Professional Green to Clear Pool Treatment & Algae Removal

Transform Your Green Pool Back to Crystal Clear

At McCool's Pools, we specialize in rescuing green, algae-filled pools and restoring them to sparkling, swimmable condition. Whether your pool turned green after vacation, equipment failure, or a lapse in maintenance, our proven treatment process eliminates algae quickly and completely. With nearly two decades of experience treating green pools throughout the Phoenix area, we know exactly what it takes to win the battle against algae and prevent its return.

Understanding Why Pools Turn Green

The Algae Problem

Green pools are the result of algae growth—microscopic plant organisms that thrive when chlorine levels drop too low or when circulation and filtration are inadequate. Arizona's intense sunlight, warm temperatures, and monsoon season create perfect conditions for rapid algae blooms. What might start as a slight cloudiness can transform into a dark green swamp in just days without proper treatment.

Common Causes

Pools typically turn green due to equipment failures that stop circulation or chlorination, extended periods without service while owners are away, severe dust storms that overwhelm sanitation systems, broken or improperly set timers, failed salt systems or chlorinators, or simply neglected maintenance during busy periods. Understanding the cause helps prevent recurrence after treatment.

Types of Algae Growth

Green algae is the most common type, appearing as cloudy green water or slimy growth on surfaces. Light infestations respond quickly to treatment, while heavy blooms require more aggressive chemical application and thorough brushing. Black algae and mustard algae are less common but more stubborn, requiring specialized treatment approaches that we handle with expertise.

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Our Proven Green to Clear Treatment Process

Initial Assessment

We begin by evaluating your pool's condition, testing water chemistry, inspecting equipment operation, and identifying the algae type and severity. This assessment allows us to develop the most effective treatment plan and provide accurate pricing. We'll also identify any equipment issues that contributed to the problem so they can be addressed to prevent recurrence.

Chemical Treatment and Shock

The core of algae elimination is aggressive chlorine shock treatment that raises sanitizer levels high enough to kill algae throughout the pool. We calculate precise chemical dosages based on your pool's volume and algae severity, typically applying 3 to 10 times normal chlorine levels. We also add algaecide for persistent algae and adjust pH and alkalinity to optimize chlorine effectiveness.

Thorough Brushing

Dead algae doesn't disappear—it must be physically removed from pool surfaces. We thoroughly brush all walls, steps, benches, and floor surfaces to dislodge algae and suspend it in the water where your filter can remove it. This critical step ensures algae can't re-establish itself on pool surfaces and accelerates the clearing process.

Continuous Filtration

Your pool's filter must run continuously during treatment to remove dead algae from the water. We ensure your equipment operates properly and may recommend filter cleaning if it becomes clogged with algae debris. Proper filtration is essential for clearing the water—inadequate filtration means the battle with algae continues much longer.

Water Balancing

Once algae is eliminated and the water begins clearing, we balance all chemical parameters to restore ideal swimming conditions. Proper pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and stabilizer levels ensure water comfort, equipment protection, and prevention of future algae growth. We don't consider the job complete until your pool is perfectly balanced.

Follow-Up Visits

Severe green pools often require multiple treatment visits to achieve complete clarity. We return as needed to retest water, add additional chemicals, brush surfaces again, and monitor progress. Our goal is complete algae elimination—not just improvement—so we stay with your pool until it's crystal clear and ready for swimming.

Treatment Timeline and Expectations

Light Green Pools

Pools with light algae growth—cloudy green water but visible floor—typically clear within 2-3 days with proper treatment. These cases respond quickly to shock treatment and regular filtration, often requiring only one or two service visits to achieve complete clarity.

Moderate Green Pools

Pools with significant algae growth—dark green water where the floor isn't visible—usually take 4-7 days to clear completely. These cases require heavier chemical treatment, more aggressive brushing, and multiple follow-up visits to ensure all algae is eliminated and water achieves perfect clarity.

Severe Swamp Conditions

Pools that have been neglected for weeks or months, resembling swamps with black-green water and heavy surface growth, may require 1-2 weeks for complete restoration. These extreme cases sometimes need drain and refill consideration if algae has severely compromised water quality, though we can usually save the water with intensive treatment.

What to Expect During Treatment

Don't be alarmed if your pool looks worse before it looks better. Water often turns cloudy white or gray as algae dies and is suspended in the water. This cloudiness gradually clears as your filter removes dead algae. The process requires patience—resist the temptation to swim until treatment is complete and chlorine returns to safe levels.

Preventing Future Algae Growth

Maintain Proper Chlorine Levels

Consistent chlorine residual is your primary defense against algae. Free chlorine should stay between 2-4 ppm with regular testing and adjustment. Automated chlorination through salt systems or chemical feeders provides the most reliable protection, but manual chlorination works well with diligent monitoring.

Ensure Adequate Circulation

Stagnant water promotes algae growth. Your pump should run sufficient hours daily to turn over the entire pool volume at least once. In Arizona's hot summers, this typically means 8-12 hours daily. Dead spots with poor circulation need special attention during brushing and cleaning.

Regular Brushing and Cleaning

Weekly brushing of pool surfaces prevents algae from establishing footholds where chlorine penetration is limited. Pay special attention to shaded areas, behind ladders, and other spots where circulation is weak. Regular cleaning removes debris that provides nutrients for algae growth.

Maintain Balanced Water Chemistry

Proper pH, alkalinity, and stabilizer levels keep chlorine working effectively. When these parameters drift out of range, chlorine becomes less effective at preventing algae even if present in adequate amounts. Regular testing and adjustment maintain the chemical balance that prevents algae problems.

Professional Weekly Service

The most reliable prevention is consistent professional maintenance. Our weekly service includes chlorine management, water testing and balancing, brushing, cleaning, and equipment monitoring—all the elements that prevent algae growth. Most green pool treatments are needed by pools without regular professional service.

Why Choose McCool's for Green Pool Treatment

Experienced Algae Treatment Specialists

We've treated hundreds of green pools throughout the Phoenix area, handling everything from light algae blooms to severe swamp conditions. Our technicians know exactly how much chemical to apply, when additional treatment is needed, and how to clear pools efficiently without wasting time or money on inadequate treatment.

Proper Chemical Dosing

Successful algae treatment requires precise chemical calculations based on pool volume, algae severity, and water chemistry. Too little chlorine means algae survives and regrows. We get the dosing right the first time, ensuring effective treatment without unnecessary expense or extended timelines.

Complete Follow-Through

We don't abandon your pool after the initial treatment. We return as needed to monitor progress, add additional chemicals if required, brush surfaces again, and verify complete algae elimination. Our commitment is to crystal clear water, not just improvement—we stay with your pool until it's perfect.

Equipment Evaluation and Repair

As part of green pool service, we identify and address equipment issues that contributed to the algae problem. Failed timers, broken pumps, depleted salt cells, and other problems are diagnosed and can be repaired to prevent recurrence. We solve the underlying cause, not just treat the symptom.

Ready to Restore Your Pool?

Don't let a green pool ruin your summer or reduce your property value. McCool's Pools provides fast, effective green to clear treatment with nearly two decades of proven results throughout the Phoenix area. Our experienced technicians will assess your pool's condition, develop the optimal treatment plan, and restore crystal clear water you can enjoy with confidence. Contact us today for a free estimate and let's get your pool back to beautiful.

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crystal clear blue pool after professional green to clear algae treatment