Using Vodka To Clean Pool? 97 Most Correct Answers

A review of saltwater pools, ozonation and UV light

In a recent blog, 5 Reasons to Convert Your Chlorine Pool to a Healthier Alternative, we summarized various research studies pointing to dangerous side effects of chlorinated pools.

So what’s the good news? Research and innovation offer clear alternatives to red, burning eyes and dry, itchy skin. You can maintain your backyard resort sans harsh chemicals by choosing from these 3 ways to sanitize your pool—all without the typical chlorine risks.

1. Salt Sanitizer (“Salt Water Pool”)

In recent years, salt water sanitizers have become a popular alternative to commercial chlorine for swimming pool water treatment.

Saltwater systems use chlorine, but they have one key difference: with traditional chlorine, you continuously manually add tablet or liquid chlorine to the pool water, while with a saltwater system, salt is converted into a form of chlorine gas in a regenerative process that is then injected into the water to clean it to disinfect.

This is how salt systems care for the pool water:

A salt sanitizer, which is a type of electrolytic converter, must be part of the pool’s equipment system. This system converts salt into chlorine as follows: standard sodium chloride (like regular table salt) dissolves in the water and is then passed through the system where it is electrolyzed to convert it into a disinfecting chlorine gas.

Through this process, the pool water is transformed into a mild saline solution similar to human tears. This salt sanitizer oxidizes (kills) bacteria, viruses, algae and other radicals. The system works in a cycle and regenerates salt into chlorine and chlorine into salt – over and over again.

Benefits and Considerations:

Saltwater pools provide a more comfortable swimming environment and require less maintenance than a traditionally chlorinated pool. In addition to producing a friendlier, gentler form of chlorine, this saltwater method eliminates the need to handle, store, and add a harsh form of chlorine to your pool water.

While salt systems certainly put conventional tablet and liquid chlorine to shame, they aren’t always the best option for long-term results. Depending on several variables, salt systems can affect the beauty and integrity of your pool.

Conclusion: Salt is corrosive. Saltwater can wear down certain types of decking materials and masonry. Repeated splashing of salt water on nearby plants can take a toll as the mineral leaches into the soil and onto leaves, flowers, and stems. Salt can also contribute to the premature deterioration of some metal-based pool equipment and accessories.

A saltwater pool makes pool maintenance easier. While you may not need to purchase liquid or tablet chlorine for a saltwater pool, you will need to add supplies of salt to your pool on a regular basis as the water and salt will evaporate from it. You’ll also need to replace the special salt cell in the equipment every two to three years, which can easily cost $500 to $600.

2. Cleaning the ozone pool

Ozone purification is the most effective FDA-approved water purification method. Ozone, also known as O3 or “triatomic oxygen,” is a powerful oxidizer that destroys microorganisms, stops scale buildup in pipes and water systems, and requires virtually no harsh chemicals.

How ozone generators care for pool water:

Ozone water purification accounts for more than 90% of the world’s purified water. It’s popular for a reason: ozone, a naturally occurring substance, immediately converts back to regular oxygen after use, leaving nothing toxic behind.

This purification process requires an ozone generator that uses either a UV lamp or a corona discharge system. A normal oxygen molecule contains two oxygen atoms; Ozone is formed when one third is added.

Produced ozone is directed into a diffuser that creates bubbles and saturates them with ozone. These ozone-saturated bubbles are then mixed with pool water in a tank. There, ozone breaks down pathogens, resulting in healthy, swimmable water.

Benefits and Considerations:

Ozone is the most widely used cleaning system in the world. It is 100 times stronger than chlorine but extremely gentle on swimmers. Ozone-treated water literally sparkles and feels silky soft against swimmers’ skin. It helps remove metals like iron and manganese and prevents scale from forming on your tile line and interior surface. Without the typical exposure to chlorine in your pool, you don’t have to worry about chlorine byproducts that cause burning eyes, bleach-like fumes and faded swimsuits.

However, ozone has a short lifetime of only 20 to 60 minutes, depending on the temperature. As pool water passes through the equipment it is treated with ozone, but any contaminants that enter the pool water outside of the equipment must be removed before the water passes through the ozone generator again. Therefore, a tiny amount of added chlorine is needed to serve as a so-called “residue” to ensure a safe swimming environment.

Ozone generators that rely on UV lamps need to be replaced approximately every 18 to 24 months. These special bulbs require special handling and can be difficult to replace in the device. In ozone systems using the more advanced corona discharge, the cells can last five to seven years and are easy to replace.

3. UV pool disinfection light

Ultraviolet (UV) disinfection is a powerful disinfection method that uses short-wavelength ultraviolet (UV-C) light to kill or inactivate microorganisms by destroying their DNA. UV light destroys cysts, algae, viruses, bacteria and protozoa and even kills chlorine-resistant pathogens such as E. Coli, Giardia, Cyclospora and Cryptosporidium.

This is how UV light systems care for the pool water:

Instead of chemicals, UV light uses a physical process to destroy the DNA of dangerous pathogens and render them harmless. Disinfection takes place in a closed chamber inside the pool equipment where water is passed through and disinfected by powerful UV rays. The treated water is then circulated into the pool, creating a fresh, healthy swimming environment.

Benefits and Considerations:

UV light is currently used in medical sanitation and sterile work facilities. It is so safe that it is increasingly being used to sterilize drinking water around the world.

The UV method works equally well in hot and cold climates, requires minimal maintenance and has proven effective in eliminating a wide range of pathogens. Like ozone, it has no harmful side effects and leaves no unwanted by-products in the water. Combined with ozone, UV works synergistically for even better results, destroying 99.9% of all pathogens for optimal water quality.

In summary, you don’t have to rely on harsh chemical pool treatments to keep your pool safe and clean. Protect your health, your family and your future by choosing one of these 3 ways to sanitize your pool – without the typical chlorine risks.

