Pollen and Algae: 8 Reasons Why Your Pool is Green

It’s not an uncommon sight: You open the pool for the season, only to discover pea green water. What’s to blame? In most cases, it’s one of two things: pollen or algae. Understanding what’s causing your pool water to appear green is important to helping you address the problem. But, to take things a step further, let’s look deeper into exactly why your pool might be particularly hospitable to pollen or algae. Remember, just like any pool issue, correcting the issue starts with good pool maintenance!

1.      Pollen

Pollen is typically green or yellow in color. Unlike some kinds of algae, pollen doesn’t attach to the surfaces of your pool. Instead, it floats in the water. Pollen isn’t necessarily bad for your pool, but it does compromise the quality of the water. A good pool filtration system should take care of most pollen accumulation. If it doesn’t, some maintenance is probably required.

·         It’s Time to Trim the Trees—Of course, much to the dismay of allergy sufferers, it’s nearly impossible to avoid all pollen during the spring, but keeping your trees trimmed can help prevent it from blowing into your pool. Trim, rake and prune any nearby trees or shrubs before opening your pool for the season, and make sure to thoroughly sweep the patio and pool deck.

·         Your Filtration System is Stagnant—The first step in getting rid of pollen is to turn on your filtration system. If it’s been sitting idly for many months, or if you simply don’t run it that often, kicking it on occasionally can help you manage any unwelcome debris. Run the filter for an hour or two before manually cleaning.

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You Need to Change Your Filter—The purpose of your pool’s filter is to trap free-floating particles, such as pollen, thereby sanitizing and purifying the water. If your pool filter cartridge is clogged or dirty, it may not be able to effectively cleanse the water of pollen. A simple replacement may be in order.

·         You’re Not Skimming Enough—If you’ve tried everything and your pool is still a pollen magnet, you might want to invest in an automatic pool cleaner. Make sure to pick a surface cleaner that’s able to handle these fine particles and dust.

2.      Algae

Sometimes, (relatively) harmless pollen isn’t to blame. Occasionally, you might have to deal with yellow or green pool algae. These aquatic plant blooms themselves aren’t dangerous, but they may indicate the presence of bacteria in your water. Additionally, getting rid of algae can be tough, so using a preventative algaecide is always smart.

·         You’re Not Using a Good Algaecide—Make sure that your arsenal of pool chemicals includes not only a good algae remover, but also a good algae preventative. Otherwise known as algaecides, these products make water inhospitable to the growth of algae and are vital to a good pool maintenance plan.

·         It’s Time to Replace the Cover—Covering your pool when it’s not in use is one of the simplest ways to prevent algae growth. A good pool cover keeps water cool and prevents spores from entering the water. If there are any holes in the cover or if it’s easily blown by the wind, you may be unintentionally creating an opening for pesky algae spores.

·         Your Circulation System is Broken—Your pool’s circulation system helps to prevent algae growth year-round, as it pushes debris into designated receptacles and helps to better distribute chemicals. If you can’t seem to get rid of algae, your circulation system may be to blame.

·         The Chemical Balance is Off—Even if you’re brand-new to pool ownership, you probably understand how important it is to regularly test your pool and make adjustments accordingly. Chlorine and other chemicals help maintain a good chemical balance, which helps the water ward off any unwanted visitors.

As you can see, there’s a wide variety of reasons why your pool might develop a tinge of green. Even if you can identify the source—in the case of green H₂O, it’s usually either pollen or algae—you might not know exactly why or how the source entered the picture. We’re always here to help you maintain your pool and correct common issues so that you enjoy it all season long!