Blue/Green Pool Water In Vinyl Pool

by Amy
(Westminster, MD)

I have an above ground pool which I have had to drain down about a foot on 3 different occasions in the last few weeks. Each time I have refilled the pool with well water. The water has turned blue/green whenever I add chemicals. I have used "Mineral Magnet" which turns the water clear for a few days but then it turns right back to the blue/green color. Any idea what is causing this and what I can do to keep the water clear?



Hi Amy. I have a few general suggestions for you. First off, you are doing the right thing by only draining to one foot and refilling. No matter what anyone says never drain all of the water out of an above ground pool unless you plan to change the liner.

If you use chlorine in your pool, as many people do, you should check your chlorine level with a test kit several times a day. If at anytime the level is low, give the pool a fast boost with granule chlorine.

Try using vinyl shock treatment when the pool is first filled and at least once a week for a few weeks. If at any time the water starts to turn, add shock treatment, check your chlorine level and run the filter nonstop until the water clears up.

It is also important to keep the ph balanced. By doing this you are allowing the chlorine to be the most effective and last the longest.

It might also be helpful to work closely with a pool store, taking in water samples on a regular basis for a while. Just be sensible as to all the extra chemicals they may recommend. Some stores test your water to be helpful, some do it so they can sell you a lot of stuff you do not need. Vinyl lined pool have rather simple needs, and many chemicals can actually damage a liner.

The two biggest things I think are the vinyl shock and running the filter nonstop until the water clears.