A swimming pool is a fun and valuable addition to your home. However, algae blooms that build up on pool walls, floors and other surfaces are sometimes a frustrating and costly problem for pool owners. In this article, you will learn how to remove algae from the bottom of your pool and prevent future algae growth.

Because algae are single-celled plants, millions of individual algal plants must accumulate before they are visible to the naked eye. These plants are very adaptable and sometimes difficult to eradicate.

There are more than 20,000 different types of algae, but the most common forms that grow in swimming pools are black, green, pink and yellow algae, also known as mustard algae. Each type of algae requires a different approach to elimination.

Mid to late summer is the best time for algal blooms in domestic pools. Several contributing factors include higher temperatures, longer hours of sunshine, and inconsistent sanitizer and pH levels.

Read on to discover our top pool maintenance tips to keep your swimming pool free from contaminants like algae.

(artrich/123rf.com)

tb1234 tb1234

Best methods for removing algae from pool bottom

Whether you have an in-ground pool or an above-ground pool, keeping the water clean and beautiful requires consistent routine maintenance.

It is important that you regularly check your water chemistry with a test kit that measures alkalinity, calcium hardness, pH and chlorine levels in the water. If necessary, adjust your water chemistry to the recommended PPM readings for each chemical.

Different solutions are required to remove calcium silicate from the pool and eliminate algae. Regularly cleaning the filtration system and replacing the filter when necessary is an essential step in preventing algae growth in your pool. The most common types of pool filters are sand filters and cartridge filters.

A sand filter requires relatively little maintenance and is economical, as it usually lasts five to ten years. Sand filters are cleaned through a process called backwashing.

Particles trapped in the filter sand eventually begin to restrict the flow of clean water back into the pool.

If you notice that the filter’s pressure gauge is exceeding a certain threshold, it’s time to perform a backwash to flush dirty water out of a separate valve, usually referred to as “waste”.

A cartridge filter is more efficient at removing algae from a pool, but requires more frequent maintenance. The cartridge usually lasts one to three years.

If the filter pressure gauge rises above the manufacturer’s specified level, remove the pool filter and rinse with your garden hose to remove the debris.

Loosen algae at the bottom of the pool with a brush

No matter what type of pool algae you are dealing with, the first step to removing it is to break its bond with your pool walls or floor with a stiff bristled pool brush. Simultaneously clean the bottom of a pool from dirt.

When trying to get rid of pink algae or other algae in the pool, be sure to use a brush that will not damage the pool surface. Wire brushes are only safe to use on plaster and injection molded pools. For concrete, fiberglass, tile, or vinyl pools, use a nylon pool brush.

Black algae is sometimes more difficult to remove than yellow or green algae in your pool. It forms a protective outer layer that is resistant to chlorine.

Take extra care when scrubbing black algae off your pool surfaces. Otherwise, the chemical treatments will be ineffective.

Shock your pool water

The term “shocking” refers to increasing the levels of free chlorine, or chlorine that has not yet mixed with the water, by adding chlorine or other chemicals to your pool water.

Depending on how often your pool is used, shock your pool once or twice a week during peak swimming season. Chlorine works best at a pH between 7.2-7.8. Acidic water (below 7.0) is harmful to both swimmers and the pool itself.

At a pH above 8.0, chlorine quickly loses its effectiveness. The goal of shock treating your pool is to increase free chlorine levels to eliminate contaminants, kill algae and clear a cloudy pool.

Note that pool shock chemicals, which get rid of brown algae in the pool, are different from clarifiers and flocculants. Water clarifiers solidify particles in the water into small clumps that the pool filter can better capture.

Flocculation products coagulate dirt into large clumps that sink to the bottom of the tank for easier manual removal.

Chlorine bleach works as a do-it-yourself alternative to branded pool shock chemicals. The active ingredient in pool shock and chlorine bleach is sodium hypochlorite.

Pool Shock contains about twice the concentration of household bleach. Clorox recommends using half a cup of bleach for every thousand gallons of water. It’s best to apply the bleaching treatment at night, as sunlight quickly reduces its effectiveness.

DIY Pool Algae Killer

After the initial shock and brush treatment, it is helpful to apply an algaecide to the pool water to kill any remaining algae cells. Most commercial algaecides are copper based and disrupt the algae’s natural cellular processes.

If you’re looking for an alternative to expensive brand name algaecide treatments, try making your own by following these simple steps.

tb1234 Baking Soda Pool Algaecide ½ cup baking soda

½ cup borax

1 tablespoon chlorine bleach tb1234

Mix baking soda and borax, then add just enough bleach to form a thick paste. Apply the paste to your pool brush for extra algae cleaning power. Baking soda and borax will loosen stains and loosen the roots of algae from the pool walls and bottom.

The chlorine bleach kills algae and bacteria in the water. Baking soda also raises the pH of your pool water, so be sure to test the pH after using this treatment.

How to remove algae from the bottom of your pool with a pool vacuum

A skimmer is an excellent tool for removing floating or suspended debris from your pool. However, pool vacuuming is usually required to remove debris on the sides or bottom of the pool.

Vacuuming algae from your pool works best after using a flocculant to allow the particles to combine and fall to the bottom in large clumps.

Most pool vacuums connect to the pool filter to run on the normal setting. For a light to medium cleaning, this is fine.

However, if you are cleaning up significant algal blooms, it may be necessary to set your pool vacuum to run in ‘waste’ or ‘drain’ mode. The contaminated water is drained externally and bypasses the pool filter.

Get algae out of the pool without a vacuum

If you don’t have a vacuum for your pool, don’t worry. It takes a little extra effort, but removing algae from the bottom of the pool without a vacuum is possible.

If your pool has a filtration system, the filter should be able to take care of a pool with algae after scrubbing it off the sides and bottom of the pool.

After scrubbing with your pool brush, stir the water with your hands or a garden hose with a pressure attachment to remove algae from the bottom of the pool for the filter to pick up.

