Top 10 Causes of Green Pool Water and How to Fix Them.

Help! My pool water is clear green
  • Here are the top 10 causes of green pool water (ranked by how often they happen in real-world pools) and how to fix them:
  1. Algae Growth – The #1 cause. Algae thrive when chlorine is too low or circulation is poor.  FIX by shocking the pool or adding an algaecide.  Just be careful with copper based algaecides as they add copper to the water (use a CuLator Metal Eliminator to remove the left-over copper) 
  2. Low Free Chlorine Levels – Without enough sanitizer, algae and bacteria quickly multiply, turning the pool green.  FIX by shocking the pool and keep the free chlorine level between 1-3.  You may need to keep the chlorine level elevated until the water clears.
  3. Poor Filtration or Circulation – If the filter is clogged, undersized, or the pump isn’t running long enough, algae spores settle and bloom.  FIX by cleaning the filter(s) and check the pump.
  4. High Phosphates/Nitrates – These act as “food” for algae, accelerating growth even if chlorine is present.  FIX by using a phosphate remover or drain some of the water from the swimming pool.
  5. Imbalanced pH – High or low pH can reduce chlorine effectiveness, allowing algae to take hold.  FIX by raising or lowering your pH.  Salt systems often have higher pH.  Check the pH regularly.
  6. High Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer) – Too much CYA locks up chlorine, leaving the pool under-sanitized despite good chlorine readings.  FIX by training some of the water from the swimming pool.
  7. Metals in the Water (Copper/Iron) – Oxidized copper can give a green tint, especially after shocking. Iron can also cause discoloration.  If the pH goes up too high, then metals may “plate out” onto the surface as a stain.  FIX by using a CuLator Metal Eliminator to remove the metals and prevent stains.  Also you can prevent staining by using a sequestering agent like Mega Maintain.
  8. Warm Water & Sunlight – Heat and direct sun speed up algae reproduction and chlorine breakdown.  FIX by checking your chlorine levels regularly.
  9. Organic Debris – Leaves, pollen, dirt, and other matter feed algae and deplete chlorine.  FIX by removing debris frequently and running the filtration system regularly.
  10. Low Alkalinity –  If your alkalinity is low, you may get green water, which is also aggressive water.  FIX by raising the alkalinity to 80-120 for liners and 100-125 for plaster.

NOTE: Most of the time, green water is a chlorine and algae problem, but metals (especially copper from algaecides and damaged heaters and iron from salt systems, bricks, pavers, or stones around the pool, screens around the pool, run off from irrigation, and well water) can also be the culprit.  If your water is clear, but green, then you most likely have a metal issue. If the swimming pool water is cloudy, and green, that is an indicator that you need to add chlorine to the water to get rid of the cloudiness and then treat the metals.

CuLATOR INFLATED LIKE A BALLOON, IS THIS NORMAL?

CuLator Ultra 4.0 hydrated and puffy.
CuLator Ultra 4.0 hydrates and puffs up. This is normal.

Message: 

I’ve used CuLator 4.0 for the past few years and have been happy with the results. I believe there is a problem with the CuLator 4.0 I purchased this year from Leslie’s Pool Supply. After placing it in the skimmer, the bag in the plastic holder has inflated like a balloon. Is this a defective product?

Response:

Thank you for your email and continued use of CuLator!

Your new CuLator Ultra 4.0 is supposed to inflate.  The polymers inside hydrate and then start to bind the metals. Often, it looks like a grenade when the polymers are hydrated inside the bag.  When the bag shrinks to ½ the size, feels watery inside, or crunchy inside, then the CuLator is finished and needs to be replaced.  If the bag is still puffy, then it has capacity to remove metals.  

Note:  Sometimes in our production process, polymers get onto the outside of the CuLator bag.  Don’t worry, the polymers are non-toxic and they will slough off and get caught by the filter.  These will show up as a clear gel on the outside of the bag.  If you happen to see a white substance, which looks like Crisco, form on the outside of the CuLator bag, that is phosphate remover which gets caught by the bag.  Just rinse that off and the CuLator will work normally.

