Discoloured pool water is more than an eyesore—it can signal serious water quality issues. At Pools Reno, we specialise in diagnosing and treating pool water discolouration for homeowners across Cape Town and the Western Cape. Whether your pool is turning green, brown, or cloudy, this guide breaks down the causes, solutions, and costs involved.
🌈 Understanding Pool Water Colours & Their Causes
Common Pool Water Colours and What They Indicate
🟢 Green Pool Water
- Primary Cause: Algae growth caused by low chlorine levels or high phosphates.
- How to Fix: Perform a shock treatment, use algaecide, and brush pool surfaces thoroughly.
- Estimated Cost: R700 – R1,800 (depending on algae severity and pool size).
⚪ Cloudy or Milky Water
- Primary Cause: Poor filtration, high calcium hardness, or unbalanced pH levels.
- How to Fix: Test and balance water chemistry, clean or replace your pool filter.
- Estimated Cost: R500 – R1,500.
🟤 Brown or Rust-Coloured Water
- Primary Cause: Presence of metals like iron or manganese, often from borehole or municipal water.
- How to Fix: Use a metal sequestrant or replace water if needed.
- Estimated Cost: R750 – R2,000.
💧 Blue-Green Water
- Primary Cause: Early-stage algae or high copper content in water.
- How to Fix: Apply a shock treatment and use a copper-sequestering agent.
- Estimated Cost: R600 – R1,500.
⚫ Black or Very Dark Water
- Primary Cause: Severe organic decay, neglected algae bloom, or metal build-up.
- How to Fix: Full drain, acid wash, or deep chemical cleaning service.
- Estimated Cost: R2,000 – R5,500.
What Affects Pool Water Colour in Cape Town?
Cape Town-Specific Water Conditions
Pool water quality in Cape Town is influenced by several regional factors:
- Borehole Water: Often rich in iron or copper, causing orange, brown, or green discolouration.
- UV Radiation: Strong sunlight depletes chlorine faster, making pools more vulnerable to algae.
- Wind and Dust: Organic matter from windstorms can quickly cloud water.
- Municipal Water Additives: Some additives may react with sanitising chemicals and alter water appearance.
Seasonal Colour Changes
Summer (Dec–Feb)
High temperatures promote algae growth, leading to green water if chlorine is not maintained.
Winter (Jun–Aug)
Rain, falling leaves, and wind contribute to cloudy or brown water due to organic debris buildup.
Expert Pool Water Testing & Treatment Services
Pools Reno offers a wide range of professional swimming pool maintenance services across Cape Town:
- Comprehensive water testing
- Pool chemical balancing
- Algae and metal treatment solutions
- Filter cleaning, sand changes, and backwashing
- Emergency same-day water treatment
Explore all our services to see how we can help you maintain crystal-clear water all year round.
Pool Treatment Price Guide in South Africa
| Treatment Type | Estimated Cost (ZAR) |
|---|---|
| Shock Treatment | R700 – R1,200 |
| Algae Removal (Mild–Severe) | R800 – R2,500 |
| Metal Contamination Treatment | R950 – R2,000 |
| Filter Cleaning or Sand Change | R500 – R2,000 |
| Full Drain and Deep Chemical Clean | R2,000 – R5,500 |
Areas We Serve in the Western Cape
Whether you’re in the northern suburbs or deep in the Winelands, we’ve got you covered:
- Brackenfell
- Durbanville
- Kenwyn
- Somerset West
- Constantia
- Bellville
- Paarl
- Stellenbosch
- Table View
- And surrounding areas
Contact us to confirm if we operate in your location.
Internal Links
- Pool Cleaning & Deep Chemical Treatment
- Water Balancing & Chlorine Treatment
- View Our Pool Renovation Work
External Resources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
1. Can I swim in a green pool?
No. Green pool water often contains algae and bacteria that can cause skin and eye irritation. It’s best to treat the water before use.
2. How frequently should I test my pool in Cape Town?
We recommend testing your water at least once a week, especially in summer or after rain and windstorms.
3. Can I permanently remove metals from my pool?
While metals can’t be removed completely without draining the pool, they can be controlled using sequestrants and proper filtration systems.
4. Does a pool cover affect water colour?
Not directly. However, solar covers reduce chlorine loss from UV rays, which helps prevent discolouration caused by low sanitiser levels.
5. Do you offer emergency water treatment?
Yes, Pools Reno offers same-day service for discoloured or unsafe pool water. Book now.
Ready to Restore Your Pool’s Colour?
If your pool has changed colour, don’t wait until it worsens. Trust Pools Reno—Cape Town’s pool care experts—to restore your water to its sparkling best. Get in touch today for fast, reliable pool services in the Western Cape.
