It’s a beautiful day, you’re off of work, and you want nothing more than to spend some time enjoying your pool. There’s only one problem: the pool water has gone from its usual pristine clarity to an unsightly green color. According to Honolulu-based M & M Pool Services, Oahu’s leading pool maintenance and spa repair service, this is an all-too common phenomenon that should be resolved as quickly as possible.

Since green pool water is so pervasive, let’s get some answers to frequently asked questions about it:

• What makes the water green? The short answer is algae, which employs photosynthesis to get energy (hence the coloration). There are actually many different kinds of algae, but green ones are most common, and depending on the type, it can be either free-floating or coat the surfaces.
• How did this algae get there? Pools require constant maintenance, which includes retaining a specific balance of chemicals to keep the water clean and clear. Algae forms when this balance is upset either by heavy use, heavy rain fall, proximity to other plant life, reduced direct sunlight, or accidental exposure to lawn chemicals.
• Why is it such a problem? The algae helps feed a wide variety of bacteria, so it’s recommended that you do not swim in green pools until the condition is cleared up. In addition, mosquitos like to breed in this murkier, darker water. Furthermore, over time, algae will clog up filters and damage surfaces.
• What can be done about it? Prevention involves maintaining proper levels of sanitizer, keeping the filter operating 10 hours a day, and maintaining proper cleanliness of the pool itself. Once a week the pool should be “shocked” by treating it with a mixture of bacteria and organic matter-killing chemicals. In addition, green water can be treated with algicides that are specifically designed to target the culprit.

Of course, if you’re in Oahu, there’s nobody more qualified to treat your green water issue than M & M Pool Services. No matter the size or scope of the job, this is the service to go with for any pool maintenance problem, so give the folks there a call at (808) 375-6816 to learn more.