Help! My Pool Water Turned Green!

My pool water turned green! Chances are you landed on this page because you have green water in your pool or spa. Green pool water can be easily treated using our directions, one of our kits and a few of hours of your time.

What is the cause of green swimming pool water?

Green-colored pool water is a frequent pool problem. Green water can be caused by either algae or metals, specifically, iron and copper. It is important to know the cause of the problem, as the methods to get rid of the algae or the metals are very different. Using the images below, click on the image of the type of green water in your pool to get step-by-step directions for fixing your green pool water problems.

Where do the metals like iron and copper in my pool come from?

To maintain the water quality and aesthetics of your pool, it’s essential to identify the various sources of iron and copper entering the pool water. These sources include well water, which often contains high levels of rust, iron, copper, and other stain-causing metals when used to fill or top off the pool. Additionally, high iron and copper content in the source water can result in green water and swimming pool stains. 

Sources of iron include damaged or corroded pool equipment, metal pipes, and fittings which introduce iron and other metals, causing green swimming pool water. Rain or irrigation water coming into contact with stones, bricks, water features, or fertilizers can lead to iron accumulation and green pool water. Moreover, salt systems and chlorine generators contribute to iron build-up over time. Even the cages and screens around the pool can release iron into the water when rainwater touches them. 

There are many sources of copper entering swimming pools.  Major sources include copper from copper-based algaecides, copper coils in heaters and copper pipes and plumbing.  When your pH goes below 7, your acidic pool water will eat away any copper coils, plumbing, and fixtures and will add copper to your pool water. Additional copper sources include copper-alloy pool equipment, such as pumps and heaters. Also, copper-based algaecides and pesticides used to control unwanted growth can contribute to copper accumulation. 

Some chlorine tabs contain copper (blue specks in the white tab). The plumbing system, particularly if it incorporates copper components, may gradually introduce small amounts of copper into the water. Water used to fill the pool often contains natural traces of copper, and runoff from copper roofs or nearby structures can increase the issue. Copper-laden pool chemicals and even certain landscaping elements, like copper-containing ornaments, can also be sources of copper. It is important to prevent metallic debris, like coins, jewelry, or construction waste, from corroding and releasing copper ions into the water. 

 

By identifying and addressing these metal sources, you can effectively prevent metal-related issues and enjoy crystal-clear pool water.

How do I get rid of metals like iron and copper in my swimming pool?

CuLator Metal Eliminator and Stain Preventer for Pools and Spas
CuLator Metal Identification Color Chart
Using the Metal Identification Chart above, hold your used CuLator up to the sun to see which metals have been removed from the pool water!

 CuLator Metal Eliminator and Stain Preventer!  

CuLator is the only patented way to remove and eliminate stain-causing metals like rust, iron, copper, manganese, and cobalt without draining your swimming pool water.

CuLator removes and captures metals inside the CuLator bag for easy removal.  CuLator works in a wide range of pH and doesn’t dissolve in water, so it doesn’t add to your TDS.  CuLator finishes what sequestering agents and metal control products start.

There are two sizes of CuLator:

CuLator PowerPak 1.0

CuLator Ultra 4.0

The CuLator PowerPak 1.0 removes 1 ppm dissolved metals from 20,000 gallons and is placed into the skimmer basket. The CuLator Ultra 4.0 removes 4 ppm dissolved metals from 20,000 gallons of pool water.  The Ultra 4.0 also includes a GatorEgg protective cage which allows the Ultra to be placed into the pump basket.  When the CuLator removes metals from pool water, the contents usually change color to identify those metals removed! CuLator removes and eliminates these stain-causing metals from pool water: