Wildomar, CA Salt Water Pool Turns Green

Swimming Pool Inspection Services was called upon recently to inspect a swimming pool in Wildomar, CA, whose plaster had a greenish tint to it after being power washed. It was determined that the salt water chlorinator caused the green tint. However, it was also noted that the plaster may have been damaged from being drained for an extended period of time.

Our inspector met with the homeowner who stated that after coming back from vacation, the water in the pool was green and full of debris. She had the pool drained and cleaned, but a green tint still remained in the plaster. She was also concerned that damage had been sustained to the plaster by leaving the pool drained since the cleaning.

Wildomar, CA Pool Inspection: Observations and Analysis

In addition to the green tint to the plaster, and the fact that the pool was drained, our inspector noted that there were bubbles and blisters in isolated areas of the plaster.

Our inspector noted that the green tint was caused by normal wear and tear, and the fluctuating alkalinity of the salt water pool. The salt system works by creating chlorine from salt. It also creates a base, raising the pH balance of the water as it works.

Acid then needs to be added on a regular basis to bring the pH back down to a regular level. The high amounts of acid added attack the metallic parts of the pool equipment, specifically the copper in the brass heat exchangers of the heater. These metals are exchanged and the metal becomes part of the solution that is the pool water.

Then, as the water becomes basic again, the metals fall out of solution and are deposited on the pool walls. This gives the pool a slight green tint from the oxidized copper deposits. Our inspector also stated that when water is added back into the pool, the tint would appear more blue than green.

He also stated that the blistering of the plaster was caused by normal wear and tear, but was likely speeded up by having the pool drained for an extended period of time, especially in a warm, dry climate, such as Wildomar, CA.

Repair Estimates for Wildomar, CA Pool

Our inspector recommended that the pool was cleaned and pressure washed, the filter cleaned, and the pool refilled. This would cost approximate $570. If it later turned out that the plaster did need to be replaced, this would cost approximately $5,800. It was stated that once the pool was refilled, the damage to the plaster could become more noticeable with water getting behind the cracks in the plaster.