalinity, and other chemical levels in the pool water to prevent staining and keep your pool in optimal condition.
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Organic matter like algae, leaves, and pollen
Pollen can also cause green stains in pools. As the amount of pollen in the water builds up, it settles on the liner and can be mistaken for algae. If the pollen level continues to increase, it can eventually turn all the pool water green. However, pollen is completely harmless and has no negative effects on the pool or its users.
Organic stains can be treated by cleaning, sanitation, and filtration. They often respond to chlorine applied directly to the surface. "Shocking" the pool with a high dose of chlorine can lighten or remove organic stains. However, be careful not to use too much chlorine, as it can bleach away the pool liner pattern. Vacuuming, skimming, and brushing the pool can also help remove accumulated dirt and algae from the walls and floor.
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Lack of chlorine
A lack of chlorine is the most common cause of green pool water. Without chlorine, algae will quickly start to grow and spread. The warmer the water, the faster this process will occur. If left untreated, the algae can grow to a point where the entire pool turns green within a day. This water is unsafe to swim in and can be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other insects.
Algae can also be chlorine-resistant, in which case the filter runtime should be increased so that the filter can physically remove the algae and bacteria particles in the water to slow it from multiplying.
The pH level of the pool is also important. Chlorine works better at a lower pH. The recommended pH level is between 7.2 and 7.8, with 7.5 being ideal. When the pool's pH is at 8.0, 8.2, and above, the chlorine is not working as efficiently, which can contribute to the pool turning green.
Cyanuric acid (CYA) levels should also be considered. CYA is essentially sunblock for chlorine. Too little CYA and the chlorine burns off quickly, which can lead to a green pool. However, too much CYA can prevent chlorine from working properly. The recommended range is 30-50ppm. If your pool has a high CYA level, the only way to reduce it is through water replacement, which means partially draining and refilling the pool.
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Chemical or UV damage
While green stains on plastic liner pools are usually caused by organic matter like algae, leaves, bugs, and mud, chemical or UV damage can also cause discolouration.
Chemical damage can occur when the pool's water chemistry is not properly maintained. Think of your pool's water chemistry like a perfectly balanced diet. Just as too much or too little of certain nutrients can affect your health, imbalanced pool chemicals can lead to stains and other issues. For example, high or low pH levels can cause metals in the water to come out of solution and stain the pool. Copper heat exchangers in gas pool heaters can corrode from low pH, causing blue-green stains. Similarly, if the water is acidic, metals such as copper heater elements can be introduced into the water and cause green stains.
In addition to chemical damage, UV damage from the sun can also cause the vinyl liner to fade over time. However, it is important to note that chemical or UV damage is not considered a stain on the pool surface and is generally not treatable.
If you are unsure about the cause of the green discolouration in your plastic liner pool, it is recommended to use a stain test kit or consult a professional for help in diagnosing and treating the issue.
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Metal staining
To identify if metal staining is an issue in your pool, look for obvious sources of metal staining, such as rust around metal fixtures like ladders and handrails. The colour of the stain can also provide clues about its source. For example, teal or blue-green stains indicate high copper levels, while reddish-brown stains are typically caused by iron.
If you suspect metal staining, it is important to test the pool water for metal content using a metal test kit. Metal sequesters can then be used to eliminate metals from the water and prevent further staining. Metal sequesters are chemicals that bind to metals, minimising their impact on the pool and water.
In addition to treating metal stains, it is crucial to identify and address the underlying cause. This may involve changing the water source, replacing metal fixtures, or fixing corroded pipes. Regular testing for metals and maintaining proper pH levels are essential to prevent metal staining. High or low pH can cause metals to come out of solution and stain the pool surfaces.
While metal stains can be challenging to remove, several treatment options are available. Some products specifically target metal stains, such as Stain Solution #1 for iron, cobalt, and spot etching, or Stain Solution #2 for copper and scale. Vinyl Liner Blue Stuff is another powerful sequestrant that prevents and removes stains on vinyl pools. For more stubborn stains, a metal stain remover or a stain eraser tool can be used.
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Frequently asked questions
There are several reasons why your plastic liner pool may be green. The most common cause is a lack of chlorine, which allows algae to grow. Other causes include pollen, metals in the water, and organic matter such as leaves, bugs, and mud.
To get rid of the green colour in your plastic liner pool, you should first identify the cause of the discolouration. If the green colour is due to algae, you should clean the pool by vacuuming, skimming, and brushing the pool to remove accumulated dirt and algae from the walls and floor. You should also test and balance the pool's pH, Total Alkalinity, and chlorine levels. If the green colour is due to metals in the water, you can use a metal sequester to eliminate them.
To prevent your plastic liner pool from turning green, it is important to maintain proper pool water chemistry and regularly clean, sanitise, and filter the pool. You should also maintain the proper pH levels in your pool to prevent mineral stains.
