Swimming Pool Water Turning Green/ How To Fix?

[Jamesjimmy]

Does anyone know of a good pool maintenance person to service my pool in the Hang Dong area, Chiang Mai?

Is anyone else having problems with their water filter system or any other problems?

The water in my pool is turning green and is full of algae.

Edited February 3, 2009 by PeaceBlondie
Titles altered to reflect changes in subject. PB

[Tywais]

Moved to Chiangmai Forum and multiple posts deleted.

[john b good]

Does anyone know of a good pool maintenance person to service my pool in the Hang Dong area, Chiang Mai?

Is anyone else having problems with their water filter system or any other problems?

The water in my pool is turning green and is full of algae.

Short of chloride!!

Shouldn't that be chlorine

[jaideeguy]

I would suggest a 'shock' dose of chlorine and consult with the guy at 'world chemicals' on Mihidol [airport] road....he has all the chemicals.

[am I replying in the wrong place?? the previous posts kinda scare me]

[Gary A]

I think the guy has an ax to grind with the pool builder. I have never heard of a pool builder who was responsible for maintaining water quality. You need to study how to maintain the water or find a pool service company to take care of the pool. There's more to it than just swimming in it.

[Jamesjimmy]

I think the guy has an ax to grind with the pool builder. I have never heard of a pool builder who was responsible for maintaining water quality. You need to study how to maintain the water or find a pool service company to take care of the pool. There's more to it than just swimming in it.

I have no ax to grind with the pool builder. I've had the pool for a year and maintained it exactly with the care suggested with no previous problems. 3 weeks ago the water started turning green. JD Pools advised me it was because of the weather/extreme heat that I was experiencing these problems....hmmm...

They have sent 3 separate teams of so called experts to fix the problem over a 12 day period with no results. I have been thoroughly cleaning the pool every day, but I think that it might be a problem with the filter system and not the weather.

Any advice would be greatly appreciated. And if anyone knows of any pool maintenance company or experienced pool person that can come to my house for maintenance, please let me know.

Thanks to all for your comments, much appreciated. Cheers.

[Jamesjimmy]

I would suggest a 'shock' dose of chlorine and consult with the guy at 'world chemicals' on Mihidol [airport] road....he has all the chemicals.

[am I replying in the wrong place?? the previous posts kinda scare me]

You are in the right place Jaideeguy, many thanks for your comment.

[khunandy]

I would suggest a 'shock' dose of chlorine and consult with the guy at 'world chemicals' on Mihidol [airport] road....he has all the chemicals.

[am I replying in the wrong place?? the previous posts kinda scare me]

You are in the right place Jaideeguy, many thanks for your comment.

Read up on Copper Sulphate, only a very small amount needed to control green algae but not sure of the health risks.

It hasnt killed my fish in our pond yet....a faulty submersible pump did though!!!

A lot of owners give their swimming pools a dose in the off season to keep algae growth down

The correct chemical balances in a swimming pool are a black art IMHO

[ThaiPauly]

I don't live far from you and my pool is not green,so you can discount the "Weather" theory

[ozzydom]

Step1

Use a pool vacuum to remove as much algae as you can. Take off all the excess algae with a long pool brush. Purchase a chlorine shock solution and follow the manufacturer's directions for use.

Step2

Take a water bucket (about half full) and mix in the required amount of coarse chlorine shock grains. Add 1 pound for every 10,000 gallons of water. To tackle a severe algae problem, add 1 pound for every 7,500 gallons of pool water.

Step3

Turn on the pool filter and add the shock mixture to the pool. Let the filter run for 24 hours and observe the pool at regular intervals during the day. If you don't observe any significant improvement, add an increased dosage of the chlorine shock to the pool.

Step4

Clean the filter periodically to remove any trapped algae. Monitor the pool carefully and if the algae turns gray or white, falls down to the bottom or starts to float on the water, remove it with the pool vacuum and the skimmer rod.

Step5

Test the water for a stable pH. The pH should be between 7.2 to 7.6. Add pH balancing salts or liquids as needed. Let the chlorine level return to the range of 1 to 3 parts per million before using the pool again.

As well ,because of the higher water temperatures in Los,use an algaecide at regular intervals , make sure your chlorine level does not drop below 2 ppm and run your filter at least 5 hours per day.

With proper chlorine levels maintained and the regular addition of an algaecide,algae should not be a problem but if you let it take hold it is hard work to get your pool back to pristine condition.

[ozzydom]

Jamesjimmy , this text may give you some clue as to what ws the cause of your algae problem.

