The Pool Pump Is Running. So Why Is the Water Still Green?

You can hear the pool pump running. The water is moving, or at least it looks like it is. But every time you look outside, the pool is still green.

With summer approaching in Gauteng, it's tempting to throw in more chemicals and hope the problem sorts itself out.

Before spending money on another bucket of chlorine, have a closer look at what's actually happening.

A running pump doesn't necessarily mean the water is circulating properly, the filter is doing its job or the water chemistry is where it should be.

And those are three different problems.

Start with the water coming back into the pool

When the pump is running, look at the return jets where filtered water enters the pool.

Is there a steady flow? Has it become noticeably weaker than usual? Are there bubbles continuously coming through?

Poor circulation can have several causes. The weir basket might be packed with leaves. The water level may be too low. There could be a restriction somewhere in the system, or the pump might be drawing in air.

None of those automatically means you need a new pump.

Check the pool's water level and remove floating leaves or debris. If your system has a pressure gauge, compare its reading with the normal clean-filter reading recommended for your equipment.

Don't assume every filter works the same way. Sand filters and cartridge filters have different maintenance procedures, and the wrong valve setting can make an existing problem worse.

If you don't know the equipment, leave the valves alone until you've checked the instructions or spoken to a pool contractor.

Never open a pressurised filter housing while the system is running.

Green water and cloudy water need different attention

Green water is frequently a sign of algae growth. Cloudy water can come from suspended particles, filtration problems or water chemistry that's out of balance.

Sometimes you have both problems at once.

That's why testing the water matters.

A suitable pool test kit can give you information about chlorine and pH levels before you start adding treatment products.

Follow the instructions for your particular chemicals. Never mix pool chemicals together or guess at quantities. Adding more product without understanding the problem can create another issue without fixing the original one.

And don't assume that clear-looking water is automatically safe to swim in.

If the water is green, the chemical balance is unknown or you cannot clearly see the bottom of the pool, keep people out until the water has been properly treated and checked.

When the pump itself needs attention

There are a few signs you shouldn't ignore.

A pump that suddenly becomes unusually noisy, loses prime repeatedly, leaks around its housing or trips the electrical supply needs investigating.

The same goes for a filter that's leaking or showing unusual pressure readings.

If you notice overheating, electrical faults or significant leaks around equipment, switch the system off safely and get professional assistance. Don't keep resetting a tripping breaker or dismantle electrical equipment yourself.

A pool contractor can check the circulation system and water condition together, rather than replacing parts based on guesswork.

If you're getting somebody out, take a few useful photos first. Show the colour of the water, the pump and filter setup, and any pressure gauge reading. A short video of the return jets can also help.

You can send those details to DadBod Contractors on WhatsApp. We'll help connect you with a vetted contractor in your area who can assess the problem.

That way, you're dealing with what the pool actually needs rather than buying another chemical and hoping for the best.