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"Pool Water Discoloration Problems"
Discolorations
& stains can be prevented and/or removed.
The Pool & Spa Informational Website
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Causes, Solutions & Suggestions
Rusty, Green, Brown & Black Pool Water
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Scroll down to browse
through some archived SWIMMING POOL questions and answers.
Please access the Pool Problems Page and other links, at the top of
every page, for additional information.
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Problems, with swimming pool water discoloration and staining, are usually
caused by the oxidation of
heavy metals, the existence of algae or the result of organic components of
leaves and other debris. Heavy metals, such as iron, copper, cobalt or manganese
can cause a variety of colored pool water problems including: yellow-amber, rusty,
brown-black, purple, blue and green. These pool discoloration problems
usually commence with the oxidation of the dissolved heavy metals, upon the
addition of chlorine, shock or other oxidizers. It is important to have the source water
tested to better understand the origins of a problem and to allow for early
preventative treatment.
This is especially important, if well water is going to be used to fill or top
off the pool. Algae usually discolors the water by imparting a murky,
green color and this type of problem is usually associated with a lack of Free
Chlorine and a visible presence. High levels of calcium hardness can lead
to cloudy conditions, which can alter the appearance of the water and complicate
the determination of the cause of the colored pool water. By itself,
calcium is not associated with stains or discoloration problems. Water
analysis is always a good starting point, whenever a mineral problem is
suspected or the pool water color is a problem.
Clicking
on the underlined and highlighted
"keywords" or "catch phrases," in the archived answers will
give you access to additional information on that topic or product.
Please refer to the Glossary, if
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of the entire contents of the website, use the
Table of Contents link, on top of
every page.
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The METALTRAP Filter,
The PURESTART Pre-Filter
and
The METALTRAP
Stain Removal System
is available,
by clicking on the center image, above. Use these unique
products to treat potentially poor quality water and to
remove and prevent stains and discoloration, due to iron, copper,
manganese, organic contamination & more!
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Be better prepared and avoid costly problems!
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►
Crystal Clear Green Pool Water?
Alan, I
had written you a couple of days ago and I am in need of more assistance.
My pool water has a green color. The water is clear. I
thought it was an algae problem since the water was clear. I was told my
the local pool place that I should add a copper algaecide (1 1/2 oz for a max
of 3 days). I did so and my pool looks the same. I don't know if the
algae is dead or not. I tried to vacuum it and nothing came out of the
waste. The side of the pool is not slimy either. All of my levels
are perfect. I shocked the pool with 2 bags yesterday and still it looks
the same. Should I still shock it everyday and hope it turns blue?
If so, how much shock should I use? I am stumped because I thought one of the
things I tried would do something. My return skimmer has a strong current,
my water is circulating great and all of my baskets are clean. My pressure
is below 10 on the pump. The pump is brand new. Please help me!
Thank you.
Kelley, 6/5/2007
It doesn't seem that the problem is algae and adding more shock is not likely
to change things. Instances of crystal clear green-colored swimming pool water are not all that
uncommon. It is probably being caused by the presence of highly colored
metallic colloidal particles. Water testing will probably, but not always, point to a
cause. I suggest that you do the following: add a dose of a quality
mineral treatment, filter for a few hours and then add a dose of a quality
"Blue" Clarifier. This has been a very successful treatment over
the years. I hope that it all works out for you.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
6/5/2007
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►
Disgusted With Discolored Water?
I have a vinyl
pool with the ring top it is an 18' x 48" and I am just hysterical about the
green colored water. I have done just about everything I can do or at least know
how to do. I have cleaned the filter a dozen times, added algaecide and
clarifier, more chlorine tabs and shocked it twice and nothing is happening all
except the free chlorine level has risen to 10 and the pH balance is very low. I
am about to give up on my pool I am just so disgusted about the situation that
has occurred with the pool. I am spending a lot of money just trying to clear it
up. Please help me. I have vacuumed the bottom out cleaned down the sides if
this is helpful info.
No Name, 8/19/2008
With a Free
Chlorine reading of 10 PPM and the possibility of a low pH, it is extremely
unlikely that the problem is algae. Much more probable is the presence of
iron or other minerals. Iron can cause amber-colored pool water, that will
appear as green against the blue pool liner. I suggest that you have the
water tested for iron and copper. Their presence will require the addition
of a
metal treatment product. If this is the problem, the addition of
sufficient product will help to decolorize the water. Afterwards,
adjust the water chemistry and add another dose of clarifier.
