Oh, you’re shocked the water turned green? Really? You’ve been tossing in chlorine like it’s confetti, bragging about brushing “every other day,” and acting like a weekend water test makes you the pool whisperer. Yet your pool still looks like a swamp. The truth? You’re guessing, and your pool is laughing at you.
Mistake #1: You Think Chlorine Solves Everything
Chlorine is important, sure. But if your levels aren’t consistent or you keep letting them swing between “too much” and “barely there,” algae wins every time. Chlorine is not a miracle cure when the rest of your water chemistry is chaos.
Simple Fix: Test free chlorine daily. Keep it between 1–3 ppm, and use stabilizer properly so the sun doesn’t burn it all off.
Mistake #2: You Ignore Filtration
Your pool filter isn’t there for decoration. If you’re not running it long enough, or worse, you haven’t cleaned it since last summer, guess what, your water is basically marinating in algae soup.
Simple Fix: Run your filter 8–12 hours a day during peak season. Backwash or clean cartridges on schedule instead of waiting until the pressure gauge screams.
Mistake #3: Pretending Brushing Doesn’t Matter
You skim leaves and call it a day. Meanwhile, algae clings to walls and stairs, waiting for its moment. Newsflash: brushing is not optional. Algae loves the spots you’re too lazy to scrub.
Simple Fix: Brush the entire pool at least twice a week. Steps, ladders, corners; no excuses.
Mistake #4: Guessing at Chemistry
Stop acting like pool care is a guessing game. You dip a strip, glance at it, shrug, and call it good. That is how you end up with water that looks like it belongs in a pond.
Simple Fix: Use a proper liquid test kit or have water tested professionally once a month. Keep pH between 7.2 and 7.6, alkalinity between 80–120 ppm, and calcium hardness in range. Numbers matter, not vibes.
Mistake #5: Ignoring Phosphates
You’ve never heard of phosphates? Congratulations, you just gave algae its favorite snack. Even if your chlorine is right, high phosphates keep algae thriving.
Simple Fix: Test phosphate levels if algae keeps returning. Use a phosphate remover as needed. Don’t assume chlorine can fight this battle alone.
The Brutal Truth
Your green pool isn’t cursed. It isn’t “bad chemicals.” It’s you, ignoring the basics and guessing your way through maintenance. Pools don’t reward guesswork, they punish it with slime.
Your “No More Guessing” Checklist
- Test water with a reliable kit, not just strips.
- Maintain chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness.
- Run and clean your filter on schedule.
- Brush walls and steps regularly.
- Address phosphates if algae keeps showing up.
Case closed. If your pool is still green after this, it’s not the pool, it’s you.
