Practical answer
If readings are unknown, test first; mixing treatments blindly can waste time or make recovery harder.
What to check first
- Check pump run time, return-jet movement, skimmer basket, pump basket, and filter pressure.
- Record chlorine, pH, and stabilizer/CYA readings if you can test them.
- Brush a small wall or step area to see whether growth lifts as algae or behaves more like dust.
- Note recent heat, rain, dust, heavy use, power cuts, or maintenance gaps.
What not to assume
- Do not add several pool chemicals blindly if you do not know what was already used.
- Do not judge recovery by water color alone; cloudy dead algae still needs filtration and removal.
- Do not wait until guest arrival day if the pool is already opaque or strongly green.
When this needs more than a quick check
Collect more detail or request help if:
- the water is green, cloudy, or unsafe to inspect clearly
- the pump is noisy, leaking, tripping power, or losing prime
- guests are arriving soon and the pool needs time-sensitive assessment
- you are not sure which chemicals were already added
Details to collect before requesting help
- photos of the whole pool and the water close up
- photos of the pump, filter, skimmer, and equipment labels
- pool size, area in Cyprus, and guest-arrival deadline if relevant
- recent test readings or a photo of the test strip