 

phosphate remover on CuLator bag
Phosphate Remover collects on the CuLator bag (white goo). Just rinse this off and the CuLator works fine.

Is the CuLator Still Working When Puffed Up?

We get questions about if CuLator is working and when you know it is finished and needs to be replaced.

Here is an example of a question:

Love your product my pool had very high copper levels after 4 days my bag is blue and puffed up. Should I take it out if it is puffed up ? I bought the 1.0 and seems to really be working so I purchased the 4.0 also!

Here is an answer:

When the CuLator is puffed up, it means the CuLator polymers have “hydrated”.  This is normal and does not mean all the metals have been removed from the water.  When the contents of the CuLator bag shrink to half their size, or the contents feel watery or like pebbles inside, then it is time to replace the CuLator.  This may take 1-3 months with the CuLator 1.0 and up to 6 months with the CuLator Ultra 4.0.

When the contents of the bag turns blue (or another color), that indicates that metals are being removed from the water.  The best way to see if metals are being removed is to hold the bag up to the light (with the light behind the bag) and see if there is a color INSIDE the bag.

If the bag is “puffy” it still has capacity to remove metals from the water.  If you aren’t sure you can always call Periodic Products at 954-764-7654.

 

CuLator Ultra 4.0 hydrated and puffy.
When the CuLator is Puffy There is Still Capacity to Remove More Metals from Pool Water
Used CuLator with Copper Removed From the Pool.
CuLator 1.0 Used and Blue Indicates Copper was Removed from the Pool Water

We also have a product call the CuLator Metal Indicator Tabs, which is an easy visual to use to determine if you have metals and which one you have in your pool water.

CuLator Metal Indicator Tab Showing Copper Present in Pool.
Metal Indicator Tab Turns Blue/Teal Indicates Copper Present in Pool Water
CuLator Metal Indicator Tab- Indicating iron is in the swimming pool water
Metal Indicator Tab Turns Yellow/Orange/Rust Indicates Iron Present in Pool Water

Top 10 Causes of Brown Pool Water

Help! My pool water is clear brown.

Brown pool water is usually due to metals, organic contaminants, or imbalances in the pool’s chemistry. Clear brown water indicates oxidized iron is in the swimming pool. Cloudy brown water indicates organics are also present in pool water.

Here are the top 10 causes:

  1. High Iron Content: Iron in the water often comes from well water, corroded pipes, saltwater systems, bricks, stones, pavers, and pool screens or cages. When chlorine is added to the pool, iron oxidizes, turning the water clear brown or rust colored. If the pH goes up too high, you will get surface staining. Solution: Use Mega Maintain and a CuLator Ultra 4.0.
  2. High Manganese Levels: Manganese in the water, also found in well water or through pipe corrosion, can oxidize and give a brownish or black tint. Solution: Use Mega Maintain and a CuLator Ultra 4.0.
  3. Oxidation: Metals in pool equipment can “dissolve” due to low pH, especially iron, copper, and manganese, which discolor the water and can stain pool surfaces. Solution: Use Mega Maintain and a CuLator Ultra 4.0.
  4. Algae Growth: Certain types of algae, especially when dying or being treated, can turn pool water brown or murky. Solution: Increase your chlorine level. If algae continue, use a copper-based algaecide.
  5. Debris and Organic Material: Leaves, soil, or organic debris can decompose in the pool, giving the water a brown tint and affecting the pH and chlorine levels. Solution: Add more chlorine.
  6. High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Excessive minerals and salts in the water can cause discoloration and murkiness if TDS levels become too high. Solution: Drain some pool water and replace it with fresh water.
  7. Low Chlorine Levels: Insufficient chlorine allows organic material to thrive, often leading to water discoloration or cloudiness. Solution: Add more chlorine.
  8. Incorrect pH Levels: Low or high pH can interfere with chlorine’s effectiveness, leading to discoloration from unbalanced water chemistry. Solution: Get pH within range of 7.2-7.6.
  9. Faulty Filter System: A clogged or broken filter can fail to remove organic particles and metals, leading to murky or brown water. Solution: Clean filter or replace with new filter.
  10. Old, Stale Water: If pool water has not been replaced or refreshed in a long time, contaminants and dissolved minerals can accumulate, leading to discoloration. Solution: remove some swimming pool water and replace it with fresh water.

