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Why Is My Pool Water Green in Winter Las Vegas?

Jan 4, 2026 | Pool Service

Waking up to green pool water in the middle of a Las Vegas winter can catch anyone off guard. The pool’s been sitting quietly, untouched for weeks, so seeing cloudy or algae-colored water in January might seem strange. After all, isn’t that more of a summer issue?

Not really. Green water doesn’t care much about the calendar. Cold months still come with surprises, especially in a desert climate like ours, where sun, wind, and dust play their part year-round. Knowing why your pool goes green, even during winter, makes it easier to keep your water clear and safe. If a green pool cleanup in Las Vegas becomes necessary, it likely means a few things have been out of balance for a while.

Why Pool Water Turns Green When It’s Cold Out

When temperatures cool down, most people stop thinking about pool problems. But algae don’t take the season off. They wait for any chance to grow, including small lapses in chemical levels or circulation.

  • Chlorine levels tend to drop in winter. With less attention on the pool, chlorine often runs low. Once that happens, algae are quick to spread.
  • Pool pumps and filters may run on shorter settings or get turned off entirely. Without regular water movement, the pool becomes still. That still water can turn into a perfect environment for algae to settle and grow.
  • Leaves, dirt, and dust build up faster than you might think, especially if no one’s skimming the surface. In the cold, this messy mix doesn’t break down easily. Instead, it sits there feeding the algae.

It doesn’t take long for these small changes to create big problems. Sudden color changes in the water usually mean things have been brewing longer than they appear.

Common Winter Habits That Make It Worse

In colder months, it’s easy to forget about the pool altogether. With no swimming going on, maintenance often takes a back seat. But there are some winter habits that actually make pool issues worse.

  • Many homeowners skip weekly checks, thinking cold weather keeps everything safe. But a quiet pool doesn’t mean a healthy one.
  • Some people turn off the pump until spring. While that might seem like a good way to save energy, it often leads to bigger problems in the long run. Circulating the water even a few hours a day prevents standing water from becoming a problem.
  • It’s common to assume cold weather slows everything down, including algae. But if the water isn’t balanced, it doesn’t matter how cold it gets. Algae only need a small window to get started, and once it’s there, it can be tough to handle without help.

Winter gives the illusion of safety, but without a regular routine, green water shows up faster than most expect.

How Winter Sun and Desert Climate Affect Pool Water

Las Vegas winters feel mild compared to other places, but sun and wind can still make a big impact on your pool water.

  • The desert sun doesn’t go away in winter. We still get strong UV exposure, even in January. That sunlight can help algae grow once it finds a way into the water.
  • Dry winter winds blow dust, dirt, and pollen right into the pool. If the cover isn’t on tight or the pool isn’t cleaned regularly, this stuff collects fast and throws the water off balance.
  • Cold air doesn’t mean no evaporation. It just happens in smaller amounts over longer stretches of time. As water levels drop and fresh water is added (or not), chemical levels change. That shift can mess with chlorine or pH, and most pool algae take full advantage.

Our winter climate here might feel easier than summers, but it comes with its own set of challenges. Water chemistry doesn’t take a break, and neither should our attention.

When to Consider a Green Pool Cleanup in Las Vegas

Green water isn’t always a minor issue, and waiting too long makes it harder (and longer) to fix. Some winter signs that your pool might need professional help include:

  • Water color has gone from clear to green or cloudy
  • Algae are visible on the walls or floating on the top
  • The surface feels slick or slimy
  • You smell chlorine in the air but the water still looks bad
  • No chemicals have been added in weeks or longer

If that sounds familiar, it’s probably past time to act. A straightforward green pool cleanup in Las Vegas can bring the pool back under control faster than trying to chase the problem on your own.

Clear Water All Year with Simple Winter Habits

Green pool water in the winter surprises a lot of people, especially here in Las Vegas, where we’re used to strong sun and dry air even during the colder months. But the truth is, calm-looking water doesn’t always mean clean water.

By sticking with a few small habits, like checking chemical levels once a week and keeping the pump running at least part of the day, we can stop most winter algae from forming in the first place. Keeping leaves and debris out early helps too.

If things get out of hand, a green pool cleanup in Las Vegas can reset your pool quickly, giving you back clear water so the rest of winter is worry-free. Taking action now saves a lot of stress later, especially once spring rolls in and you’re ready to jump back in.

Why Las Vegas Pools Need Professional Winter Attention

Pools in Las Vegas require diligent care during every season, and professional support can make all the difference. We offer specialized green pool cleanup and ongoing maintenance services that are designed specifically for desert conditions. Our technicians use commercial-grade equipment and proven processes to remove algae efficiently and help rebalance water chemistry, reducing the likelihood of recurring issues.

When winter pool care slips through the cracks and cloudy water starts to spread, Mojave Pool Company is ready to help. Lingering debris, poor circulation, and unbalanced chemistry can quickly escalate, but the right solution often begins with a professional green pool cleanup in Las Vegas. Reach out today and let’s restore your pool’s sparkle before minor issues become major headaches.

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