Treating iron staining and discoloration, with some chemicals, leaves the door
open for a return of the problem, with or without the addition of new water.
Using The
METALTRAP
filter to recirculate the pool water, will help to permanently remove the
metallic ions and, if used to filter new water, it will prevent new metals from
getting into the pool. Just attach to a garden hose and you can be ready
to go. To recirculate, just add a small submersible or cover pump.
I hope that
this information will prove helpful.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 8/19/2008
► Treating The Whole Pool?
It would seem that the filters
(Metal Trap & Pure Start) are expected to be used when adding water to a pool.
Do you see them being used with some sort of pump to circulate the whole pool
water thru them, to filter out the metals or is this just out of the question?
Thanks, as always, in advance.
Neil B., 7/20/2009
That is exactly how it can be used!!! You can use a
small submersible pump with garden hose fittings. The longer it
recirculates, the more metals are permanently removed. And, of course,
it should be used to treat all new water. The manufacturer even suggest
a seasonal recirculating to stay ahead of problems. Why "treat" a
metals problem with chemicals and have it return, when you can
physically remove the metals and the problem? This
approach makes sense and be combined with a chemical treatment, to
remove stains, if present. Once the stains are removed, you can
use the
METALTRAP Filter
to remove the metals that have now been removed from the stained
surfaces. No more stains, no more metals and less
possibility of a return of the problem, if the chemistry is properly
maintained. I hope that this information will clear things
up.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 7/20/2009
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►
Yellowish Color?
I have a 22
x 41.6 inground vinyl liner pool. I can't seem to get it clear! It has had a
dirty greenish tint to the water and my steps are a yellowish-orange color that
won't rub off. I have put granulated chlorine in it twice in the past four
days(18 cups). We have had to backwash just about every day and the waste water
is yellow. I am really concerned about my steps that were once WHITE. Can you
help me?? And do you know what I can do to clear my water? Thanks.
Tanya
from MS, 4/13/2004
It sounds
like you could have a problem with iron. Did you use well water to top the
pool off? That would explain the yellowish color on the steps and in the
water. Against the blue background, it could appear greenish. Have the pool
and tap water tested for iron. Try this! Shut off the filter and slowly
pour about 1/2 pound of pH reducer onto the top step. Let the water become
still. After about 30 minutes, use a nylon bristle brush on the steps. If it
made a difference, the problem is definitely iron. Treat elsewhere as
needed. You should add a double dose of a quality metal treatment now and
whenever, new water is added. The water clarity could be related or due to
normal pool opening problems. Raise the Free Chlorine level to 5 PPM and keep
it there until at least 1-3 PPM remains, after an overnight period. Make sure
that the pH is 7.2-7.6. Check out the filter and make sure that it is being
operated continuously, until the water is clear. Backwash only when the
pressure is too high! Adding a dose of a blue clarifier can help
improve the filter efficiency. I hope that this information will help clear
things up.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 4/13/2004
► Sulfur Smell & Discoloration?
I am having an inground pool built and I know that
the water that will be used to fill it has some sulfur in it and probably other
organic decomposition products, as well. Can I treat the water, as the
pool is being filled? Thanks for any help, you can offer.
Bill T, Cody, WY, 5/26/2009
Planning ahead is the best
thing you could have done. The
PURESTART Pre-Filter
will remove sulfur and organic contamination, as the water passes through this
cartridge-like filter.
It simply attaches to the hose, that will be used to fill the pool, and removes
sulfur and organic contamination, as water passes through the media inside.
If you use it to treat all the water used to fill the pool and to top it off, in
the future, you will keep these offensive materials out of the pool. It
should make getting the pool into chemical balance a lot easier and less
expensive, as well. Good luck with the pool and I hope the
information is helpful.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 5/27/2009
►
Green From The Rain?
Why does my pool water turn a green color, after it rains?
Please be specific! Thank you.
Linda A., 2/21/2005
Most likely the green color is
caused by the early onset of algae problems. If you free chlorine level
was on the low side, the rainfall could have introduced materials and debris
that depleted the free chlorine, thus allowing algae to start growing.
This is why it is commonly recommended that a pool be shocked after heavy
rainfall. I hope that the mystery will clear up and that I have been
helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
2/21/2005
►
Turned Green?