Proper water testing and regular maintenance are key to identifying and addressing the root cause, especially by checking metal levels, pH, and filtration efficiency.

If your brown water is caused by iron, a simple solution is to use https://culator.com/product/mega-maintain-metal-stain-scale-control-sequestering-agent/Mega Maintain Sequester with a CuLator Ultra 4.0 to remove all the ionized metals therefore preventing pool surface stains and water discoloration.

 

If your brown water is caused by organics, increase your chlorine level, or add algaecide.

Top 10 Reasons to Use CuLator Metal Eliminator and Stain Preventer for Pools and Spas

All Products CuLator

“CuLator offers a comprehensive solution for removing metals from pool water, ensuring clean, clear, and stain-free water while protecting equipment and simplifying maintenance. Its effectiveness lies in its ability to prevent staining, reduce scaling, and preserve water quality by removing metals such as copper, iron, and manganese. By stabilizing pH levels and being compatible with all pool types, CuLator simplifies pool maintenance while being environmentally friendly. With its long-lasting pouches and cost-effective approach, CuLator proves to be an essential investment for pool owners seeking to maintain pristine water conditions and prolong the lifespan of their equipment.”

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My CuLator Ultra 4.0 swelled up! Is that normal?

Used CuLator Ultra 4.0 with Iron Trapped Inside

My CuLator Ultra 4.0 swelled up and filled the GatorEgg.  It looks like it is going to explode!  We hear this question all the time.  This is  normal.  Some CuLator Ultras do not swell up.  This is also normal.  Sometimes the bag may even have some polymers on the outside of the bag.  This is normal.  What isn’t normal is if the seams are torn or there is a hole in the bag.  If this happens, contact Periodic products at 954-764-7654.  Don’t worry, the CuLator is non-toxic and any polymers which ooze out of the bag will be caught by the filter.  The polymers will continue to work until you rinse off the filters.

Also notice that the colors of the polymers change depending on the metals trapped inside.  This is a great way to see if the CuLator is pulling out the metals from your swimming pool.

CuLator prevents stains by removing and eliminating stain-causing metals like iron, copper, cobalt, and manganese from pool water.

Used CuLator with Cobalt Trapped Inside
Used CuLator Ultra 4.0 with Copper Trapped Inside

CuLator Removed Copper From My Swimming Pool!

Thank you kindly for the information!  Historically, for the pool, I’ve simply used the CuLator 1.0 packet in my skimmer basket with good results.  I did try the CuLator 4.0 inside the GatorCage as an upgrade/replacement, but it did not seem to perform much differently.  Not complaining, but if the 1.0 is working, it would be simpler for me to just continue that routine.

As far as actual movement and lifespan, continuously using on of the CuLator packets has kept my copper levels fairly steady at 0.1 ppm.  Sometimes 0.0 and sometimes 0.2, but very flat.  I was north of 1.0 and going higher when I started using them just under 2 years ago when we bought the pool.  Previous owner did not unfortunately manage the water chemicals very well – pH way out of spec, ridiculously high chlorine and CYA, plus he added algaecide doses every week…

Everything is now in much better shape, but I think there is some damage to either the heater and/or copper pool pipes (underground) allowing them to leech copper still.  However, I do think it is getting better (reduced)!   Actually planning running for several weeks later this summer when I have a bit more free time without the CuLator to see how fast the levels are rising, but assume there will still be a need long term for the CuLator.

Thank you again!