Large clumps of algae can clog your pool filter, so it may be necessary to flush it halfway to clear your algae bloom.

If your pool doesn’t have a filtration system, use a pool brush or regular broom to collect the sediment and dead algae from the bottom of the pool in a corner.

It’s important to move slowly so the debris doesn’t spread too far into the water. If you’ve formed a pile in one corner, use a slotted spoon, net, or dustpan to catch the algae and sediment and gently lift it out of the pool.

If you find your pool has gone from crystal clear to cloudy and green, don’t panic. While prevention is the best cure for an algae problem, eliminating an algae bloom is usually easy.

In addition to your regular pool cleaning products, you will need pool shock, flocculant or clarifier, a scrub brush that will not damage your pool’s finish, and a pool vacuum or skimmer. With a little effort, your pool will be looking like new in no time.

(artrich/victorass88/123rf.com)

If you found these tips on removing algae from the bottom of your pool helpful, please share this article on how to remove algae from the bottom of your pool with your friends and family on Pinterest and Facebook.

Vodka: More than a drink

While this bar is more expensive than rubbing alcohol, it has the same antiseptic properties, making it a smart substitute in a pinch. Read on to learn how to use it.

Erase window stripes

As an alternative to chemical cleaners, spray glass panes with diluted vodka and then wipe with a lint-free cloth.

shine chrome

Put an end to soap scum and limescale stains by soaking a soft cloth in vodka and wiping it over shiny fixtures.

deodorize laundry

Spray undiluted vodka on clothing to remove musty odors, then hang to dry in a well-ventilated area.

Remove rust from screws

Leave a weathered screw in vodka for just a few hours, then wipe to remove rust.

preserve cut flowers

Protect your bouquet by mixing a few drops of vodka with a teaspoon of sugar to inhibit the production of ethylene, which causes flowers to wilt.

Remove stains from upholstery

Dip a clean cloth in vodka and rub onto fabric to remove stubborn stains caused by ink, grass and some foods.

kill weeds

Mix 30ml of vodka, a few drops of liquid dish soap and 2 cups of water in a spray bottle. Apply to broadleaf weeds growing in direct sunlight on a sunny day; The vodka will help remove the waxy coating on the leaves, causing them to dry out.

Clean mold and mildew

Get rid of dark stains on tiles and grout by spraying them with vodka. Leave on for up to 30 minutes, scrub with a grout brush or an old toothbrush and rinse thoroughly.

Soothe aching muscles

Treat sore muscles with a pack made by adding equal parts vodka and water to a resealable bag and freezing to create a super-cold, squishy concoction. Whether you treat yourself to a cocktail afterwards is up to you!

Stop smells

Boots smell ripe? Sprinkle the insides with diluted vodka; Let dry. no more smell

Hot tubs and alcohol: The dangers of soaking under the influence

Don’t drink and tub

Max George’s cautionary tale highlights the dangers of mixing alcohol and hot tubs.

This time the story had a happy ending: Max George almost drowned while drunk when he jumped into a hot tub and drowned at a party in Los Angeles a week ago. A cameraman from his reality show crew, The Wanted Life, saved his life by jumping into the tub and pulling him out.

But George’s near-death experience is a warning to all: don’t drink and bathe. Your body is not made to handle both.

Here’s why:

dehydration.

Sweating in a hot tub dehydrates your body. alcohol too. Both at the same time is too much. This can cause lightheadedness, dizziness, nausea, palpitations, confusion, weakness, and even coma or death.

Dizziness.

The high temperatures of a heart tub can lower your blood pressure. If you’ve also been drinking, it can lead to dizziness, causing you to trip or fall – never good around water.

sleeping or unconsciousness.

The jacuzzi is great for relaxing your body and mind so much that you could easily fall asleep. Alcohol also relaxes your muscles and mind. The combination could make you pass out and go under like George did.

heat exhaustion.

The heat from the spa dilates your blood vessels and increases your body temperature. alcohol too. This can lead to heat exhaustion, which can cause loss of consciousness or even a stroke or heart attack. Symptoms include confusion and dizziness, fainting or tiredness, headache, nausea, excessive sweating and rapid heartbeat, and increased body temperature.

carelessness.

Alcohol can make you lose your inhibitions and take silly risks like Max George did, which can be life threatening around water.

A plea.

If your plans include hot tubing and drinking, bathe first. Staying sober for that relaxing 20 minutes or so is worth the indulgence and peace of mind. Don’t put yourself in a position where someone else has to save your life. Do not bathe if you are impaired.

If you have a story about the dangers of mixing alcohol and tubing, please share to help others stay safe.

SANUM PRO AQUA. As the Romans put it, “health through water”.

Find the perfect hot tub, fast!

MORE…

What not to take in the hot tub: Top 10 hot tub no

Pounded by a hangover? Go to the hot tub. 7 ways to feel better now

Author: Don Riling Don Riling is President of Olympic Hot Tub and has been an active member of the hot tub industry for over 27 years. As the company’s owner since 2016, he continues Olympic’s legacy of promoting health and wellness through water.

Sign up for IndyEat’s free newsletter to receive weekly recipes, foodie features and cookbook releases from The Independent. Read our privacy policy Thank you for subscribing to the

IndyEats email

You would have a much harder time swimming than usual for two reasons, and you could drown in an unusually horrible way:

1) Distilled spirits are quite a bit less dense (hence less buoyant) than a pool because alcohol is lighter than water. You can’t swim in 80 percent [40 percent] alcohol – even with fully inflated lungs, your body is denser than the alcohol and you will drown if you stop swimming.

2) The fumes will likely cause you to choke and cough. It will be extremely difficult to get a proper breath, and what you inhale can cause you to get drunk to the point of passing out. Then you pass out, inhale fluid, and die. What I don’t know is whether the suffocation or the alcohol poisoning will kill you first.