If you dont already have one, installing an electric chlorine generator may help in maintaining chlorine levels.

Common Swimming Pool Maintenance Mistakes

1. Not checking your pool's chemistry often enough. Check the pool's chemistry twice per week in the summer and once per week in the winter. By doing this you can make minor adjustments to your water chemistry instead of big adjustments that create a wild up and down graph of activity.

2. Allowing pH to get above 8.0. At 8.5 chlorine is only 10% active. At 7.0 it is about 73% active. By just maintaining pH around 7.5 the chlorine is 50-60% active. Keeping the pH in check will allow you to use to the full potential the chlorine that is already in the pool.

3. Not keeping alkalinity between 80-140 PPM. Low or high alkalinity can affect water balance and ultimately a sanitizer’s ability to perform.

4. Not checking TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) or calcium hardness on a regular basis. Check TDS every 6 months and calcium hardness every month. These also affect water balance which is different from sanitation, although related.

5. Not cleaning the cells in salt water systems (chlorine generators). Corroded or calcified cells will produce little chlorine.

6. Backwashing sand or DE filters too often. If you do this, the filter can never reach its cleaning potential. If you backwash on a regular basis for no reason, you are wasting water. Most filters require backwashing when the pressure gauge rises 8-10 PSI from clean.

7. Not cleaning the skimmer basket and/or hair and lint pot in the pool pump often enough. If these are full of debris you will get little flow resulting in poor circulation, potentially creating a big problem.

8. Adding chemicals, especially liquid chlorine, during the day. Try to add chemicals in the evening after the sun has set. You will get more out of them.

9. Not brushing the walls and tile down often enough. If your circulation system is suspect, and many are, brushing down the walls will help eliminate algae problems. Keeping your tile clean will save you money. Once the tile gets calcified it becomes like plaque and will take a specialist to get it off.

10. Make sure that you keep the space between the bottom of the cantilever on the deck and the top of the tile in check. If this cracks, then put in some silicon. You do not want water migrating from the inside of the pool out under the decking.

11. Not running pumps long enough. You should run your pump about 1 hour for every 10 degrees of temperature. This assumes you have a decent circulation system. It is ALL about the FLOW! Circulation IS the key to a low maintenance swimming pool.

[Naam]

The pH should be between 7.2 to 7.6

= one of the pool fairy tales which has been spread since the fall of the Roman Empire and will most probably be spread till the day when Farangs have the option over Thais to buy land in Thailand the basis for the 7.xx pH theory is that it matches the pH of our eye/tears liquid and therefore does not cause any eye irritation. however, the surface of human skin has a much lower pH value (skin is much more exposed in a pool than eyes) individually different albeit in all but very rare cases below 7.0 . it is therefore highly suggested to maintain the pool water pH not higher than 6.8 . this not only enhances the efficiency of chlorine or other disinfectants but tallies also much more with the delicate parts of ladies.

all afore-mentioned of course in my [NOT SO] humble opinion

[Jamesjimmy]

Jamesjimmy , this text may give you some clue as to what ws the cause of your algae problem.

If you dont already have one, installing an electric chlorine generator may help in maintaining chlorine levels.

Common Swimming Pool Maintenance Mistakes

1. Not checking your pool's chemistry often enough. Check the pool's chemistry twice per week in the summer and once per week in the winter. By doing this you can make minor adjustments to your water chemistry instead of big adjustments that create a wild up and down graph of activity.

2. Allowing pH to get above 8.0. At 8.5 chlorine is only 10% active. At 7.0 it is about 73% active. By just maintaining pH around 7.5 the chlorine is 50-60% active. Keeping the pH in check will allow you to use to the full potential the chlorine that is already in the pool.

3. Not keeping alkalinity between 80-140 PPM. Low or high alkalinity can affect water balance and ultimately a sanitizer's ability to perform.

4. Not checking TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) or calcium hardness on a regular basis. Check TDS every 6 months and calcium hardness every month. These also affect water balance which is different from sanitation, although related.

5. Not cleaning the cells in salt water systems (chlorine generators). Corroded or calcified cells will produce little chlorine.

6. Backwashing sand or DE filters too often. If you do this, the filter can never reach its cleaning potential. If you backwash on a regular basis for no reason, you are wasting water. Most filters require backwashing when the pressure gauge rises 8-10 PSI from clean.

7. Not cleaning the skimmer basket and/or hair and lint pot in the pool pump often enough. If these are full of debris you will get little flow resulting in poor circulation, potentially creating a big problem.

