Metals and Staining in a Pool
Metals can be introduced to the water through foreign object or equipment such as:
- Copper piping and fittings,
- Heat exchanger,
- Using Copper Sulphate and other copper-based algaecides,
- Source water.
Metals in pool water may cause staining to the liner, fiberglass, or concrete as well as an unusual colour-change to the water.
It is best to bring a water sample to Bud's Spas & Pools as soon as the staining or discolouration occurs to be treated.
How to Treat and Prevent Metals and Staining
***All treatments begin with a bucket test***
Bucket Test
Take 20L of pool water. Add 1 cup of balancer to the bucket.
- If no colour change, you can move on with the treatment.
- If a colour change occurs in the bucket, bring a sample to Buds Spas and Pools.
DO NOT ADD CHEMICAL TO POOL – DO NOT ADD BUCKET TEST WATER BACK TO POOL.
Treatment includes alkalinity adjustment, a sequestering agent, and clarifier.
- Ensuring the pH is at 7.2 and chlorine is at 2ppm or lower.
- Adding chemicals like Meta Ban or Meta-Stain Prevent to the water.
- Using Clari Tabs ( if you have a sand filter, can be added immediately) or Sparkle (if you have a cartridge filter, needs to be added 1hr after previous chemical).
- After 48hrs, backwash for 3-5 minutes or rinse the cartridge(s).
- Additionally, an Eliminator Pouch can be to the skimmer to aid in the removal of metals.
Tips & Tricks
- Treating a pool weekly with Meta-Stain Prevent to prevent presence of metals and staining
- Test pool water on a regular basis
- Weekly with test strips and at least once a month for in-store testing.
- Keep the pump and filter running 24/7.
- Pools with IRON will have an orange-reddish stain and will have a colour change of yellow/brown when chemicals are added.
- Pools with COPPER will have a blue/green to black stain and will have a colour change of blue/green or grey/black when chemicals are added.
***When in doubt, call the store and we would be more than happy to help!***
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