From swamp to swimmable
Green pool cleanup & acid wash in Tulsa and Broken Arrow
Pool turned green, cloudy or swampy? We clear the water with a full cleanup, and when algae and stains have set into the plaster, we drain and acid wash the surface back to clean.
- Water cleanups
- Drained acid washes
- 5.0 on Google
Which one do you need?
Cleanup vs. acid wash
A green-pool cleanup fixes the water. An acid wash fixes the surface. Many neglected pools need the first; some need both.
| Green pool cleanup | Acid wash | |
|---|---|---|
| Fixes | Green, cloudy or swampy water | Stains and algae set into the plaster |
| Drain the pool? | No | Yes |
| How it works | Debris removal, brushing, shocking and repeated filter cleaning until the water clears | A diluted acid solution is washed over the drained surface, then neutralized and rinsed |
| Choose it when | The water is the problem, but the surface underneath is fine | The water is clear but the walls and floor still look stained or dark |
Know what you're fighting
Why pools turn green
Green algae
The most common kind. It floats in the water and coats walls when chlorine runs low, often after a hot week, a storm or a missed visit.
Yellow or mustard algae
Clings to shaded walls and steps and looks like dust or sand. It comes back easily if it isn't fully treated and brushed out.
Black algae
Dark spots that root into plaster and resist normal chlorine levels. Stubborn cases often call for heavy brushing, targeted treatment or an acid wash.
The cleanup
How we bring a green pool back
Clear the debris
Leaves, sludge and anything sitting on the floor come out first so the chemicals go to work on the water.
Brush and shock
Walls and floor are brushed hard and the water is shocked to kill the algae.
Filter, filter, filter
Dead algae clogs filters fast. We clean the filter repeatedly while the pump runs to pull it out of the water.
Balance and follow up
Once the water clears, we balance the chemistry and check back until it holds.
The acid wash
When the stains are in the plaster
We drain the pool, wash a diluted acid solution over the surface to strip away a thin stained layer, then neutralize, rinse and refill with a balanced start-up.
Because an acid wash removes a little plaster each time, it isn't something to repeat often. If the finish is already thin or rough, replastering is the better fix, and we'll tell you which it is.
Keep it from coming back
Most green pools are a missed week or two
Oklahoma heat, sun and storms use up chlorine fast. A pool that goes a couple of weeks without brushing, testing and filter care can turn quickly, especially in July and August.
The easiest prevention is weekly maintenance. If your pool keeps clouding even with care, a failing pump or filter may be the real cause; see equipment repair.
- Run the pump long enough each day in summer
- Brush walls and steps every week
- Test chlorine and pH at least weekly
- Shock after storms, heavy use or heat waves
- Clean the filter when pressure climbs
Pricing
What affects the cost of a cleanup
How far it's gone
Slightly cloudy water clears in a visit or two. A swamp with leaves on the floor takes more time, chemicals and follow-up.
Pool size
More water takes more shock and more filter cleaning to clear.
Whether an acid wash is needed
An acid wash adds draining, the wash, disposal and a refill with start-up chemistry.
Good to know
Green pool and acid wash questions
How long does it take to clear a green pool?
Lightly green pools can clear in a few days. Pools that have sat for weeks take longer because the filter has to remove a lot of dead algae. We'll give you an estimate when we see it.
Do I need to drain my green pool?
Usually not. Most green pools can be cleared without draining. Draining is needed for an acid wash, which treats stains in the plaster rather than the water.
Is an acid wash bad for my plaster?
Each acid wash removes a thin layer of plaster, so it shouldn't be done often. Done occasionally on a healthy finish, it restores a clean look. On thin or rough plaster, replastering is the better choice.
Why did my pool turn green after a storm?
Storms add rainwater, dirt, leaves and pollen that dilute and use up chlorine at the same time, giving algae an opening. Shocking after a big storm helps prevent it.
Can you clean up my pool before I sell my house?
Yes. A clear, balanced pool shows far better to buyers and inspectors. Tell us your listing timeline and we'll plan the cleanup around it.
Will it turn green again?
Not if chlorine, brushing and filtration stay consistent. Weekly maintenance is the most reliable way to keep it clear.
Not quite what you need?
Related services
- Weekly maintenanceKeep it clear after cleanup
- ReplasteringFinish too worn to acid wash
- Opening & closingSpring start-up after winter