We added a lot of water to our inground 18x36
pool. It turned a green color. The chlorine wasn't holding so we added 2 containers of
conditioner/stabilizer. The pool and liner turned light brown. We tested and
found the pH is low. We have added 15 bags of super shock and it has not
changed. Any suggestions?
Emily H., 5/3/2005
Most likely
this is a pool opening. The chlorine wasn't "holding" because the chlorine
demand of the water was so high. That's why you added 15 bags of super
shock. You add stabilizer only when the level is too low. Too much
can reduce the effectiveness of chlorine. The brown color could have due
to metals, iron is the most likely, in the makeup water.
What you need to do is get your ducks in a row.
Have the water tested for Free Chlorine, pH, chlorine stabilizer total
alkalinity, calcium hardness and iron. This will give you the proper basis
for making corrections that are necessary. You don't want to throw the
wrong chemicals at the problem.
Make sure that the filter is
operating properly. If there are metal present, add a double dose of
a quality metal treatment. I hope that this information proves helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 5/3/2005
►
Turquoise Pool Water Color?
Hello Alan, I've had my 20 x 40
inground pool for about 7 years. I have a 1-1/2 hp pump, sand Filter 26"
diameter and an automatic pool vacuum. This season has been the worst with
algae. I'm usually able to shock it out. This time, I've had to
drain the pool level about one foot above the shallow end twice to reduce the
buildup of cyanuric acid to 30-50 ppm. It never really cleared up this
season. Now, the pool water is Turquoise colored. I still can't see the bottom. My wife
"cried all season". My wife says she read on the web that the Laterals may be
cracked. Unless I take out all the sand from the filter, how do I inspect the
filter for cracked laterals? Alan, any information that you can share
with me would be most helpful. It may even help my marriage! Thank you.
Coleman L., 9/17/2003
It is not
unusual, from my perspective, for a sand filter to fail to remove dead algae.
It can pass right through. I suspect that this is, in part, a filtration
problem. Are the laterals cracked? No way for me to tell.
Poor filtration can result from channeling or backwashing
too frequently. I suggest that you start with a clean slate. Empty
the filter and clean it out.
If there are parts in need of replacement, you can make the necessary repairs.
Fill it up with the proper type of filter sand. Once running,
add 1/2 pound of D.E. This will act as "clean dirt" and get the
filter pressure up and increase the effectiveness of the filter. Once the
water is clear, backwash to waste. Reapply the DE and, thereafter, backwash
only when the pressure is too high. As long as you are emptying the sand
filter, there is another option. Instead of refilling the filter with
sand, use
Zeobrite: a sand replacement filter media
that is capable of removing dead algae and producing better water clarity. The discoloration could be caused by a
trace metal. Add a dose of a quality metal treatment. Have the
water tested for iron and copper, as a means of confirming this
possibility. I hope that this
information will prove helpful. It has worked for lots of pool owners.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 9/17/2003
►
Sand Storm Problem?
I am a new owner of a
saltwater pool. We had a sand storm here last Friday and two days later my pool
water color turned green. How do I take care of this problem? Add more salt?
B. M., 4/7/2004
The only time
you need to add more salt is to replace any lost through pump out, splash out,
leakage or backwashing the filter.
Check the salt level! Most
likely the sand storm introduced a cocktail of minerals and organic debris.
This probably resulted in the depletion of the chlorine level and, perhaps,
allowed algae to bloom. Check the Free Chlorine level! If low,
turn up the chlorinator dial and/or add some quick dissolving shock. Make
sure that the pH is 7.2-7.8. Once a stable Free Chlorine level has been
established, the green water should disappear. I hope that I have been
helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 4/7/2004
►
Green,
Crystal Clear Pool Water?
Yesterday, after
adding a normal dose of dichlor my water began to turn a green color. The strange
part is that the water is crystal clear, without any haze. There is no cloudiness, no
signs of algae on the walls and nothing wrong with the water tests. Just
a crystal clear green pool water color. What do you think caused the problem?
The pool is an inground, vinyl and 18,000 gallons - just in case you need that
info. Thank you.
Joel L., Freehold,
NJ, 7/12/2004
I've heard about
this many times before. The first inclination is to assume that it's
copp er, but water analysis doesn't seem to bear this out.
I think that it
is the formation of highly colored colloidal particles, probably involving the
chelated form of a trace mineral. The color particles can form after being
oxidized or treated with a Mineral Treatment. Why I'm not sure. The
good news is that it seems easy to treat.
