A pool in Tulum turns green because of algae, and algae appear when free chlorine drops below 1 ppm, when phosphate in the water exceeds 500 ppb, or when the equipment stopped circulating. In Tulum's climate the full process takes between 24 and 48 hours.
| Cause | How it looks | The test that confirms it |
|---|---|---|
| Chlorine exhausted | Evenly green throughout, no strong smell | Free chlorine below 1 ppm |
| High phosphate | Turns green again within days even after you chlorinated | Phosphate above 500 ppb |
| Equipment failure | Green only in corners, steps or one side | Gauge out of range or pump with no flow |
Three local conditions stack up. Caribbean radiation degrades unstabilized chlorine within hours. The average water temperature hovers around 30 °C, and above that mark algae reproduce much faster. And the surrounding jungle contributes leaves and pollen, which release phosphate as they decompose: algae food. On the highlands a neglected pool holds for weeks; here, two days.
Between 2 and 4 days in most cases, without draining the water. Draining a pool in Tulum is a bad idea for two reasons: water costs money and, with the water table this high, an empty pool can suffer hydrostatic uplift and pop out of the ground. The correct treatment is shock, brushing, flocculant, continuous filtering and vacuuming.
We provide weekly maintenance across the 25 areas of Tulum and the Riviera Maya from $1,500 MXN/month, chemicals included and crystal-clear water guaranteed. Message us on WhatsApp with a photo of your pool.
Between 24 and 48 hours if free chlorine runs out, because of the Caribbean heat and radiation. In areas with jungle around it can be even faster, because phosphate from the leaves accelerates algae growth.
No, and it isn't advisable. A green pool is recovered with shock, brushing, flocculant and continuous filtering in 2 to 4 days. Draining it in Tulum is risky: with the water table this high, an empty pool can be pushed up by hydrostatic pressure.
From $2,500 MXN depending on volume and how long it's been neglected, including chemicals, brushing, filtering and vacuuming until it's crystal clear.
Dull or milky without being green: five causes and how to tell them apart.
Read →The exact ranges, and why the local well water changes the rules.
Read →Rain, nortes, sargassum and high season: what to adjust in each period.
Read →If your pool isn't crystal clear when we finish, that visit is on us. No fine print.
Send us a photo on WhatsApp and we'll tell you what's going on, at no cost.
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