Top Troubleshooting QUESTIONS

5. Where are the stains in my pool coming from and how do I prevent and/or remove them?

Iron, copper and manganese are the most common metals occurring in pool water. When pH is low (below 7.0), these metals are in solution. But when pH is adjusted to the desired level of 7.2 – 7.6, metals can drop out of solution, staining the pool surfaces and discoloring the water. Chlorinating products and shock products can also oxidize metals, making them more visible and resulting in unwanted staining.

Unwanted metal content in the water can come from the source water. Copper can also be introduced to the water in copper-based algaecides. It can also come from the corrosion of copper heat exchangers and copper piping caused by pool water imbalance.

For more information on balancing your water, go to 3-Step Maintenance Program

Although home tests for metal content are available in "deluxe" test kits, most stains and metal deposits can be prevented with regular use of a stain and scale inhibitor. It ties up excess iron, copper and manganese in the water. It can also be used to aid in the removal of fresh stains and clear up green water caused by copper or iron in solution. By removing the metal particles from the pool surface, the visible stain is eliminated. This product will then hold onto the metal particles until the time when the filter can catch and remove them. The filter must then be chemically cleaned in order to remove the metals from the filter media. Old or very persistent stains may require acid washing for removal.

For product information, go to Specialty Products

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