Try adding a dose of a quality Clarifier,
such as the
AquaPill Clarifier, and don't be surprised how well and how
quickly it can work.
I know of a story where a woman walked into a pool store and explained that she
had "crystal clear green water." Having previously told the store
personnel that this problem responds well to treatment with a Clarifier,
the product was recommended. The woman purchased the product and called
the store hysterically happy about the problem - the
green pool water color was disappearing right before her eyes. What made this unusual is
that it all happened within 10 minutes, of her leaving the store. Allowing
for time to get home and add the product, that didn't leave much time for the
product to do its work. It was this quick response that prompted the store
personnel to call me with the news. How about that! I hope that it
will work as well for you.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 7/12/2004
►
Green Pool
Water From The
Start?
I recently setup and filled a 15'
diameter by 3' deep pool for my children. I filled the pool yesterday with
water from our hose and it looked fine. This morning the pool water has a
green tint to it. The water
temp is at 65 deg. I shocked the pool, but I wonder if I need some other
treatment for the green colored water. I checked the filter and it did
have brown deposits that easily hosed off. Any direction would be greatly
appreciated. Thank you,
Mike, 7/3/2003
It is not
likely that algae is responsible for the green-colored tint in the pool water. It is just too quick.
Rather, the pool water color problem is, most likely, caused by trace amounts of iron. That would
explain the brown deposits. The green tint could be an amber caste against
a blue background. I suggest that you add a double dose of a quality
mineral treatment ASAP. This should help complex the mineral and allow for
better pool water color and quality. Get the swimming pool and tap water tested for iron, if
possible. Refer to the archives under iron for more information. I
hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 7/3/2003
►
Re-Appearing Green?
Hi Alan, thanks for your help in
advance. My problem is, every
time I add chlorine, the pool
turns green for a couple of
days. It is crystal clear blue
before I add the chlorine, and
then I add the chlorine and it
almost turns green before my
eyes! What the hay?
Rich. 10/19/2006
Pools that turns
color after chlorine has been added
usually have a metals problem. This
can be very common with well water.
ASAP add at least a double dose of a
quality metal treatment. This might
help avoid the discoloration and
possible staining and should make an
improvement. Bring in a water
sample to a local dealer and have
the water tested for iron, copper
and other parameters. I
suggest adding a dose of metal
treatment for each 0.5 PPM of
metals. Add another dose prior to
adding new water. A monthly dose is
an additional safeguard against a
recurring problem. I hope that
this information proves helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 10/20/2006
► Added Chlorine And
Pool Turned Rusty Color?
We had a 18' pool installed and
it took more than a day to fill the pool. Everything was OK, until I added
some chlorine. The pool turned an rusty-brown color. We have a well
and added a bottle of some metal treatment, as the pool was being filled, as per
the dealer's advice. Can we solve this problem?
Janice H., North Haven, CT,
6/5/2009
Pools that turn amber to rusty,
brown or blackish, after addition of chlorine or pH raising chemicals, usually
have iron and other heavy me tals
present. This is especially true, when well water is used. Whatever
you added was not enough. If you had filtered the well water, used
to fill the pool, through a
METALTRAP
filter, the heavy metals would have been permanently removed. When the
pool needed to be topped off, all the new well water could have been passed through the METALTRAP
Filter, to prevent new additions of metals. Removing
metals, as the pool fills is the best insurance against future problems. There
are chemicals means to treat metal problems and/or remove the stains they cause.
Not all of these chemicals are equally effective, some are ineffective at higher
pH levels and others contain phosphates, which can lead to other problems.
Liquid METALTRAP
is phosphate free and works over the full pool pH range and beyond. Adding
this chemical can help avoid staining and/or discoloration. If staining
has occurred, it can be removed with
METALTRAP Stain Remover.
This 100% ascorbic acid products helps to reduce and solubilize heavy metals, so
that Liquid METALTRAP can keep them in solution in a chelated state, which is
less colored and more stable. Following up with a recirculating treatment,
using the METALTRAP Filter can permanently eliminate the metals. All you
need is a garden hose and a small pump to do the recirculation. Good luck and I hope that I've been
helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 6/5/2009
► Ugly Color And A Bad Sulfur
Smell?
We just filled our above ground pool, about 10,000
gallons, I believe, with well water. It stinks to say the least.
Sulfur odors and an ugly color. Where do I start?
