How long does it take to clear a green pool?

Most green pool recoveries in Central Florida take 3–7 days depending on algae severity. Mild green pools with active algae may clear in 3 days with chemical shock and filtration. Heavily contaminated pools with zero visibility or black algae can take 5–7 days and may require draining and an acid wash.

How much does a green pool treatment cost in Central Florida?

Green-to-clean chemical treatment in Central Florida typically costs $250–$400 for mild to moderate algae. A full drain and acid wash — needed for severe staining or black algae — runs $500–$800 depending on pool size. Clear Ripples provides a specific quote after assessing the pool.

What is the difference between green-to-clean and an acid wash?

Green-to-clean uses chemical shock, algaecide, and filtration to kill and remove algae without draining the pool. An acid wash requires fully draining the pool and applying a diluted muriatic acid solution to strip surface staining embedded in plaster or marcite. Acid washing is needed when staining won't clear with chemicals alone.

Do I need to drain my pool to clear it from green?

Not always. Mild to moderate green pools can usually be cleared with chemical shock and filtration without draining. Draining is only necessary when CYA (stabilizer) levels are too high for chlorine to work, when the pool has black algae embedded in plaster, or when the water has been compromised beyond chemical recovery.

Green-to-Clean & Acid Wash

Green Pool Recovery, Acid Washing & Stain Removal

Central Florida's heat and humidity create the perfect conditions for algae to take over fast. Clear Ripples Pool Service, CPO certified with 6+ years of recovery experience, specializes in aggressive algae removal and safe acid washing for Orlando and Winter Park pools — without wrecking your plaster or marcite finish.

Warning Signs

Signs Your Pool Needs Professional Recovery

Some pool problems can't be solved with an extra dose of chlorine. If you're seeing any of the following, it's time to call in a CPO-certified operator.

Water is green, black, or mustard yellow

Visible algae coating walls, floor, or steps

Pool has been unserviced for 30+ days

Shocking hasn't cleared the water in 48–72 hours

Staining on marcite, plaster, or pebble finish

Cloudy water that won't clear with normal chemicals

Strong sulfur or swamp smell from the water

Get a Recovery Assessment

Our team will evaluate your pool's condition and tell you exactly what it needs — green-to-clean treatment, acid wash, or both. No upselling, no guesswork.

Request Assessment

Or call directly: (407) 617-2515

The Recovery Process

How We Recover Green Pools in Orlando & Winter Park

The right sequence matters. Rushing any step — or skipping chemical stabilization — can leave algae dormant and waste your money.

Water Assessment & Testing

Full water chemistry panel before any chemical is added. pH, chlorine demand, phosphate levels, cyanuric acid, and alkalinity all factor into the treatment plan. Skipping this step is why most DIY treatments fail.

Algae Shock & Kill Treatment

A calculated super-chlorination based on your pool's volume and algae severity. CPO certification matters here — over-shocking causes chemical burns to plaster and wastes product; under-shocking leaves the algae alive.

Brushing & Filter Maximization

Dead algae must be brushed off every surface and suspended in the water so the filter can capture it. The filter runs continuously and is backwashed or cleaned as it loads up. This is the most labor-intensive phase.

Clarifier & Settling

A professional-grade clarifier binds remaining fine particles. Depending on severity, a flocking agent may be used to drop particles to the floor for vacuuming.

Final Balance & Stabilization

Once water is clear, full chemistry rebalance: pH adjusted to 7.4–7.6, alkalinity dialed in, chlorine stabilized, and a maintenance dose added to prevent re-bloom. You get a photo report showing before/after and your final water readings.

Stain Removal & Acid Washing

Professional Pool Acid Washing & Stain Removal

Over time, heavy mineral deposits, copper plumbing leaks, and organic loads leave deep, stubborn stains on your pool's finish. When standard chemical balancing won't cut it, we specialize in both No-Drain Stain Treatments and Full Drain-and-Acid-Wash Restorations to strip away years of discoloration and bring your plaster or pebble back to its original shine.

No-Drain Chemical Treatments
Best for widespread surface staining, scaling, or light organic discoloration without wasting thousands of gallons of water or risking plaster exposure to hot summer air.
Full Drain & Acid Wash
Reserved for severe scale buildup, deep rust and metal burns, and extreme neglect where the water must be evacuated to safely apply a specialized acid-foam wash directly to the shell.

Real Job — Real Pool

Watch a Full Drain & Clean — 3 Stages, Start to Finish

This is an actual job on a residential pool in Orlando. You'll see the drain, the acid wash, and the refill — every stage our team handles.

Orlando, FL — Residential drain & clean by Clear Ripples Pool Service, CPO

Acid Wash Service

When a Green-to-Clean Isn't Enough: Acid Wash Service

Severe staining — iron, copper, calcium scale, or deep algae penetration into the plaster — requires acid washing. We offer two methods: a no-drain acid wash for waterline calcium deposits and tile staining (pool stays full), and a full drain acid wash for staining that covers the entire surface or algae embedded in the plaster. Done correctly by a CPO-certified operator, either method restores the surface without damage.

No-drain acid wash — waterline calcium & tile staining (pool stays full)

Full drain acid wash — deep staining, iron/copper deposits, plaster-embedded algae

Immediate neutralization to protect marcite/plaster/pebble finish

Acid-wash waste properly neutralized before disposal (Florida DEP compliant)

Refill and full chemistry start-up (full drain method)

Photo documentation throughout the entire process

Full acid wash details — drain vs. no-drain comparison →

Drained pool with heavy mineral staining and peeling plaster — before acid wash service in Orlando FL

Is Acid Washing Right for Your Pool?

Not every stained pool needs an acid wash — and not every pool should be acid washed. Our team will evaluate your surface material, stain type, and pool age before recommending it. We never upsell a drain-and-wash when a chemical treatment will do the job.

Central Florida Pool Facts

Why Orlando & Winter Park Pools Get Green Fast

12 Months of Algae Season

Unlike northern states, Central Florida's warm temperatures mean algae growth is a year-round threat. A single missed service week in summer can turn a blue pool green within days.

UV Destroys Chlorine Fast

Florida's intense sun burns off unstabilized chlorine rapidly. Without proper cyanuric acid levels, your pool loses its sanitizer before the next service visit — and algae moves in.

Storm Runoff Crashes Chemistry

Summer thunderstorms introduce phosphates, nitrates, and organic debris that feed algae directly. Post-storm chemical checks aren't optional in Central Florida — they're necessary.

Once your water is crystal clear and completely stain-free, keeping it that way requires tight weekly chemistry management. Explore our permanent Pool Service & Cleaning in Winter Park to ensure organic loads and mineral imbalances never return. We restore green pools across Central Florida — including Orlando and Oviedo.

Get a Recovery Assessment

Your Pool Shouldn't Stay Green Any Longer Than Necessary

Clear Ripples serves Orlando, Winter Park, Maitland, Altamonte Springs, Casselberry, Oviedo, Sanford, Lake Mary, Longwood, and surrounding Central Florida. Call now or request a same-day assessment online.

Request an Assessment

Or call directly: (407) 617-2515