8. Adding chemicals, especially liquid chlorine, during the day. Try to add chemicals in the evening after the sun has set. You will get more out of them.

9. Not brushing the walls and tile down often enough. If your circulation system is suspect, and many are, brushing down the walls will help eliminate algae problems. Keeping your tile clean will save you money. Once the tile gets calcified it becomes like plaque and will take a specialist to get it off.

10. Make sure that you keep the space between the bottom of the cantilever on the deck and the top of the tile in check. If this cracks, then put in some silicon. You do not want water migrating from the inside of the pool out under the decking.

11. Not running pumps long enough. You should run your pump about 1 hour for every 10 degrees of temperature. This assumes you have a decent circulation system. It is ALL about the FLOW! Circulation IS the key to a low maintenance swimming pool.

Thank you for your help and thanks to everyone else for all your responses, very helpful. Would you or someone you know be willing to come by my house and teach me and possibly provide maintenance two times a week/ 9 times a month. I'd be willing to pay between 1500-2500 per month, depending on who provides the necessary chemicals/stuffs.

Edited April 22, 2008 by Jamesjimmy

[ozzydom]

Jj, I think you must be out near Koolpuntville 9 on Hang Dong Rd,I used to live there and they have a very well maintained 1/2 olympic size pool at the SocialClub, if you are going past drop in and check out who does the pool maintenance , if its one of their own staff you may be able to do a deal with him.

[ThaiPauly]

Jamesjimmy , this text may give you some clue as to what ws the cause of your algae problem.

If you dont already have one, installing an electric chlorine generator may help in maintaining chlorine levels.

Common Swimming Pool Maintenance Mistakes

1. Not checking your pool's chemistry often enough. Check the pool's chemistry twice per week in the summer and once per week in the winter. By doing this you can make minor adjustments to your water chemistry instead of big adjustments that create a wild up and down graph of activity.

2. Allowing pH to get above 8.0. At 8.5 chlorine is only 10% active. At 7.0 it is about 73% active. By just maintaining pH around 7.5 the chlorine is 50-60% active. Keeping the pH in check will allow you to use to the full potential the chlorine that is already in the pool.

3. Not keeping alkalinity between 80-140 PPM. Low or high alkalinity can affect water balance and ultimately a sanitizer's ability to perform.

4. Not checking TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) or calcium hardness on a regular basis. Check TDS every 6 months and calcium hardness every month. These also affect water balance which is different from sanitation, although related.

5. Not cleaning the cells in salt water systems (chlorine generators). Corroded or calcified cells will produce little chlorine.

6. Backwashing sand or DE filters too often. If you do this, the filter can never reach its cleaning potential. If you backwash on a regular basis for no reason, you are wasting water. Most filters require backwashing when the pressure gauge rises 8-10 PSI from clean.

7. Not cleaning the skimmer basket and/or hair and lint pot in the pool pump often enough. If these are full of debris you will get little flow resulting in poor circulation, potentially creating a big problem.

8. Adding chemicals, especially liquid chlorine, during the day. Try to add chemicals in the evening after the sun has set. You will get more out of them.

9. Not brushing the walls and tile down often enough. If your circulation system is suspect, and many are, brushing down the walls will help eliminate algae problems. Keeping your tile clean will save you money. Once the tile gets calcified it becomes like plaque and will take a specialist to get it off.

10. Make sure that you keep the space between the bottom of the cantilever on the deck and the top of the tile in check. If this cracks, then put in some silicon. You do not want water migrating from the inside of the pool out under the decking.

11. Not running pumps long enough. You should run your pump about 1 hour for every 10 degrees of temperature. This assumes you have a decent circulation system. It is ALL about the FLOW! Circulation IS the key to a low maintenance swimming pool.

Thank you for your help and thanks to everyone else for all your responses, very helpful. Would you or someone you know be willing to come by my house and teach me and possibly provide maintenance two times a week/ 9 times a month. I'd be willing to pay between 1500-2500 per month, depending on who provides the necessary chemicals/stuffs.

I pay my pool guy 2,300B a month and pay for all my own chemicals. He cleans 3 times a week.

If you would like me to speak to him to find out if he needs anymore work I will, but I doubt he will only charge 2,300 as he has been doing it at that price for us for over 3 years, more likely to be 2,500 which is within your budget.

He is very reliable and we have never had any problems with him.

PM me with contact details and address if you are interested

[ian247]

Does anyone know of a good pool maintenance person to service my pool in the Hang Dong area, Chiang Mai?

Is anyone else having problems with their water filter system or any other problems?

The water in my pool is turning green and is full of algae.

