Rio 2016: Olympic water polo pool becomes second to turn green

Algae is believed to have caused the diving pool to have discoloured

Mark Critchley
Thursday 11 August 2016 11:33 EDT
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Rio 2016 diving pool turns green

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The water polo pool at the Rio Olympic Games has started to turn green, only 24 hours after the diving pool did the same.

Organisers were embarrassed on Tuesday when algae in the water caused the dive pool to lose its bright, clear blue colour and take on a murky shade of green.

Images from poolside on Wednesday appeared to show the water polo pool, which is adjacent to the diving water, changing to a similar colour.

Beth Harris, an Associated Press journalist, shared a photo of the second pool on Twitter, writing: “Now water polo pool is going green next to diving pool. #Rio2016”

Following the change in the dive pool, water treatment experts have warned that its safety is uncertain.

“The water is not supposed to be green,” said Ralph Riley, vice-chairman of the Pool Water Treatment Advisory Group (Pwtag).

“It’s great that they’re saying there’s no safety threat to the divers,” said Mr Riley. “But I’m not sure what that means.

"“If it has gone green and it’s due to a lack of disinfectant, then that means there is some sort of implied threat or risk.

Following the first pool's discolouration, Rio 2016 spokesman Mario Andrada said: 'This was because of heat and a lack of wind. We did all the chemical tests."

Pools used for diving are typically warmer than those used for swimming and warmer water is more conducive to algae growth.

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