How to Identify and Remove Pool Stains | AQUASTRONG Pool Care Guide

A pool with stains is not just an eyesore, it can also make your entire pool experience less enjoyable. Even with diligent maintenance, pool stains are still possible. Fortunately, with the right knowledge and products, you can easily remove pool stains and prevent them from reappearing. In this guide, we'll help you identify the most common causes of pool stains and provide step-by-step instructions on how to eliminate them using AQUASTRONG pool care solutions.

What Causes Pool Stains?

Before selecting the right stain remover, it’s crucial to understand the type of stain you’re dealing with. Generally, pool stains fall into two main categories:

1. Organic Stains: These stains are caused by natural materials like leaves, berries, and other debris. When organic material settles on the pool floor or walls and is left too long, it can leave stains that discolor your pool.

2. Metal Stains: Metal stains occur when metals like iron or copper find their way into your pool water. If you’re filling your pool with well water, for example, or if you have corroded pipes or rusted metal accessories nearby, these metals can contribute to staining.

The next step is to identify the color and source of the stain. Here’s how to do it:

How to Identify Your Pool Stains

Green or Brown Stains:

• These are typically caused by organic materials such as leaves or plant debris.

Red or Blue Stains:

• Brightly colored berries, especially from nearby trees or bushes, often leave behind red or blue stains in the pool.

Green or Blue Stains:

• While organic matter like leaves or berries can cause these stains, copper is also a likely culprit. If you have copper piping or use copper-based algaecides, you may notice these stains.

Red or Brown Stains:

• These stains are most likely caused by iron in your water. Pools filled with well water often have higher iron content, which can lead to rust stains, especially if there are rusting metal objects nearby.

Purple or Black Stains:

• Manganese, a naturally occurring metal in both well water and municipal water supplies, is the usual cause of purple or black stains in pools.

How to Test and Confirm the Cause of Stains

Once you have an idea of what might be causing the stains, you can test to confirm:

For Organic Stains:

• Apply a small amount of chlorine directly to the stain. If it fades or disappears, it’s likely caused by organic material.

For Metal Stains:

• Apply some ascorbic acid (vitamin C) directly to the stain. If the stain lightens or disappears, it’s probably due to metals in the water.

How to Remove Pool Stains

Once you’ve identified the cause, the next step is to remove the stain. Here’s how to address each type:

Removing Organic Stains:

For organic stains, chlorine shock treatment is your best solution. Regular pool chlorine levels won’t be enough to tackle stains, so you’ll need to super-chlorinate the water.

Here’s how:

1. Test and Balance Your Pool Water: Ensure the pH level is between 7.4 and 7.6, and alkalinity is between 100-150 ppm. Ideal values are 7.5 for pH and 125 ppm for alkalinity.

2. Shock the Pool: For small stains, use a regular shock dose. For larger stains, use triple the usual amount of shock (3 pounds per 10,000 gallons of water).

3. Brush the Pool: Scrub the stained areas with a stiff pool brush to loosen the stains. Don’t worry if they’re not gone yet.

4. Run the Pump: Allow the shock treatment to circulate for at least 8 hours (or overnight) to ensure it fully works.

5. Scrub Again: After the shock has circulated, scrub the stains again. If they’re still visible, repeat the shocking process.

Removing Metal Stains:

Metal stains are trickier but still manageable. Here’s the process for getting rid of metal stains:

1. Test the Pool Water: You can use a home test kit to check for metals, but for the most accurate results, take a water sample to your local pool store for testing.

2. Use a Metal Stain Remover: Based on the type of metal causing the stain, select a pool stain remover designed to target it. AQUASTRONG offers specialized metal stain removers that can help eliminate stains caused by iron, copper, or manganese.

3. Follow the Instructions: Each product may have slightly different instructions, so always follow the manufacturer’s recommendations for the best results.

How to Prevent Pool Stains

Now that you’ve removed those stains, it’s time to focus on prevention. With a bit of effort, you can keep your pool free from stains moving forward.

Preventing Organic Stains:

1. Keep Your Pool Clean: Regularly skim the surface of your pool to remove leaves and debris before they sink and cause stains. A robotic pool cleaner can also help keep your pool tidy.

2. Balance Your Water: Maintain proper chemical balance in your pool, particularly pH and alkalinity levels.

3. Move Plants Away: Avoid planting fruit-bearing trees or bushes near your pool, as these can drop berries or leaves that cause staining.

4. Inspect Regularly: Check your pool frequently for signs of staining, and treat any new stains immediately to prevent them from setting.

Preventing Metal Stains:

1. Test Your Water Source: If you use well water, have it tested for metal content. Use a hose filter if necessary when filling or refilling your pool.

2. Use a Metal Sequestrant: This product binds with metal particles in your water, preventing them from causing stains and allowing them to be removed by your pool’s filter.

3. Maintain Your Plumbing: If your plumbing contains copper, regularly check for signs of corrosion, and replace corroded pipes to prevent metal contamination.

4. Stabilize pH Levels: Keeping your pool’s pH level stable is especially important if you have copper in your water. Low pH can cause copper to corrode and oxidize, leading to stains.

Conclusion

Dealing with pool stains doesn’t have to be a stressful task. By identifying the source and using the right treatment methods, you can easily keep your pool looking pristine. Regular maintenance and early intervention are key to preventing future stains. Keep essential pool care products like chlorine shock and metal stain removers on hand, and enjoy a stain-free, sparkling pool all season long with AQUASTRONG.

Happy Swimming!