Greg N., Reading, PA, 6/30/2009
I guess you should bring in
a water sample to a local dealer. He won't be able to test for all that is
wrong. From the smell of things, you are going to need some real help.
I suggest using a
PURESTART Pre-Filter
and a small submersible, along with a garden hose to recirculate the water.
Keep the pool filter running. The PURESTART should be able to remove the
offensive smelling sulfur and other organic contamination. Get the
chemistry right and a free chlorine of 5 PPM and see what it looks like.
As the water passes through the PURESTART, it should improve. In the
future, always use the PURESTART Pre-Filter, when adding water to top off the
pool. I hope this
helps make a difference.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
6/30/2009
►
Disgusting Green
Pool Water Color?
I don't know if you answer these personally or
not but here goes. We purchased a above ground 15' vinyl pool with a blow
up top ring. It has a round filter that can be washed out. The
pool also came with no instructions about chemicals, or how to use them.
So I started with chlorine pucks. I inserted one puck into my cute
little duck chlorine holder and thought I was off to the races. This
worked for about 2-3 weeks, then we went away for a few days and came home to
this disgusting green pool. I forbid the kids to enter and put in 2 more
pucks. Nothing happened except it was getting darker green. I went
to a feed store that had pool chemicals and the salesperson had no idea on
pools, so I got some pool clearer (it has no chlorine, but it promises to
brighten up your water) and some pH down. (and a tester). After putting
half a jug of pH down and some brightener in, I noticed some slimy green stuff
floating to the top of the water, (it was disgusting) and the water is now
light green and very cloudy. I have waited 2 days and I still don't have
sparkling water. I don't know if it is yellow algae, green, pink, or
whatever, but could you give me some advice soon. We are in Ontario, and
the weather will soon be turning. Thanks for any advice.
Dianne, Ontario, Canada, 8/8/2003
It sounds like you have algae.
This is the result of inadequate chlorination. The duck is cute, but you
will have to supplement it with a quick dissolving chlorine: liquid,
sodium dichlor, etc. This will be based on a water test. You want to
keep the
Free
Chlorine at 1-3 PPM. The clarifier will not solve the problem.
Nor, will the pH reducer. You need the pH at 7.2-7.6. Your water is
not likely to clear up unless you boost the free chlorine to approximately 5 PPM
and keep it there, until the water clears up. If the clarity problem is
not solved, with a day or two, it may be that your filter is not functioning
effectively. This should be looked into. It doesn't sound like pools are a big thing in your
part of Ontario. There are certainly plenty of them in the Toronto
area.
I suggest that you refer to the archives on algae, pool water testing and cloudy
pool water. I hope that this information proves helpful And, yes, I
do answer the questions personally!
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 8/8/2003
►
Green, But Not With Envy?
We have an above ground 30 ft
round pool (6' in the middle to 52" outer rim). We currently have a sand
filter and were wondering if that is the best system for this size pool?
We have had the pool for 4 years and change the sand every year. But last
year we had a difficult time keeping the pool water from turning a green color. We did
not have any algae on the sides and the water levels were within limits.
Yet the water keep turning green. Any suggestions for a new filter?
Thanks.
Pam D., 4/29/2004
Green algae is the most common type of swimming
pool algae and results in greenish water. Think of it as your pool's way of
telling you that you are not maintaining adequate sanitizer levels and/or water
chemistry. Algae will grow if given the opportunity! It is important to keep
the sanitizer level, chlorine for example, at a consistent level.
A
Free Chlorine level of 1-3 PPM is ideal. When a pool is used heavily
the Free Chlorine can deplete quickly.
Are you testing for Free Chlorine?
Adding shock treatment can quickly restore the level. Don't fall into the trap
of thinking that because the pool is not being used, you don't have to add
chemicals: algae doesn't follow these rules! It is important, also, to
operate the filter for adequate periods of time and have good circulation in the
pool. However, filtration alone is not the solution! There is no reason
to believe that you need a new filter - just better water management. If
conditions had gotten a bit worse, you might have seen algae growing on the
walls. Replacing the sand every year is a mistake, as the sand media
becomes more efficient, as it removes particles. A better option would be
to use
Zeobrite, a sand filter replacement media.
It lasts longer, produces better water quality, weighs half as much as sand and
is modestly priced.
You should consider shocking the pool after periods of heavy bather usage, heavy
rainfall, loss of water clarity or anytime the chlorine level falls to zero.
