“I believe the unbelievable, I receive the impossible, because it’s doable.”

Jesse Duplantis
Backyard pool with cloudy green water from an algae bloom

Green Pool Cleanup

From a green tint to a swamp you cannot see into, a pool can come back. Get matched with an independent local pro to clear it and find out why it happened.

Free matching with independent local pool pros across Florida.

How green is your pool?

Mention which of these matches your pool. It helps the pro plan the work before they arrive.

  1. Hazy or light green

    You can still see the floor. Often an early bloom that clears with shock, brushing and steady filtering.

  2. Green and cloudy

    The floor is hard to see. Usually needs heavier treatment, repeated brushing and several filter cleanings.

  3. Dark green

    You cannot see the steps. Expect a multi-visit cleanup, lots of debris removal and close filter attention.

  4. Black or swamp

    Months of neglect, heavy debris, sometimes odor. A pro may recommend a partial drain or drain and acid wash.

Why pools turn green

Green water is almost always algae. Algae spores are always around, but they only take over when chlorine drops too low to keep them in check. In Florida, that can happen quickly. The most common triggers are:

  • A stretch of hot, sunny weather that burns off chlorine
  • Heavy rain that dilutes the water and drops the pH
  • A pump that stopped running or a clogged filter
  • A missed service visit or an empty chlorinator
  • High stabilizer, phosphates or other chemistry that makes chlorine less effective
  • A salt system that stopped producing chlorine. See salt cell cleaning.
Green algae growing along a pool wall and step

How a pro usually clears a green pool

  1. Test and assess

    Check chemistry, the pump and filter, and how much debris is in the pool.

  2. Remove debris

    Net out leaves and clear the skimmer and pump baskets so water can flow.

  3. Balance and shock

    Adjust pH, then raise chlorine high enough to kill the algae.

  4. Brush and filter

    Brush every surface and run the filter continuously, cleaning it as it clogs.

  5. Vacuum and rebalance

    Remove dead algae from the floor, then bring the water back to normal levels.

Keeping it from coming back

A cleared pool can turn again within days if the cause is not fixed. Ask the pro what they think started it. Common next steps are:

If you are selling a home, moving into a vacant property or getting a pool ready after months of no care, say so in your request. Before work begins, confirm that the pro you hire holds the Florida license your job requires.

The same backyard pool with clear blue water after cleanup

What affects green pool cleanup cost

We do not publish prices. The main factors are how green the pool is, the pool's size, how much debris has built up, the filter's type and condition, whether the pump is working, how many visits it takes and whether a partial drain is needed. Ask the pro to explain what is included and whether follow-up visits cost extra.

Green pool questions

How do I find green pool cleanup near me?

Send a request with your city, how green the water is and whether you can see the floor. Dominion Pool Pros passes it to an independent local pro who clears green pools in your area. A photo helps if the pro asks for one.

How much does it cost to clean a green pool?

It depends mainly on how green the pool is, its size, the condition of the filter and whether the pool needs a partial drain. A light bloom takes less chemical and fewer visits than a dark green or black pool. Ask the pro what the quote covers and whether follow-up visits are included.

How long does it take to clear a green pool?

A light green pool can often be cleared in a few days of shocking, brushing and filtering. A dark pool usually takes longer and may need several filter cleanings along the way. The pro can give you a better estimate after seeing the water and the filter.

Is it safe to swim in a green pool?

No. Algae can hide the bottom and steps, which makes swimming dangerous, and cloudy water can also carry bacteria. Keep everyone out until the water is clear and the chemistry is balanced.

Why did my pool turn green right after it rained?

Heavy rain dilutes chlorine, can lower pH and washes in debris and nutrients, all of which give algae a head start. In Florida summers that can happen fast. Testing and adjusting the water after big storms helps. See water testing and balancing.

Get your pool back to blue

Tell us your city and how green the water is. We will pass your request to an independent local pro who clears green pools.

Dominion Pool Pros is a free referral service. We connect Florida homeowners with independent local pool professionals and do not perform any pool or spa work ourselves.

Request green pool cleanup in these Florida areas

Requests are matched with independent pros in six Florida metro areas. Availability depends on local pro coverage.