My pool test strips show a good alkalinity, free chlorine, ph and stabilizer levels, however, I’ve got green water with very limited visibility. Last night I put 10lbs of sodium Bicarbonate to bring up akalinity in a 16 x 32 4ft pool…what gives? This was done because I repeatedly shocked and used 2 quarts of algaecide in recent weeks.

Question:

My pool test strips show a good alkalinity, free chlorine, ph and stabilizer levels, however, I’ve got green water with very limited visibility. Last night I put 10lbs of sodium Bicarbonate to bring up akalinity in a 16 x 32 4ft pool…what gives? This was done because I repeatedly shocked and used 2 quarts of algaecide in recent weeks.

Answer:

It takes time to clear up an algae bloom and you may still be seeing the results of that. Also, make sure your filter is running optimally as this is critical to helping to clear things up. Backwash or clean the filter if necessary. In some cases a partial drain and refill with fresh water may even be necessary to lower some of the levels including nitrates, total dissolved solids, etc. which only go down with the addition of fresh water.