Ryan Carlyle, BSChE, Subsea Hydraulics Engineer

http://qr.ae/GNOoz

The alcohol content does not have to be very high for such an action to be fatal. At Silver Sage Winery in Oliver, BC, Canada, a worker fell into a fermentation vat full of grape juice that was on its way to becoming wine, so probably only about 10 percent alcohol. The winery owner jumped in to help the worker get out, and both men died, overwhelmed by the fumes.

Andrei Godoroja, software developer

http://qr.ae/GNOuY

One consequence: your suicide by drowning in alcohol would be a very expensive death. Even a small (12ft x 24ft) swimming pool will hold 36,698 liters of water. Even if you use cheap vodka priced at $10 (£6.20) a liter bottle, you’re looking at a cost of almost $400,000 (£248,000) for the alcohol. If you want to drown in Jack Daniels or single malt scotch, double or triple the price. But on the bright side, you probably wouldn’t have to pay to have your alcohol-soaked body embalmed!

Paul Zinc

http://qr.ae/GNOby

When you’re in the air, you’re likely to feel the effects of alcohol inhalation. Enjoy the few split seconds of buzzing – it’s about to get bad. When you strike, you’ll get a preview of what to expect. Small cuts on your feet and legs will sting, and maybe your skin will start to freeze and feel like you’ve suddenly done the opposite of moisturizing.

That’s when the real pain begins – when you hit the first sensitive parts of your body, where living cells are exposed or where the skin is thinner and nerves are bundled. As your genitals and anus dip, you’ll feel pain like the wrong end of the nastiest bowl of Texas chili you’ve ever imagined.

Karl Bosse

http://qr.ae/GNObL

These answers are all from quora.com, the popular online question and answer service. Ask any question and get real answers from people who know

Chlorine is popular because it performs the three main roles in keeping a pool clean: it disinfects (kills bacteria and germs), oxidizes (controls organic matter from sweat and body oils), and deters algae. The chemical is unpopular because it has a strong odor, causes red eyes, and causes allergic reactions in some swimmers.

There are alternatives to chlorine including bromine, ionizers and ozonators, although you still need to use some chlorine with each. A fourth alternative is PHMB, which does not require chlorine. All four have downsides, including cost.

Chlorine is relatively cheap. How much chlorine you need depends on the size of your pool, length of swimming season, amount of use, and other factors. For a 20,000-gallon pool that’s open year-round, you’ll need to spend about $600 a year.

bromine

What it is: Pool suppliers sometimes suggest bromine as a substitute for chlorine. It may be an acceptable alternative for people with allergic reactions to chlorine, although this cannot be guaranteed as bromine also belongs to the same chemical family of halogens. Water specialist Alison Osinski believes that 5% of the population has a chlorine allergy.

How it works: Bromine does a good job as a disinfectant, but it doesn’t oxidize as well as chlorine. Most homeowners rely on a hybrid version known as BCDMH tablets, which is typically 66% bromine and 27% chlorine, to get the job done. Some people opt for a two-step process that combines bromine salt extracted from seawater with potassium peroxymonosulfate (aka oxygen shock) in the pool to create the same sanitizing/oxidizing power.

Pros and Cons: Bromine remains stable at high temperatures, which is why many technicians recommend it for spas rather than pools. It’s less irritating to mucous membranes than its chlorine-based cousin, although it still produces an odor. And if you only use bromine in the pool (not the BCDMH compound), it leaves a dull green color in the water that foams up when you swim because the oxidation process is weaker.

Cost: It is more expensive to run a pool with bromine. Imagine being able to spend up to twice as much as using only chlorine.

ionizers

What it is: Ionizers rely on two dissimilar metals—often copper (an algaecide) and silver (a disinfectant)—that are sent charged into the water as a disinfectant. The oxidizer is absent, so you need a small amount of chlorine or bromine in the water to handle this cleaning aspect.

How it works: An ionizer is a device that uses a low-voltage direct current to send these two metals into the water. The positive charge attracts bacteria, germs and algae and the new, larger compounds formed from this are discharged into the filter system.

Pros and Cons: Like bromine, an ionizer does not irritate swimmers’ eyes and noses. It can significantly reduce the amount of chlorine needed. Chlorine and an ionizer work better together than chlorine alone, says Osinski.

However, she still thinks ionizers are a bad choice. For starters, reduce the amount of chlorine significantly only when few people use the pool regularly, there are few plants and landscaping around, and your air isn’t heavily polluted. High pollution levels are beyond what an ionizer can combat on the hygiene side.

Also, ionizers rely on running water, so you need to keep the pool pump running continuously to maintain the sanitizing effect. And the increased metal levels in the water can foul the pool and turn swimmers’ hair and fingernails green.

Cost: About $300 for an ionizer that can handle up to 40,000 gallons of water. Homeowners may need to replace the metals in the system once per bathing season at an average cost of $129. Also consider the energy costs of running the pool pump 24/7.

ozonators

What it is: An ozonator is a machine that plugs into the filtration line. It introduces ozone gas (an active form of oxygen) into the pool to react with contaminants in the water.

How it works: There are two types of ozone generators: UV light and corona discharge. In a UV light system, special low-pressure vapor lamps installed on the water return line generate ozone to kill passing pathogens. Corona discharge generators rely on an electric arc to create ozone inside the generator. This ozone also kills pathogens in the filter system.

Pros and cons: Ozone generators can reduce chlorine usage by up to 90% and use the same amount of electricity as a 60 watt light bulb with the filter pump on, so the additional energy requirement is small.

Water consultants say ozonators are extremely effective when combined with chlorine, as long as you keep the water circulating around the clock. One caveat: ozonators work best in dry air. So if you live in a humid climate, you have to expect a drop in performance.

Cost: A typical ozone generator starts at $600 to process 7,000 gallons of water; $1,200 for 25,000 gallons. Consider the cost of the constantly running pool pump.

