"Green pools" are a result of algae buildup. It is generally the result of chlorine levels being too low. Chlorine without proper conditioning burns off quickly under the sun. Leaves, grass clippings, and other organic material can also throw off the chemical balance in your pool.
First, balance the chemistry in your pool. Next, scrub the sides and bottom of your swimming pool with a nylon pool brush (avoid wire brushes!) Finally, treat your pool with pool shock. This will temporarily cloud your pool as it kills off algae, but will clear up as your filter does its job.
The optimal pH level for each is 7.4 to 7.6.
The pH scale ranges from 0 (basic) to 14 (acidic). A pH that is too high can irritate and even burn skin, and can also corrode certain materials over time.
A pH that is too low can result in cloudy, murky water and scaling (calcium buildups). More importantly, it will not effectively kill off bacteria and other micro-organisms, including algae.
A pool with the proper pH level is completely safe and will keep your pool protected. Recalibrating your pH meter is recommended to get the most accurate reading.
The average pool owner can expect approximately 45 minutes of work during each week of operation. This of course depends on the size of the pool, environmental conditions (sunlight exposure, trees/leaves, etc.), and the level of desired cleanliness.
Pool pH and chlorine should be tested once per week with a testing kit. Both digital and color-matching test kits are available. These kits often include a calcium-hardness tester, which should be done once per month.
As for cleaning, it depends. If your pool is frequently littered with leaves and/or grass clippings, it is imperative that you clean your pool as often as possible. Use a leaf net to skim the surface of your pool, vacuum the bottom of the pool, empty the filter baskets, and, if needed, scrub the sides of your pool with a nylon brush to prevent algae from growing.
In general, hot tubs only require a small amount of TLC to keep them running smoothly and efficiently. Filters should be cleaned every month, and the hot tub should be drained and refilled every 4 to 6 months depending on usage. Regular professional inspections are recommended yearly, but not required.
Below is a general cleaning/draining overview, although we recommend consulting your user guide for specific instructions:
First, turn off power to the hot tub. This will prevent the system/pumps from trying to run without water.
Next, drain the water. Most hot tubs are equipped with a spigot, which can take 45 minutes to an hour to flush the water out of the tub. Others come equipped with a pump, which can work much faster (10 to 15 minutes). Both of these can also connect to a hose so you can choose where the water will drain.
Your hot tub is easiest to clean when empty, so now is a good opportunity to do that. Hot tub exteriors are already stain-resistant, so a light scrubbing with tap water and a rag should do the trick. Avoid using household cleaners, as these can damage the exterior. Finish off with a rinse.
To clean the filters, remove any visible, floating debris in the compartment. Remove the filter cartridge and retainer and soak them in a filter degreasing chemical. Again, do not use household cleaners for this. Purchase products that are specific to what your user guide recommends. Finally spray everything with cold water for a final rinse, replace the filter, and lock it back up.
To refill, attach the hose to the equipped fill pipe. It is generally not recommended to fill the hot tub by spraying directly into the shell...so please use the pipes. Depending on size, this will usually take about an hour.
In total, giving your hot tub a complete drain, clean, and refill takes between 2 to 3 hours.