🟢Troubleshooting cheat sheet
Green Pool Recovery, Day by Day
From swamp to clear with the SLAM method.
The plan
- 1Day 0: Test CYA and pH. Lower pH to ~7.2. Brush everything.
- 2Day 0: Raise free chlorine to your SLAM level for that CYA and hold it.
- 3Run the filter 24/7. Backwash / clean when pressure rises.
- 4Re-dose FC back up to target every few hours as it drops.
- 5Day 1–3: Keep brushing; water shifts green → cloudy → clear.
- 6Confirm done: FC loss overnight is minimal and water is clear.
- 7Return CYA/FC to normal and resume routine.
Note: The single most common reason a green pool won't clear is letting free chlorine fall between doses. Consistency beats one giant shock.
Sources
Figures and safety guidance on this page draw on the following public references.
- 1.U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healthy Swimming: Pool Chemistry & Disinfection
General reference for residential pools. Product labels and local guidance override any figure here. See our methodology and editorial policy. Skimmer · skimmer pool care.