PHMB

What it’s about: There’s only one way to go chlorine-free altogether: switch your pool to the chemical compound PHMB, short for polyhexamethylene biguanide. Homeowners commonly know PHMB by the brand names Baquacil and SoftSwim.

How it works: PHMB disinfects by penetrating bacterial cell walls and bursting them from the inside out. It then wraps these particles in a heavy gel that sinks to the bottom of the pool where it is sucked up by the vacuum system.

Pros and Cons: PHMB doesn’t oxidize, so you’ll need to use hydrogen peroxide for that. You also need to use a separate algaecide and clean the pool filters — yes, even the sand filters — every four to six weeks.

PHMB is gentler on swimmers’ skin and hair, gentle on vinyl pool liners, and doesn’t require as much attention to balance as other chemicals. However, since PHMB is not compatible with chlorine, you must drain the pool first.

Once you’re ready to go again, make sure all swimsuits have been washed. Even trace amounts of chlorine in suit fibers will react with PHMB. The result of the reaction: a yellowish vapor emanating from your bathing suit.

Cost: The cost of PHMB chemicals to maintain a 10,000 gallon pool for a 16 week summer season is approximately $725.

Do you have green pool? It will not be fun to swim in or watch. But no worry. No need to drain your pool and start over. They can kill pool algae quickly and prevent them from coming back.

Why do I have a green swimming pool?

There is only one reason: pool algae. If it’s light green, the algae have probably just started to take hold. But a deeper green means a bigger algal bloom problem.

Green algae growth occurs when your sanitizer or chlorine levels are too low. But before we dive in, if you want to prevent your pool from ever going green again, invest in our pool maintenance video course. You’ll learn how to keep your pool maintenance and water chemistry in check so you never have to fight a green pool again.

Frustrated with adding chemicals and trying to keep your pool clean all the time? We’ve taken all the confusion out of pool maintenance in this easy-to-read, illustrated e-book and video course. It will help you save $100 on pool maintenance instantly! Click here to find out more

How to fix green pool water quickly

Here’s our 5-step process for killing algae and cleaning a swimming pool in under a week. Make sure you follow each step to ensure you are as efficient as possible.

1. Brush the pool walls and floor

Attach a pool brush to your telescopic pole and scrub the pool walls, floor, steps and any other surface where the algae may be stuck. The goal is to get the algae in your pool water in suspension so the chlorine has a better chance of killing it.

Our Top Choice 360º Pool Cleaning Brush The 18″ pool brush from Swim University® has 360 degrees of powerful bristles to quickly clean hard-to-reach pool surfaces, including steps, ladders, slides, diving boards, and hard corners/crevices in each one unique pool brush is designed to eliminate back and hip pain associated with one-sided brushing at extra cost to you.

If you have a concrete pool, it is best to use an algae brush for this task. Algae is stubborn and tenaciously adheres to pool surfaces, so a sturdy brush works better than soft nylon bristles to remove it.

2. Test alkalinity and pH

Test pH and alkalinity with test strips or a liquid test kit. Note the levels:

The pH should be between 7.4 and 7.6. It’s ok if it’s a little lower, as you’ll be shocking the water later, which will raise the pH.

. It’s ok if it’s a little lower, as you’ll be shocking the water later, which will raise the pH. Alkalinity should be between 100 and 150 ppm (parts per million). Again, it’s okay if it’s a bit on the low end.

If your pH and alkalinity are too high, lower them at this stage. Start by adjusting your alkalinity (here’s our chemistry guide) and retest your water to make sure you’re in the right range. Hopefully, by adjusting the alkalinity, it will also get your pH in the right range. But if not, adjust the pH as well (here’s our guide).

Note: Adjusting your pH and alkalinity at this stage will ensure the shock treatment is as effective as possible. Low or high concentrations may not help kill the algae. Also, testing the water could be the first step before brushing. If you’d rather test, then brush it. It has no effect on the algae killing process.

3. Shock your pool with chlorine to kill algae

This is the most important event in cleaning up a green pool – killing the algae. Pool Shock contains a high level of chlorine that kills the algae and disinfects the pool. For best results, use a shock that contains at least 70% available chlorine (calcium hypochlorite).

Our Top Pick Calcium Hypochlorite Pool Shock (Cal Hypo-Shock) This fast-acting, fast-dissolving pool shock from DryTec kills bacteria, fights algae and destroys organic debris in pools. It comes in easy-to-use 1 pound bags.

Consume the entire contents of the opened sachet. If granules settle to the bottom of the pool, use a brush to spread them out. Add this product in the correct dosage in the evening hours with the filter pump running. Buy Now on Amazon Buy on InTheSwim.com If you click this link and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Important: Even if you normally use a non-chlorine shock, you must use a chlorine shock to kill algae. And remember, shocking at night is best!

How much shock do you need to kill the algae in your pool? It depends on the color.

One pound (1 lb or 0.45 kg) of shock treats 10,000 gallons (37,854 L) of pool water. That’s normal shock treatment if your pool wasn’t green. However, since this is the case and depending on how much algae is in the water (see color table above) you will need to double, triple or quadruple the dosage.

For example, if you have a 20,000 gallon (75,708L) pool and your water is dark green, you will need 6 shock bags. That’s a triple dose.

If you need more information on how to properly shock your pool, check out our pool shock guide here and the video below 👇.

4. Run your pool filter for 8 hours (and re-shock if needed)

After the nocturnal shock, you should run your filtration system overnight for at least 8 hours. Even better, you should run your filter 24 hours a day until your pool is completely clear. This will clean your pool faster.

Important: Make sure to backwash your filter system when necessary. If you need more help on when and how to backwash your sand, D.E. or cartridge filter, you can read our full guide here.

If the pool is still green or blue-green in the morning, hit it again the next evening with the same amount of shock. And the next morning it should be cloudy blue. That is the goal!