Don't worrie it's the norm, i had it happen 4 or 5 times before i got it right. The place to go is not far from airport, once you're out airport go straight on under flyover it's left to moat and right to hang dong but you go straight on and get on the highway, pass Mazda dealer and 2nd building on left is a pool place, guy speaks great english and does home visit. Tell him you want a bag of copper sulphate it's blue in colour. 5 days later pool will be clean but you'll have to clean the dead algae for a week or so, it's long lasting and only 120 baht.

[cloudhopper]

This thread is also on the swimming pool forum for some reason. The local ground water in the north is very high in iron which gives the water an orange tint, which combines with the natural blue color to form green. This can be dealt with using PCA and other methods and is NOT an algae problem. See the thread "problem green colour" in the swimming pool forum for an extensive discussion...

[Patriciachas]

Jj, I think you must be out near Koolpuntville 9 on Hang Dong Rd,I used to live there and they have a very well maintained 1/2 olympic size pool at the SocialClub, if you are going past drop in and check out who does the pool maintenance , if its one of their own staff you may be able to do a deal with him.

koolpuntville 6 have just had the same problem,they have treated it but it is still not perfect now.

[lazeeboy]

i had the same problem ,pool man scratch his head as it was clear then green many times ,pump was fine ,the sand in the filter was no good ,changed it ,now its perfect,the pool man said the sand lasts for 3 years ,mine was lasted just over a year

[jaideeguy]

I just read on another forum about a new filter media to replace sand....it's crushed recycled glass and it's supposed to be many times more efficient, removing much smaller partacles and longer lasting.....but they quoted me 10kbaht to replace my cheap sand.

And I do fault the sand available here and suspect that it is just river sand, which is not the best as it has smoother sides and less angles. Should be quarried sand. that's why the glass is supposed to be superior as it has many angles to trap debris.

Have any other's out there tried the glass media???

[Ajarn]

I just read on another forum about a new filter media to replace sand....it's crushed recycled glass and it's supposed to be many times more efficient, removing much smaller partacles and longer lasting.....but they quoted me 10kbaht to replace my cheap sand.

And I do fault the sand available here and suspect that it is just river sand, which is not the best as it has smoother sides and less angles. Should be quarried sand. that's why the glass is supposed to be superior as it has many angles to trap debris.

Have any other's out there tried the glass media???

I've been using crushed glass for 6 years, with no problem

[cloudhopper]

So does someone care to say where this crushed glass for filters may be obtained?

Iron compounds will sometimes precipitate out to the pool bottom where they can appear as a very fine olive drab colored powder. A standard sand pool filter will not catch these and vacuuming the pool thru the filter (as opposed to waste) will just cloud up the pool until they settle out again.

[cloudhopper]

I also wanted to add that some iron compounds are especially reactive with chlorine so if you notice that the water is even greener after chlorinating then you should suspect iron rather than algae. It's my pet theory that the first rains of the season wash a lot of iron compounds from the soil into the ground water from where it is pumped out via the well into the pool as makeup water, which is why most everyone up north is suddenly noticing this problem now.

[Ulysses G.]

Man, I wish that I had my own private swimming pool!

[ThaiPauly]

Then you could join the misserable band looking to solve their pool problems UG

I'm just lucky got a GREAT Pool Cleaner who does a really good job. and has never missed a day.

Consequently I never go near the pump filter or whatchmacallits

Just dive in

Edited May 9, 2008 by ThaiPauly

[Ulysses G.]

It certainly sounds like there are a lot of problems, but swimming laps at least twice a day with no one getting in the way might be worth it.

[PeaceBlondie]

Okay, this looks like the right thread...

We just moved sligtly west of San Kampang and my new neighbor needs a person to clean his five year old small swimming pool thoroughly and then maintain it. We are beyond ring road number 2, far east of town. Does anybody know of a good pool cleaner, please? Thanks.

[Thailion]

Okay, this looks like the right thread...

We just moved sligtly west of San Kampang and my new neighbor needs a person to clean his five year old small swimming pool thoroughly and then maintain it. We are beyond ring road number 2, far east of town. Does anybody know of a good pool cleaner, please? Thanks.

Blondie,

Although I haven't used them personally or do not know if they can provide what your friend requires:

InterPool

Tel: 089-6324499

It has a branch office situated opposite to Ruen Pae 1 restaurant, San Kamphaeng.

Regarding the green pool:

In Oz when this occurred I used a shock treatment.

Regular maintainance with cleaning, chlorine and algaecide and my pool was always crystal clear afterwards.