Pool Care Costs
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chemistry

Algae Growth / Green Water

major severityseasonalDIY: yes
Pro repair$200–$600LA-area, parts and labor
DIY cost$30–$200parts and supplies
Typical time4 hrfor a pro
Difficulty2 / 51 is easiest

What you'll notice

  • Green or yellow water
  • visible algae floating or on walls
  • slimy surfaces
  • high phosphate levels

Likely causes

  • Low free chlorine (below 1 ppm)
  • high pH reducing chlorine effectiveness
  • poor circulation after wind/debris event

How to keep it from coming back

  • Maintain chlorine 1.0-3.0 ppm
  • pH 7.2-7.6
  • run pump 8-12 hours daily
  • brush walls regularly

Ranges are estimates; see How We Estimate. Affects: all.

This one can get worse if it waits, so plan to deal with it soon. If you're in the LA area, R.D. Pools offers free quotes.

Equipment involved

Maintenance that prevents it

Related costs

  • Chlorine Tablets (3-inch, continuous feeding): $150–$400
  • Salt (annual top-up): $100–$300
  • pH Adjustment (muriatic acid or soda ash): $30–$100
  • Alkalinity Adjustment (sodium bicarbonate): $20–$60
  • Algaecide (preventative or treatment): $30–$100
  • Salt Cell Replacement: $400–$1,200

See full ownership costs

Other chemistry problems