CuLator with Copper Removed from Swimming Pool Water

Phoenix Arizona has Copper in Water

CuLator removes copper from Phoenix water
The colors inside the CuLator show metals removed
CuLator turns colors depending on metals removed from swimming pool
Blue shows copper, yellow shows iron, and the green is a combo of metals removed

Phoenix Arizona has Copper in Water

Phoenix, Arizona is dealing with a major copper issue in the municipal water.  When Phoenix residents fill their pools with city water, they are adding high levels of stain-causing copper, which can stain swimming pool surfaces or cause water discoloration.  

If you shock a swimming pool with copper in it, the pool water can turn bright green, or grayish or blueish stains can appear on the surfaces.

If the copper level is below .2 ppm, you should be safe from staining.  However, the goal is to have a swimming pool with 0 copper.  If your copper level goes up to .3, then you are at risk of staining all the pool surfaces.  

So, what can you do about a pool with copper in the water?

If you have copper in your swimming pool water, then you should use some Mega Maintain Sequestering Agent to suspend the copper in the pool water.  Next (at the same time) add a CuLator 1.0 to the skimmer basket or a CuLator Ultra 4.0 to your bump basket and let it remove and eliminate the metals from your water.  

What’s great about CuLator is that it is non-toxic and removes high levels of metals including copper, iron and manganese.  Those are the three metals which stain pools the most.  The other great thing about CuLator is the contents of our PowerPak bag change colors.  

What can you do if your pool is stained with copper?

We recommend using the Metal Stain Eliminator Kit.  It is a no-drain kit which removes metal stains, sequesters the metals (suspends the metals in the water), and removes or eliminates the metals from the swimming pool with CuLator Metal Eliminator and Stain Preventer.

How do I know my CuLator is working?

We get asked this question all the time.  The answer is to look UP at the CuLator with a light or sun behind it.  This will show the color of the metals removed.  You will notice that iron turns the CuLator a yellow color and copper turns it a blue color.  Sometimes you will see both.

Is My CuLator Working?

Another Happy Customer

The Results of Your Products Were Amazing! A Happy Customer!

Pool Steps with metal stains
BEFORE TREATMENT -METAL STAINS
Pool stair stains removed
AFTER TREATMENT - STAINS GONE
No-Drain-Stain-Eliminator-Kit
BEFORE TREATMENT - STAINED TILES
AFTER TREATMENT - NO STAINS

THIS IS FROM A HAPPY CUSTOMER WHO USED THE METAL STAIN ELIMININATOR KIT TO CLEAN UP THE COPPER STAINING FROM THE POOL.

It should be noted that I first tried Jack’s Magic Blue Stuff.  I was able to reduce the copper from about 3 to about 2 but that was it.  After a day or so, the copper level again increased. This was AFTER I replaced the brass ladder and the brass handrail with a new Safeco ladder and handrail.

The Jack’s rep was guiding me, but after the copper level increased, he told me that he could no longer help me and told me to get professional help.

That was when I went online and found Periodic Products.

The results of your products were amazing….as was your friendly advice.

I am a big believer in your products and I will always recommend your products and your support to my friends.

A happy customer!

Sandy from South Florida

CuLator Solves Copper Cyanurate Problems in Swimming Pools

We received a question from a customer who had purple gunk at the bottom of his swimming pool.  We suspected that he had copper cyanurate.  We had him check his CYA level which was very high.  His copper level was also very high.  High copper + High CYA = Copper Cyanurate.   We had him drain the pool water and refill until the CYA was between 30-50.  When he drained the water, there was a light purple residue (sand) which showed up on the street pavement.  Obviously, that purple sand was copper cyanurate.  He was instructed to add a CuLator Ultra 4.0 to his pump basket and the problem was solved.

Here is what was said in his own words:

06/20/20 

Here are the photos of our pool. The last two photos show the residue that accumulated in the street at the end of the vacuum hose. The numbers are looking great; we will be placing the CuLator Ultra 4.0 cartridge in the pump basket this evening! 

Once again, thank you for all your help. I look forward to doing business with you in the future.

 

09/10/20

Pool closing…thanks for all your help this Spring with our “Purple Haze” problem. We survived the summer with pristine pool water and no problems.

H.D. Long Island, NY