Periodic use of an algaecide and/or a phosphate eliminator can offer additional
protection. Chlorine becomes less effective as the pH rises above 7.6 and
levels of chlorine stabilizer, above 150 PPM, can reduce chlorine efficiency.
Water testing is important! I hope that this information will help clear
things up.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/29/2004
►
Robin Egg Blue?
I have an inground pool 17
by 36, approx 19000 gals, it has a liner. Opened it and water was cloudy.
Filled it with new water which was better than half capacity. Town has wells
for water source. Vacuumed dirt . Added one gallon shock. Using jumbo
chlorine tablets for sanitation. Water has turned robin egg blue about the
color of the blue bolsters used for the winter cover. At 3 ft. depth the white
stripe is hazy but visible. At the deep end it is solid blue and the bottom is
not visible. Checked chlorine level and is higher than 1.0 PPM, pH over
7.4 and might be a little high. Alkalinity is about 170. Have added two pounds pH
lower, but have not seen any difference. I am running the filter consistently
with no improvement. What could be the problem?
Fred W., Westerly, RI,
5/16/2004
Most
likely it is a mineral related problem. I suggest that you have
the water tested for copper. If present and, if
you have a heater, it is the result of corrosion due to maintaining allow pH for
extended periods of time, improper placement of the chlorine feeder or lack of a
check valve. If there is no heater, it could be from the well water or a
copper algaecide. In either case, add a couple of dose of a quality metal
treatment. Keep the filter running. The next day try adding a dose
of a blue clarifier. Even better than regular clarifiers, which are
short acting, consider adding a
NanoStick Clarifier.
It uses non-technology to destroy organic contamination requires no installation
and lasts for 4-6 months. It will clearly improve the look and feel of the
water. If you have a sand filter, as I suspect, you might
consider replacing the sand with
Zeobrite: a sand filter
replacement media that produces water quality that rivals DE.
Good luck and I hope that this information proves helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 5/17/2004
►
Pool Water Turning Green?
Hi Alan, my pool water is turning
green! What is the quickest way to shock it? I have shock products. However,
those never seem to do an adequate job. Someone suggested liquid chlorine. I
have never used it. Mainly use the 3" tabs after shocking. We are not in the
swim season, although I can't stand watching the pool turn green. Please help.
Thanks.
Cathie H., 2/20/2004
The pool water is
turning a green color because of algae growth.
Just because you are not using the pool does not
mean that chlorine and filtration are not needed. You may be able to get
by with less, but you still must have enough chlorine to control algae.
You didn't provide any specifics, which might have been helpful. Liquid
chlorine should be fine. Add a gallon for each 5,000 gallons of pool
water. Make sure the filter is operating. Test the water for
Free
Chlorine and add more shock, until the level rises to 5 PPM or there
is at least 1-3 PPM present, after an overnight period. Don't drag this
out, as it will only increase the amount of chlorine or shock treatment required. Once the
water is clear, you need to make sure that the chlorine level is maintained.
If you have a feeder, keep it filled and test the water weekly. I hope
that this information will prove helpful. Spring is coming!
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 2/21/2004
►
Purple Pool Water?
I have never had this problem
in the past 12 years that I have had an in ground plaster pool. I noticed in
the winter when my husband was getting some of the leaves out that the water had
a purple hue to it, as well as some stains. I thought my eyes had gone funny! I pulled my pool cleaner
out and there was purple on the white tubing. My water is crystal clear and all
of my chemicals are correct, but I have a dust of purple in the bottom of the
pool. I have scrubbed the sides where it was also and that has dislodged, but I
am curious what it is. Thanks.
Carol, 3/10/2008
There are
several possibilities. The purple color could be due to trace metals,
possibly forming a colored complex. I
sugge st that you add a double dose of a quality metal treatment and allow it to
circulate for eight hours. Afterwards, shock the pool. The metal
treatment should help complex the metals (iron, copper, etc.) and the
shock treatment should destroy any tannins that leached into the pool water from
the leaves. If you
use the
METALTRAP
regimen, you can remove the stain and remove the metals, as well. You
start by adding ascorbic acid, as directed. This helps dissolve the stain.
Next Liquid METALTRAP is added, to complex or chelate the metals, in order to
keep them in solution. Next. you recirculate the pool water through a
METALTRAP filter and those heavy metals will be permanently removed. In
you plan on refinishing the pool, ask the contractor to add water to the
plaster, after it has been run through the METALTRAP filter. If might
help prevent the finish from slight discolorations. By all means, when the
pool is refilled, pass all the water through the METALTRAP. Removing
metals, as the pool fills is the nest insurance against future problems.
