How to Fix a Green Pool After a Florida Storm (Step-by-Step Guide)

After 25+ years of storm recovery service throughout Orlando, Davenport, and Kissimmee, Central Florida Pool & Spa has restored thousands of storm-damaged pools. Whether you've experienced a hurricane, tropical storm, or severe thunderstorm, we know exactly how to get your pool back to crystal-clear condition quickly and safely.

Why Pools Turn Green After Florida Storms

Florida storms create the perfect conditions for rapid algae growth and pool contamination:

Heavy Rainfall Dilutes Chemicals

A typical Florida thunderstorm can dump 2-4 inches of rain in hours. This massive water volume dilutes your pool's chlorine, pH, and alkalinity to dangerously low levels. With sanitizer depleted, algae spores multiply exponentially. Our weekly pool service customers rarely experience this because we monitor chemistry proactively.

Power Outages Stop Filtration

When lightning knocks out power, your pump and filter stop running. Without circulation, algae and bacteria establish colonies in stagnant water. Even 12-24 hours of dead circulation can trigger green water in Florida's warm climate. If your pump doesn't restart after power returns, contact our pool repair specialists immediately.

Debris Introduces Algae Spores & Nutrients

Storm winds blow leaves, branches, pollen, dirt, and organic matter into your pool. This debris carries algae spores and provides phosphates (algae food). The combination of nutrients, warm water, and depleted chlorine creates an algae bloom "perfect storm."

Lightning Damage to Equipment

Lightning strikes or power surges can damage pump motors, control boards, timers, and automation systems. Equipment failure means no filtration or chemical distribution. If your pool system isn't working after a storm, our emergency repair team offers same-day service throughout Central Florida.

Step-by-Step: How to Fix Your Green Pool After a Storm

Step 1: Safety Inspection (Critical)

• Verify power is safely restored before operating equipment
• Check for visible equipment damage (cracked housings, exposed wiring)
• Inspect pool structure for cracks or damage
• Remove large debris carefully (branches, furniture, etc.)
• Look for broken glass or sharp objects before proceeding

Step 2: Remove Debris

• Use a leaf rake or skimmer net to remove large debris
• Empty skimmer baskets and pump basket
• Remove as much debris as possible before starting filtration
• Don't vacuum yet—this can clog your filter with algae

Step 3: Test Water Chemistry

Test for chlorine, pH, alkalinity, and cyanuric acid. After storms, you'll typically find:

• Chlorine: 0.0 ppm (completely depleted)
• pH: 6.5-7.0 (lowered by rain)
• Alkalinity: Below 80 ppm
• Cyanuric acid: Diluted below 30 ppm

Step 4: Balance pH and Alkalinity First

Important: You must correct pH before shocking. Chlorine shock is ineffective in unbalanced water.

• Add alkalinity increaser to bring levels to 80-120 ppm
• Add pH increaser (soda ash) or pH decreaser (muriatic acid) as needed
• Target pH: 7.2-7.6
• Run pump for 2-3 hours to circulate

Step 5: Shock the Pool (Heavy Dose)

For green pool water, use triple or quadruple the normal shock dose:

• Light green: 3 lbs shock per 10,000 gallons
• Medium green: 4 lbs shock per 10,000 gallons
• Dark green/black: 5-6 lbs shock per 10,000 gallons
• Add shock in the evening (sunlight degrades chlorine)
• Distribute shock around pool perimeter
• Keep pump running 24/7 during treatment

Step 6: Add Algaecide

Follow algaecide instructions for your pool size. For best results:

• Use copper-based algaecide for severe green pools
• Add 12-24 hours after shock treatment
• Brush pool walls after adding algaecide

Step 7: Brush and Run Filtration Continuously

• Brush walls, steps, and corners twice daily
• Run filter 24 hours per day until water clears
• Backwash sand/DE filters daily during treatment
• Clean cartridge filters every 2-3 days

Step 8: Test Daily and Maintain High Chlorine

• Keep chlorine at 10-15 ppm during treatment
• Add more shock if levels drop below 10 ppm
• Monitor pH daily (shock raises pH)
• Continue until water is crystal clear

Step 9: Vacuum to Waste (Once Water Clears)

When water is clear enough to see the bottom:

• Vacuum pool to "waste" setting (not filter)
• This removes dead algae without clogging filter
• Refill pool to proper level
• Rebalance all chemicals

Step 10: Return to Normal Maintenance

Once clear, resume weekly maintenance schedule. Consider our professional weekly service to prevent future issues.

When to Call a Professional

While motivated homeowners can treat light green pools, professional help is recommended for:

• Equipment damage or failure: Pump won't start, breakers trip, unusual noises
• Severely green or black water: Can't see bottom, black algae spots
• Prolonged power outage: Pool stagnant for 3+ days
• Major debris accumulation: Trees, fence panels, roof damage in pool
• Time constraints: Need pool ready for guests or rental turnover
• Uncertainty about chemical treatment: Safety concerns with shock doses

Central Florida Pool & Spa, voted Best Pool Company with over 688 five-star reviews, offers same-day storm recovery service. We've restored thousands of pools after hurricanes, tropical storms, and severe weather. Our green pool cleaning specialists have the chemicals, equipment, and expertise to restore your pool in 3-7 days—guaranteed.

Preventing Green Pools During Storm Season

Pre-Storm Preparation

• Super-chlorinate pool 24 hours before storm arrival
• Lower water level 6-12 inches below tile line
• Remove loose items from pool deck
• Turn off power to pool equipment before storm
• Add extra chlorine stabilizer (cyanuric acid)

Post-Storm Quick Action

• Remove debris within 24 hours
• Shock immediately after removing debris
• Run filtration as soon as power returns
• Test chemistry within 12 hours of storm

365 Smart Pool Program (Ultimate Storm Protection)

Our 365 Smart Pool Program includes real-time monitoring that alerts you immediately when chemistry goes out of range after storms. Perfect for vacation homes, rental properties, or busy homeowners. We also provide storm recovery priority service for 365 Program members.

Storm Season Timeline for Florida

Official hurricane season runs June 1 - November 30, but Central Florida experiences severe thunderstorms year-round:

• June-September: Peak hurricane and tropical storm season
• June-August: Daily afternoon thunderstorms
• October-November: Late-season tropical systems
• Year-round: Severe thunderstorm potential

Conclusion

Fixing a green pool after a Florida storm requires quick action, proper chemicals, and patience. Most pools clear within 3-7 days with proper treatment. However, severe cases or equipment damage require professional expertise.

With 25+ years serving 2,000+ pools monthly throughout Central Florida, we've seen it all—from light green to completely black pools after major hurricanes. Our storm recovery success rate is 100%, and most pools are swim-ready within one week.

Don't let storm damage ruin your pool season. Contact our emergency storm recovery team for same-day service. We serve Orlando, Kissimmee, Davenport, and all of Central Florida.