If you’re keeping high chlorine levels—say 10-20 ppm—and your pool is still green or cloudy, it’s probably not a chemical problem.
Let’s keep it simple: chlorine kills algae. So if the chlorine is high, chances are the algae is already dead. The reason your pool still looks bad? All that dead algae and fine debris is stuck floating around because your filtration system isn’t doing its job. Whether it’s a broken filter, not enough run time, or poor circulation, these overlooked issues are often why pools stay green long after the algae is gone.
Here are the 3 most common reasons your pool won’t clear up—even after a chlorine slam.
1. Your Filter Isn’t Capturing Fine Particles
One of the biggest mistakes pool owners make is assuming that as long as the pump is running, the filter is doing its job. But filters wear down, parts break, and over time they can start letting fine debris slip through—a problem known as filter bypass.
In some cases, you might still see partial improvement because the filter catches larger particles, but if it’s letting the fine stuff pass, your pool will stay cloudy far longer than it should. Many people live with a weak or damaged filter for months without realizing it’s the root cause of their ongoing clarity issues.
👉 Tip: If your pool stays cloudy despite good chemistry and run time, it’s worth checking for filter problems. A simple DE test can reveal if your filter is bypassing. Don’t overlook this—it’s often the silent culprit.
2. You’re Not Running the Pump Long Enough
Even with a perfectly working filter, it can’t clean what it doesn’t process. The more water that passes through the filter, the faster your pool clears up.
For daily maintenance, we recommend:
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Variable Speed Pumps: 4 hours on high speed + 8 hours on low speed.
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Single Speed Pumps: At least 8 hours per day.
But if your pool is green or cloudy? Run it 24/7 on high speed until the water is clear. Cutting corners on circulation time will only drag out the process and leave you frustrated.
3. Weak Flow or Poor Circulation
Poor circulation means not enough water is moving through the filter, preventing proper turnover—and leaving debris and dead algae suspended in your pool.
Common flow restrictions include:
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Clogged skimmer or pump baskets
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Dirty or clogged filters
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Debris stuck in the vacuum
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Clogged impeller
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Suction leaks
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Valves set improperly
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Blocked plumbing
If you notice weak suction, slow returns, or your automatic vacuum isn’t moving like it should, you’re likely dealing with a circulation issue that’s holding back your filtration.
Final Thoughts
When your pool is green—even with high chlorine—it’s a sign that something in your filtration system isn’t doing its job. Whether it’s a broken filter, not enough run time, or weak circulation, these overlooked issues are often the reason pools stay cloudy long after the algae is dead.
If you’re tired of fighting a green pool, Splash Pool Service is here to help. From diagnosing filter problems to optimizing your circulation, we’ll get your pool back to crystal clear—fast.
Need Professional Help?
Call Splash Pool Service at 📞 520-623-2213 or visit splashpoolservice.com for a free evaluation. Let’s fix the problem for good!