If your pool is cloudy blue, you have successfully killed all algae in the water. Now you can use a pool clarifier if you want to clean it faster, but even if you do, run the filter for at least 24 hours to remove the dead algae from the water and ensure the shock has completely dissipated.

Our top pick pool water clarifier from Swim University clarifies cloudy pool water by combining particles that make it easier for your filter to remove. Let your filter do all the work! This fast-acting formula improves filtration efficiency for more effective removal of dead algae and organic debris. Apply clarifying agent directly to the basin. Ideal for all pools including in-ground, above-ground, concrete, plaster, vinyl liner and fiberglass pools. It is also compatible with salt water, mineral, ozone and chlorine free pool water. Buy Now From Swim University If you click this link and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

5. Further water testing and adjustment of pool chemicals

If your green pool is no longer green and you have cloudy blue or clear water, test it again. This time test the pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness and your chlorine level. Add chemicals as needed to balance things out.

Test it again to make sure everything is as it should be and you’re ready to enjoy your pool again.

How to prevent pool algae from returning

Now that your pool is clear again, you want it to stay that way. The number one way to do this is to make sure you’re following the correct sanitizer levels. This requires you to test your water regularly, at least once a week, but we like to test every other day or so.

If you notice that the levels are a little too low, add disinfectant immediately.

And if it gives you extra peace of mind, you can add algaecides during regular water maintenance. But honestly, it’s best to stay up to date on the sanitizer situation.

Our Top Picks Pool Algaeicide 60 (Copper Free) $40.99 A copper-free algaecide that helps prevent your pool from turning green. Buy Now on Amazon If you click this link and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Should I be concerned about pool phosphates?

You may have heard pool professionals or other pool owners say that to combat algae you need to control the phosphates in the pool and use phosphate removers to do that.

No, you don’t have to worry about phosphates, and no, you don’t have to use a phosphate remover.

Trying to remove phosphates from any environment is like removing dust particles from the air. You’ll never, ever, ever make it all the way. The same applies to phosphates. They are everywhere and in everything.

Yes, they are a food source for algae. But do you remove the vegetables to control pests in your vegetable garden? Of course not. They kill the pests. The same goes for algae.

Disinfect, disinfect, test, balance and disinfect some more. And use the money you would have spent on phosphate remover on a nice pool float.

Frequently asked questions about clearing a Green Pool

Opening your green pool cover can be disappointing. No, not “maybe”. It is. But now that you have the upper hand, you’ll never feel defeated by algae again. All it takes is a little hard work and the right chemicals, and you can kick that seaweed to the curb—er, the pool deck.

How long does it take for a pool to turn green again?

By following our method in this article, you can successfully kill all algae in your pool in less than 5 days. We recommend adjusting the pH and alkalinity, double or triple shocking the pool with calcium hypochlorite at night, and running the filtration system 24/7.

If you want to get the job done a lot quicker (but with a little more manual labor), you can try our Fast Floc, which drips green water onto the bottom of the pool for you to siphon. 👇

Our Top Pick Swim University’s Fast Floc A fast-acting formula that lets cloudy water particles fall to the bottom of the pool for you to vacuum. Fast Floc helps you quickly remove dead algae and non-living organic debris from your pool. It is safe for all pools and filters including in-ground, above-ground, concrete, plaster, fiberglass, vinyl liner and more. Buy Now From Swim University If you click this link and make a purchase, we will earn a commission at no additional cost to you.

Will chlorine clean up a green pool?

Yes! In fact, enough chlorine kills algae, resulting in green pool water. but it takes a large amount in the form of calcium hypochlorite super shock. Adding tablets to the skimmer or chlorinator will not clean your pool. However, you can also try using liquid chlorine instead of shock powder as it mixes with the water faster. Just remember that it’s hard to carry liquid chlorine home from the store and pour it around your pool.

Will baking soda clean a green pool?

no Baking soda will only increase your alkalinity and pH and will not kill algae. Chlorine kills algae. However, if you need help using baking soda to increase your alkalinity, check out our full guide here.

Can you shock a green pool?

no The more chlorine shock you add to a green pool, the greater the chance it will kill all the algae. Follow normal shock treatment based on the size of your pool and you can double, triple or quadruple the dose to kill algae.

Does the clarifier clear a green pool?

no The pool clarifier binds particles together so they are big enough for your filter to grab. When you have algae, it’s impossible for your filter to remove it all. Instead, you must kill it with chlorine. You can physically remove algae by using pool flakes, which will cause the algae to sink to the bottom of the pool, but vacuuming them up takes a lot of work. Read our full pool algae guide here.

Have fun swimming!

Matt Giovanisci is the founder of Swim University® and has been in the pool and spa industry since 1995. Since then, his mission has been to make pool and hot tub maintenance easy for everyone. And every year he helps more people with water chemistry, cleaning and troubleshooting.

How do I clean my pool if it looks like a swamp?

Above all, don’t empty it!!! So many people just want to drain their pools when they look like this then their liners will fall out of position, swim, shrink or something horrible… Gunite pools can pop right out of the bottom. You want to remove as many leaves as possible. We know this is harder said than done as you can’t see below the surface of the water. just do your best Then shock treatment with the filter running. For an average sized inground pool, we would recommend 10 to 20 gallons of Liquid Shock. Liquid Shock in 5 gallon containers is the cheapest way to buy Shock. A gallon of inexpensive algaecide can also be added. This should help kill any algae that were living in your pool. Once you can see the floor, vacuum for “waste” or in a way that allows the heavy debris to come right out of the system rather than through it. Most Sand and Vertical Grid DE filters have a “waste” position. For Perflex DE and cartridge filters, open the drain valve 20% when vacuuming. You may want to fill the pool to the brim before vacuuming, giving you longer to vacuum. Once the water has reached the bottom of the skimmer you will need to add more water to the pool to continue. Some debris will be thrown into the solution and you’ll have to wait for it to settle down before vacuuming again. Backwash and clean your filter as needed throughout the process. We have Star-rite Systems III loaner cartridges in our store if you would like to borrow one for your first cleaning. We do not recommend running DE filters 24 hours a day, a short shutdown of a few hours is more beneficial. DE powder can be added to sand or cartridge filters to help filter out fine particles. Add enough to make a 1lb to 2lb pressure change on your gauge.

