💧 Green-to-Clean Recovery
Phoenix & Scottsdale

Most light to medium green pools recover in 3–5 days from our first visit. Heavy "pea soup" pools take 5–7 days. Black algae or mustard algae pools take 7–14 days because those species resist chlorine and require specific algaecides. The biggest factor is filter capacity — a dirty or undersized filter dramatically slows recovery. We clean filters daily during the recovery process to keep the kill cycle moving.

We charge flat rates based on severity, not hourly. Cloudy or hazy: $150–$250. Light green: $250–$400. Heavy green/pea soup: $400–$650. Black/mustard algae: $500–$900. Drain & acid wash (if recovery isn't economical): $650–$1,200. All flat rates include chemicals, daily visits until clear, and filter cleanings. No surprise add-ons.

Chemical recovery is almost always cheaper and easier when there's still water visibility — even murky water clears with proper shock and filtration. Draining is recommended in three cases: (1) total swamp with debris and odor, (2) very high CYA (over 100 ppm — chlorine becomes ineffective), or (3) heavy calcium scaling on the surface that needs an acid wash anyway. We'll tell you honestly which approach fits your situation.

In Phoenix the most common causes: (1) salt cell stopped producing chlorine and you didn't notice; (2) pump failed or was off for several days; (3) you went on vacation in summer with chlorinator empty; (4) phosphates spiked from a fertilizer run-off or leaves; (5) CYA (stabilizer) is too high and chlorine can't kill algae effectively. Once we recover the pool we identify the root cause so it doesn't keep happening.

Properly executed recovery is safe for plaster, Pebble Tec, quartz, fiberglass, and vinyl. Proper means controlled chlorine, balanced pH, and constant brushing. Improper recovery (dumping huge amounts of chlorine without managing pH) can stain plaster, etch surfaces, or weaken vinyl liners. We test and adjust pH every visit during recovery to prevent surface damage. We've never damaged a surface in 16 years of recoveries.

Honestly, yes — for light cases. If your pool is just a little hazy, three rounds of triple-shock and brushing usually does it. The reasons people call us: (1) they've already spent $200 at the pool store and it's not working, (2) the pool is fully green and they don't have a vacuum or filter knowledge, (3) they're hosting an event in 4 days, or (4) it keeps recurring and they want the actual cause fixed. We're happy to give phone advice for free if you want to try DIY first.