When your water turnsGreen and cloudy

What you may notice

When an algae bloom begins, you might notice a slight dullness or a yellowish tint on the steps and walls of the pool. As the condition progresses, the water can turn green and opaque, making the bottom of the pool difficult to see. You might notice a slick feeling on the plaster or pebble surfaces when you touch them. Your skimmer baskets and pump baskets might fill with green debris. The filter pressure gauge can read higher than it usually does as the system runs. Visible green can point to a chemical imbalance in the water. Because clear water can still carry germs, the CDC notes that testing matters more than looks, but a color change can point to low sanitizer levels.

Common causes in the valley

The Las Vegas climate creates a demanding environment for pool chemistry. Data from NWS Las Vegas shows a July average high of 104.5 degrees, and about 78 days a year reach 100 degrees. We also see the monsoon bring storms, strong winds and blowing dust in July and August. The CDC notes that pools require a free chlorine level of at least 1 ppm, and at least 2 ppm when cyanuric acid is used. Cyanuric acid is the stabilizer built up by chlorine tablets. The CDC states that high cyanuric acid makes chlorine work more slowly. If the free chlorine drops below the required minimum, algae can grow in the warm water.

What you can safely check

Before calling for a cleanup, there are a few safe visual checks you can make at the equipment pad and around the pool. Check whether the skimmer and pump baskets are full of debris. Check whether the water level looks low, which can limit circulation. Check whether the filter gauge reads higher than it usually does. Look for any error code on a display panel. Do not open or adjust the equipment. Electrical sparks, burning smells or water near electrical equipment: turn the equipment off at the breaker only if it is safe to do so, keep everyone away, and call NV Energy or 911 if there is any danger.

When to call a technician

If your baskets are clean and the pump runs but the water remains green, you can call a technician. Green pools require a major chemical correction that goes beyond weekly maintenance. If the cyanuric acid level is high, a partial drain may be necessary to restore balance. Pool water must be drained into the sanitary sewer, typically through the home sewer clean-out, rather than into the street or a storm drain. A technician can evaluate the chemistry and start the cleanup process. We schedule urgent repairs, such as equipment that has stopped circulating the water or a leak at the equipment pad, ahead of routine work during business hours.

How Kingfisher diagnoses it

Our green pool cleanup starts at $295, with the final price given after an inspection. We provide a written estimate first. The steps involve an assessment of the water and equipment, shock and algae treatment, brushing, continuous filtration, filter cleaning and balancing. The process usually takes two to four return visits, and we do not set a completion time. If parts have failed, the technician explains what failed, what a repair costs and what replacement would cost. We recommend replacement only when age, parts availability or repeated failures make a repair poor value. We repair most major brands, including Pentair, Hayward, Jandy, Raypak and Sta-Rite. Our repair labor carries a 90-day warranty, and new equipment we install carries a one-year installation labor warranty plus the manufacturer parts warranty.