Swimming pools are one of the most popular addictions that can easily convert your outdoor space into an exhilarating spot. After all, you can unwind while exercising your body delightfully.
All pool owners must remember that proper maintenance comes into play to keep the water sanitary. That involves relying on chemicals such as bleach that get the job done effectively in sanitizing your pool and boosting your overall health and wellbeing.
Don’t throw caution to the wind as the chemicals in your pool water can end up doing more harm than good. One issue that is likely to crop up due to chemical imbalance is green water.
As you might have guessed, algae is the main cause of green water. Although chlorine destroys algae, it will invade your pool and make it unsanitary to swim in when the level isn’t ideal. Other factors that cause green water are:
A Faulty Filtration System
It’s a no-brainer that when pool water isn’t filtered properly, it becomes filthier due to the damaged system. Resultantly, it becomes dirtier, and chemicals are not uniformly distributed in the pool.
Climate Conditions
On humid days, algae thrive more, which means the standard dose of chlorine doesn’t suffice.
Visible Dirt and Debris
Besides being unsightly, visible debris and dirt carry algae to pool water and, therefore, must be skimmed off.
Regardless of the reason, green pool water is an issue that must be sorted out immediately as it’s harmful to your health. Fortunately, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the step-by-step process of how to clean a green pool with bleach.
Step 1: Measure the Size of Your Pool
Kick off the process by measuring the water capacity of your pool. Doing so will give you insight into the ideal amount of bleach to use. That will pave the way for an optimal outcome. To get started:
- Use your phone to Google a website that has a virtual pool volume calculator.
- Typically, the site will require you to submit the dimensions of your pool, after which it will compute the volume in an instant.
- Once you know your pool’s water capacity, you can buy the accurate quantity of bleach required.
Step 2: Test the Chemical Level of the Pool Water
When it comes to swimming pools, testing the chemical level of the water is crucial for proper pool care. After all, the last thing you need is a chemical imbalance, as that will cost you time and money.
To begin the testing process, use a pool strip that indicates the chemical level of your pool water. For more accurate results, a tester kit is useful. However, it can be complicated to use, so you may need to hire an expert.
As you test the chemical level, it’s worth noting the following:
- If the chemical level is below a pH level of 7.2 or above 7.6, the chlorine is rendered inactive.
- A Cyanuric Acid Level that ranges from 20 ppm to 50 ppm (parts per million) makes it a breeze for chlorine to sanitize the pool water.
- Free Chlorine Level of 1 ppm to 3 ppm defines the composition of the chlorine in your pool water which gets the job done in sanitizing it. When it falls below this ideal range, it paves the way for algae to thrive in your pool water.
Step 3: Pour the Bleach Into Your Pool
With insight into your pool’s water volume, you can determine the right amount of bleach to add. As a rule of thumb, 8 quarts of bleach can sanitize up to 10,000 gallons of water. It’s recommended to add bleach in the evenings because exposure to sunlight weakens it, making it lose potent. Pour the concentrated bleach slowly at the return jet of your pool.
Step 4: Wait for the Outcome
Depending on the severity of the issue, wait two to three days to observe the results of the bleach in your pool water. As you monitor the outcome, go the extra mile by checking the chemical level of the water.
Additionally, we recommend using a vacuum to get the floors and walls of your pool looking good as new by getting rid of the dead algae.
Bottom Line
Now that you know how to clean a green pool with bleach, you and your loved ones can avoid skin irritation from exposure to algae. Nevertheless, keep in mind that bleach is only effective for green algae rather than the black or yellow counterparts that require a more concentrated cleaning solution.