Share this…

Pinterest

linkedin

Have you ever watched dark clouds gather before a storm and shudder to imagine what state your pool will be in when the rain stops and the sky clears? Storms and rain bring mud and debris into your pool and it’s every pool owner’s nightmare.

Here we make it easy for you to clean your pool after a dirty rain.

muddy and dirty swimming pool

Brown pool water after rain

Dirty or muddy pools are nothing to get used to as they are hectic, time consuming and usually expensive to deal with if you hire a cleaning company or pool professional.

Most of the mud and debris found in swimming pools is created by torrential downpours that wash away and carry away dust and debris just to be deposited in your pool.

And if you have a dirty, muddy pool, it means you can’t swim for obvious reasons.

For fear of dirty water on your skin

The unsightly sight of a muddy pool makes your skin crawl.

Muddy or dirty pool water needs to be cleaned and fixed as soon as possible.

The two best ways to remove mud and debris from a pool

There are two ways to clear your pool of mud and clear water after it rains:

Skimming, vacuuming, filtering and flocculating to remove sludge

Partial or full drainage to remove sludge

As always with pools, start with the least drastic method. This is the non-drain cleaning method. Here it is.

Method 1: No drain cleaning (filter, vacuum and flake to clean sludge)

They say there are many ways to kill a rat, and this one way to clean a muddy pool and remove mud and dirt without draining the water.

1. Begin by cleaning the pool surround

As always, before you focus on the main problem, clean the deck or pool surround. You don’t want mud, dirt or debris getting into the pool anymore.

2. Use a skimmer net to clean the water surface

Walk around the pool and manually collect as much floating debris from the water as possible with a skimmer. It’s a lot easier to siphon it off now than trying to soak it up later. It also keeps the skimmer basket clear.

You can use this pool and pool (click to check price).

3. Add chlorine and lots of it

After a lot of organic matter has entered your pool, it’s important to increase the chlorine level as soon as possible. This helps keep the water under control and reduces the chance of leaves and debris soiling the pool floor.

You can do this by adding liquid chlorine to bring the chlorine level to between 10ppm and 30ppm. You’ll also need to add a little stabilizer to keep the chlorine from dissolving too quickly.

Chlorine granules in the Swim Cal-Chlor pool

Click here to check the price >>

4. Clean the bottom of the pool with a vacuum cleaner

The rain has also likely spilled all kinds of dirt, leaves, and debris onto your pool floor.

After you’re done with the skimmer, you’ll need a pool vacuum to do some cleaning. Dirt and mud can stick to the surface of the pool, so it’s best to remove everything quickly.

For large debris you can use a leaf blower with a garden hose like this one. This particular model has a large dirt bag, meaning you don’t have to empty it all the time. And it runs from a garden hose – so if you don’t have a pool filtration system, you can still use it.

Poolmaster 28300 Big Sucker pool leaf vacuum

Click here to check the price >>

If you prefer to use your pool’s filtration system, you can use a pool vacuum like this one.

BEBEKULA Weighted Flexible Pool Vacuum Head

Click here to check the price >>

This product fits a standard pool pole and uses a standard pool hose to vacuum up debris and leaves from the bottom of the pool.

When you vacuum your pool, make sure you turn your filter’s multi-port valve to “waste.” This will remove the debris and avoid clogging your filter. And continuously empty the skimmer basket of dirt.

You may also need to brush the bottom of your pool with a pool brush to loosen debris.

5. Run your filter continuously

It is now time to explore using a water filter. Skimming collects larger debris while filters collect small particles. Your pool water is probably brown in color and filtering will help clean the water.

How do filters work? Pool water filters are an effective mechanical process that separates water from particles. Water is drawn into the filter canister and passed through the filter media (usually sand, diatomaceous earth (DE) or a cartridge) into the filter.

During this process, dirt and sludge remain in the filter media while the clean water is returned to the pool. You will need to backwash or clean your filter regularly as it clogs quickly when you have muddy water.

Tip: Keep an eye on the filter indicator for high pressure – then it’s time to clean your filter.

You’ll have to alternate between vacuuming, skimming, and filtering. This process will likely take a few days to clear the water.

6. Add flocculant to purify the water

Right now, your pool water may still look brown – even after days of filtering and vacuuming. This is because tiny particles are still floating in the water, making it look brown and clouding the water.

Using a skimmer, vacuum, and filter will likely not remove these dirt and mud particles. This is where science comes into play. There is a product called flocculant.

When flocculant is poured into a muddy basin, the tiny residue of sludge will gather into a larger lump and then sink to the bottom.

Now you can siphon this off and run the filter to further purify the water.

You can use a pool flake like this:

Clorox 59032CLX Sink to Clear flocculant

Click here to check the price >>

7. Test the water balance

Your water should now be fairly clear. It’s time to test your water again. You want to make sure you have the right pH, chlorine is at the right level, alkalinity is good, and you have cyanuric acid in your water.

For a complete overview of testing your water you can follow the post: How to Use Pool PH Testing Kit

Make sure to do your testing with a quality pool water testing kit like this one:

Taylor Technologies test kit

Click here to check the price >>

Method 2: Partially or completely drain the pool to remove mud

Sometimes there is so much mud and dirt in a pool that no amount of vacuuming and filtering can get it out.

If you have tried cleaning the pool as above over the course of a few weeks and you still have brown pool water, your best bet is to partially or completely drain the pool water.

Most pools have a drainage system on the bottom of the pool, but residual mud on the bottom of the pool poses a greater risk of blocking the system, so a sump pump is often a better option.

