Stains in Your Pool: How They Form and How to Remove Them

A swimming pool is usually the centerpiece of the home that homeowners are tremendously proud of. It is no wonder that you might be appalled if you find stains inside the pool that you have maintained so well. While these stains might be frustrating to encounter, they could actually be easily removed if handled properly. With our expertise and experience, we would like to share a few great tips to identify and handle different types of stains in your swimming pool. This article is great for pool owners who are looking to remove unyielding stains that ruin the pool's appearance.There are two different types of stain that could contaminate your pool. Both types could potentially spread through the surface of your entire pool and should therefore be removed as quickly as possible. The two types are:

1. Metal Based Stains:

Metal stains develop when rusts, hard minerals, or corrosion is introduced to the pool. The types of metals that could cause some elaborate damages to your pool include iron, copper, calcium,and manganese. The sources of these metal particles vary. For example, copper is produced when the piping of your swimming pool is corroded. Meanwhile, both iron and manganese might be introduced by your water source. Calcium usually comes from chlorine shock, plaster, or mortar that you might be using. Last but not least, improper chemical balance might also cause long-lasting stains. All of these metals will produce different colored stains and in order to treat them, you will need to identify which metal is the root of the cause. You could choose either liquid test or strip test to determine metal types and concentrations. To treat metal stains, you will need to immerse a metal removal product into your pool and turn off all your pool equipments and machines for several days. Furthermore, wait for the pool's chlorine level drop to 0 parts per million either by waiting or by adding sodium thiosulfate to the water. Make sure to add algaecide to prevent algae from growing during the stain treatment. The last step will be to add ascorbic acid to your pool water and then turning on the filter to circulate this evenly. Add about half a pound of acid per 10,000 gallons of pool water, but you could add more if stains persist.

2. Organic Based Stains:

This stain type is produced when organic materials or debris ─ such as fallen leaves, soil, dead animals ─ sink into the water and left to decay. Organic stains could be easily identified and are usually green, brown, or dark bluish in colour. The first thing you will need to do is to remove the debris from your pool surface. Then you should heavily chlorinate your water and brush your pool surface. To clear stains that are more unrelenting, pour acid to a PVC pipe, deliver it to the stain, and then brush it vigorously using a scrub. We know how frustrating it is to encounter stains that develop in your pool. If your stains persist after trying all of the tips given here, then it would be best to contact a professional. At Seaway Pools & Tubs, we are committed in helping our clients maintain their swimming pools as best as possible. Through our experience, we have helped many homeowners to prolong the life of their pools. If you are having stain problems with your pool, feel free to call us at 905-284-8030 or email us at online@seawaypoolsntubs.com and we will ensure that your stains are removed, and avoided in the future.