Every spring, we get the same call from pool owners across Southern Utah:
“We’re not even using the pool yet… Why is it green?”
If this has happened to you, you’re not alone, and the good news is, it’s completely preventable once you understand what’s going on!
Let’s break it down.
1. Algae Wakes Up Before You Do
Algae doesn’t wait for swim season.
As soon as temperatures rise consistently above about
60°F, algae begins to wake up and multiply. Even if your pool has been “fine all winter,” spring warmth flips the switch.
Your pool doesn’t care if you’re swimming, algae only cares about water temperature and chemistry.
2. Winter Maintenance Gaps Catch Up Fast
Many pools get less attention during winter:
- Fewer chemical checks
- Reduced circulation time
- Missed brushing or vacuuming
By spring, chlorine levels are often too low to fight off algae effectively. When warmer days hit, algae takes advantage of that gap almost immediately.
3. Pollen, Dust, and Spring Wind Feed Algae
Spring in Southern Utah brings:
- Heavy pollen
- Wind-blown dust
- Increased debris from landscaping
All of that ends up in your pool, and algae loves it. These contaminants:
- Consume chlorine
- Throw off water balance
- Create the perfect breeding ground for green water
4. Water Chemistry Drifts Out of Balance
Over time, even unused pools experience:
- Rising pH
- Low or unstable chlorine
- High phosphates (algae food)
Once chlorine loses effectiveness, algae can bloom in 24–72 hours. That’s why a pool can look fine one week and green the next.
5. Covers Don’t Prevent Algae (They Can Make It Worse)
A common misconception is that covering a pool prevents problems.
In reality:
- Covers trap heat
- Block UV (which helps chlorine work)
- Reduce oxygen movement in the water
If chemistry isn’t dialed in before covering, algae can thrive underneath without you realizing it.
How to Prevent a Green Pool in the Spring
Here’s what actually works:
✅ Maintain consistent chlorine levels
✅ Brush walls and steps weekly
✅ Run the pump regularly as temperatures rise
✅ Test and adjust chemistry early, before swim season
✅ Schedule a professional spring startup or ongoing service
Spring is when proactive care matters most, not when the pool turns green.
Already Green? Don’t Panic.
Green pools are fixable — but waiting makes them:
- Harder to clear
- More expensive
- Tougher on equipment
If your pool is already green, early treatment can usually restore it quickly without draining or harsh chemicals.
Need Help Getting Your Pool Spring-Ready?
At Heatwave Pools & Spas, we help Southern Utah pool owners stay ahead of algae, so their pools are clear, healthy, and ready
before swim season arrives.
Whether you need:
- A spring cleanup
- Weekly service
- Or help recovering a green pool
We’re happy to help. Contact us today and let’s get your pool crystal clear, no surprises this spring.