The downside to this method of cleaning a muddy pool is that all the water in the pool is thousands of gallons and a significant amount of money.

Here’s how to do it;

1. Clean the pool area

Clean the deck or surrounding area by picking up leaves and debris and sweeping up debris from surrounding areas.

2. Use a skimmer net to clean the water surface

When cleaning the pool, you should always slide through the water surface first to collect or remove large floating debris.

3. Vacuum large debris from pool floor

The next step is vacuuming the pool with a vacuum cleaner. You don’t want dirt clogging your pump or filtration system when you start emptying.

4. Drain the pool

Some caution is required here. You may have heard that draining your pool can cause serious damage. This is true. Your pool can actually pop out of the ground and cause major (and expensive) structural damage.

Then what should you do?

Unless you are experienced, we recommend draining only half of your pool’s water. Do not use your pool pump for this. You burn it out and second, when the water is under the skimmer, you start sucking in air.

Instead, use a submersible pump or a sump pump. You can buy or rent these. Just switch it on and start pumping. Make sure you have a plan for where you want the water to go – you don’t want to flood your home or your neighbors’.

Draining removes much of the dirt floating in the water.

5. Refill and clean

Now that your pool is partially drained, you can refill it with the garden hose. If you use well water, read our article: Paste our well water article here

6. Balance the water

After refilling your pool, you will need to add chlorine and chemicals to correct the pH and sanitizer levels.

7. Skim, vacuum and filter water

Even after draining, you probably still have dirty water. You must follow “Method 1: Filter, vacuum and fluff to clean the sludge” as above to complete the process.

To recap, skim debris off the surface with a net, use a pool vacuum to vacuum dirt and debris from the pool bottom (make sure you do this to avoid waste), filter the water continuously and add a flocculant as needed to purify the water.

Congratulations, you have successfully cleared your pool of mud and have clean water!

What is the effect of mud on a pool?

The main goal of effective pool maintenance is to balance chemicals and keep contaminants out of the water. When you do this, the water remains as clear as glacial water.

Because of this, the clearest pools have no debris, stains, or weird pool water misbehavior.

Rainwater dilutes the chemical balance in pool water, making pool cleaning more difficult as the filter becomes clogged with additional debris.

Water chemistry aside, muddy water can pollute the bottom of the pool, making it appear dull and dirty forever.

What to do after you clear the mud or dirt

A dirty and muddy pool is gross and downright gross because everyone wants a super clean pool with the most transparent water in the neighborhood.

After cleaning your pool of dirt and mud, here are tips on how to keep your pool crystal clear.

To maintain a clean pool, you must perform a thorough weekly cleaning. This includes removing debris from the water surface, scrubbing stains on the bottom and sides of the pool, and vacuuming the pool at least once a week to maintain cleanliness.

Pool water is all about the pH balance – acidity vs. alkalinity of the water. Make sure you keep your pool’s chemical balance in check.

Make sure you run your filter sufficiently. You need to do this about 8 hours a day. The water circulation ensures a good distribution of the chemicals and better filtration, therefore less dirt and mud.

It is crucial to maintain the correct amount of disinfectant. For most pool owners, that’s chlorine. The chlorine level should be 2-5 ppm.

Final Thoughts

Dirt and mud get into pools all the time and it’s daunting because it takes a lot of money and time to remove them. However, with basic knowledge and a little patience, you can easily do this at home.

Brown pool water is often caused by metals (iron) in the pool water oxidizing. If you shocked your pool water and it turned brown, you probably have metals. Oxidized iron usually turns a brown or rusty color in water. Use the No-Drain Metal Stain Eliminator Kit to reduce, sequester and eliminate the metals to purify your water and prevent reappearance or fouling of your pool surface.

Vodka is a natural disinfectant, so you can use it to clean your home.

Vodka is a natural disinfectant. Alexsander Ovsyannikov/Shutterstock

Reaching for the liquor cabinet may not seem like an obvious step when it comes to cleaning your home, but vodka can be used to bring the sparkle back into your abode. Vodka is a natural disinfectant, which means it can be used to disinfect your living space.

The vodka should be mixed with equal parts water to dilute the alcohol. Try adding a few drops of your favorite essential oil to give it a nice smell while cleaning. The mixture can be used in the shower, on frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and light switches, and to remove mold and mildew.

Read more: The best disinfectant cleaners you can buy

Certain types of joy can only be found in full immersion. In some cases, however, it can seem impossible, especially if red wine is what you enjoy most (we know you do). Stop your doubts this second and buy a plane ticket to Japan because there is a spa where you can literally bathe in your favorite drink.

The Yunessun Spa Resort in Hakone, Japan has a red wine pool that’s both bigger and better than when you filled your bathtub with bottles of Two Buck Chuck. I’m not saying you did, but it’s a safe guess that you thought of it. Before you pass judgement, you should know that it’s not just about granting wishes. The spa supposedly helps keep you looking young. It probably doesn’t work (red wine has plenty of other health benefits though, don’t worry), but it will make you feel damn young.

Because as funny as all this sounds, the alcohol in red wine can dry out your skin. Do we really care? no It’s literally a pool of wine. Sure, you won’t float peacefully on wine for hours (alcohol is less dense than water, so you won’t be as buoyant), but everyone in the bathtub picks up small amounts of alcohol when submerged, according to The Naked Scientist, so who cares it if you can float peacefully.

Now say you want to drink some wine, not just absorb it. Buckle up because this is where it crosses the line from dreamy to trippy. People stand outside the pool and pour water into their hands to sip. Or, for the less mellow soul, someone stands outside the pool and literally hurls a bucket of wine in your face.

Jesus may have walked on water and turned water into wine, but it would have been a great achievement if he combined the two and threw a cannonball into it. The Yunessun Spa is the closest we can get to in the modern age.

Book your plane ticket, plan a visit and find full immersion in bliss.