Remember, always use the METALTRAP to treat all new water. I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 3/10/2008
►
Lavender Pool?
I saw your correspondence with the lady who wrote in March about the purple pool
water. We started having trouble with this last fall and are still. Toward
the end of the season last fall, all of the sudden one day our pool water seemed
lavender. We then noticed it was really a bright lavender film that was all
over everything where the water was. I was able to brush it off the sides of
the vinyl liner, but it also was all over any of the white tubing fixtures in
the return wells, on the stairs etc. It clogged our cartridge filters
badly and could not be gotten off of the filters, even with our power washer.
We ended up throwing them away. We closed the pool with clear water and
sides washed as best as possible. I took the cover off of the pool just
yesterday, and it seems that over the winter, the purple stuff has grown back.
There’s a new purple film all over everything. I asked our local pool company
about it, and they said it probably was a metal problem. I don’t think so. I
think this is a new bacteria or algae species that is so new that pool companies
don’t know about it yet. Your thoughts are appreciated and welcome.
I really do not want to open this pool with this problem and goop up our new
filters. Thanks.
Susan in Indiana. 4/17/2005
Metals is
still my first choice.
Pool dealers would not know
one bacteria or algae from another - they are not microbiologists! I
suggest that you have the water tested for iron, copper and, especially,
manganese.
If you have been diligent with maintaining the free chlorine level, algae is
less likely. And algae can come in all sorts of colors. Let's try this.
Put 1/2 pound of pH reducer granules in a white sock. Shut off the filter.
Drop onto a stained area and leave in place for 15 minutes. Move around with a
pole. If this helped, it is positively a metals problem. If it did not work,
try the same thing with either ascorbic or oxalic acids. If this works, the
problem is metals. If not, it could be algae. Let me know how the tests turn
out and we'll go on to the next steps. Or refer to the archives on Pool
Staining. Good luck and I hope that this information proves helpful.
Sincerely. Alan
Schuster, 4/17/2005
I think you
were right! It was metals! Thanks a million for your insight!
Susan,
4/27/2005
►
Blood Red Pool
Water?
Right to the
point. We have "BLOOD RED" pool water! We use well water and after
chlorine was added the water turned! Please help us find an answer, if not
we'll be forced to use agricultural water and who knows what problems that will
bring! Thanks in advance. I HOPE!
Kelly O., Forest
Grove Oregon, 6/11/2006
Your well water sounds like it is
unfit to drink and possible not suitable for a pool. The iron content
seems very high, as no one has ever described the water as being blood red.
Yes, you can add chemicals, but it will take a lot. A better option would be to
have good quality water trucked in. What do you use for household
purposes? If you use a softener, that is how I would fill the pool. If you
want to press on, I suggest that you have the water tested for iron, copper and
manganese. You will have to add at least on dose for metal treatment for every
0.5 PPM. Maybe even more! Using agricultural runoff will add phosphates,
nitrates and more. It is a really poor option. I hope that this
information will be helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster,
6/12/2006
►
Foggy
Brown Pool?
I have a problem
with my pool. It is 15 X 30. I have a brown mist on the pool floor.
I checked with my test kit and everything seems to be fine. I check the
water and it is clear. I, then, tried to vacuum the pool and the floor
cleans up. The pool water gets hazy brown and then comes morning time, the brown
settles back to the pool floor. What is it and what can I do? Please
e-mail me.
Anthony P.,
Brooklyn, NY, 6/2/2003
What you are
describing is silt: fine particles that settle to the bottom. These
particles can be minerals, dead algae, debris, etc. Without a main drain,
it can be difficult to remove the silt.
Make sure that you operate
the filter during periods of activity. That way, the filter will have a
chance to remove the particles that are lifted off the bottom. Try
adding a "Blue" Clarifier. These products will help coagulate
particles and make their removal more efficient. Is the filter
operating properly and for long enough periods? If you have a
sand filter, do not backwash too frequently - usually only if the pressure is
too high. Try vacuuming before the pool is used in the morning.
An
automatic pool vacuum will easily remove and control the silt and help solve
the water clarity problem.
Something to consider? For more information on this product visit:
www.smartpool.com When I lived in Brooklyn (Bensonhurst) pools were
rare, but there were plenty of trees. I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely.
Alan Schuster, 6/2/2003
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