ach of these stains has different identifiers as well as methods of removal. Here, we’ve outlined each of the most common stain types you’ll see as well as simple methods for getting rid of them.
There is nothing worse than seeing that stains have formed in your once pristine pool. Something to remember though, is that there are different types of stains that can form in and around your swimming pool. Each of these stains has different identifiers as well as methods of removal. Here, we’ve outlined each of the most common stain types you’ll see as well as simple methods for getting rid of them.
Pool stains can be caused by a variety of things. Some of them come from common organic things around your pool and yard. These are things like leaves, berries, and other yard debris. Other pool stains occur because of mineral deposits or your pool chemicals breaking down and leaving your water vulnerable. With a trained eye, each one can be identified. And each has its own method of removal.
When trying to find the causes for different types of pool stains, use the following outline:
Metal – These stains appear in a variety of different colors. Some of the most common colors you’ll see are reddish-brown, teal, or green. In the case of metal stains, they are usually simple to remove by applying ascorbic acid or vitamin C powder to the stain. A good sequestering agent will help keep metals in your water from “falling out” and staining your plaster.
Mineral – Mineral stains (sometimes called scale) often show up as scaly white deposits on your tiles or waterline. These stains can be removed by scrubbing the stain with an acid and water solution. Severely scaled pools may need an acid wash, or replaster to correct.
Rust/Metal Stains – You’ve probably seen rust stains around your house, and rust in your pool looks no different. These stains appear because of the metal in your pool — most commonly if your pool has metal components or accessories. Copper stains are usually a blue-green color. Different metals require different approaches to remove them. Jacks Magic makes a great Stain identification kit to help you figure out what metal is causing the stain, and what to us to remove it.
Waterline – If you are skimming and brushing your pool regularly, you probably won’t see much of these stains. These show up because of debris and pollutants resting on your pool’s surface for long periods of time. As they stay on the surface, they slowly stain the pool’s edge where the waterline sits. After scrubbing the stains out, make sure you stay on top of your pool cleaning to ensure these stains don’t happen again. You may also use an enzyme to help keep tanning oils, sunscreen, and hair and makeup products from adhering to the tile line.
Organic – Organic stains come from organic components in your water. When debris gets into the water, it often sinks to the bottom and collects with other debris. If you accumulate enough debris before cleaning the pool, it will sit on the bottom and stain the concrete. These are among the easiest stains to clean- usually you can just remove the debris, and double-dose shock the pool to bleach out the stains. One notable exception is oak leaves and acorns- these can be very difficult to remove. It’s important to remove any leaves, acorns, etc. as soon as you can to avoid these stains.
If you are seeing stains form in your pool, act quickly. The longer these pool stains sit, the harder they are to get out. That’s why we recommend you give us a call when you notice these problems arising. We can get someone out to your home to assess the situation and make sure these stains are gone and your pool is protected for the future. Give us a call to get on our schedule.
