Why pollen wrecks North Texas pools
March through April is brutal on DFW pools. Oak and pecan pollen settles into pools by the pound, feeding algae, clogging filters, and creating a yellow film at the waterline.
Generic pool advice doesn't account for our pollen counts. This protocol does.
Week 1 — Pre-stage
The week before the first major pollen drop:
- Stock 2 gallons of clarifier
- Stock 1 quart of phosphate remover
- Confirm filter cartridge has at least 50% life remaining
- Run pump 8+ hours per day starting now
Week 2 — Active treatment
Once visible yellow film appears:
- Add clarifier per label every other day for the first week
- Brush walls and steps twice this week
- Run a phosphate remover dose mid-week (treat phosphates as a chronic, not acute, problem)
- Don't shock unless chlorine drops below 1 ppm
Week 3 — Filter focus
Filters work overtime during pollen season.
- Backwash sand filters when pressure rises 7-8 psi above baseline
- Cartridge filters: rinse weekly, deep-clean monthly
- DE filters: bump the gauge daily; full clean at +10 psi
- Replace any filter media past its rated life
Week 4 — Recovery + reset
The film usually clears by late April.
- Deep clean filter one final time
- Test water and bring all 7 parameters back to ideal range
- Record baseline readings for the next pollen season
- Schedule professional service if water clarity hasn't returned
Published by Paradise Pool & Spa: Texas Pool Services
2100 Riverplace Dr. Flower Mound TX 75028 · (945) 300-4080 · paradisetexaspoolservices.com