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Avoiding Staining and Discoloration,
caused by Well Water!!! |
If
there is a possibility that new well water
additions will contain sediments,
dissolved metals or contaminants, you
should consider using something to
pre-filter the new water. Test your
source water for iron, copper and
manganese, to determine, if dissolved
metals present a potential problem. It
is better to avoid a problem, than to
try and treat it, after the water has
been added to the pool. The products
below can remove sediments, metals such
as iron, copper and manganese and
contaminates such as sulfur. The
MetalTrap
Filter, available in 3 sizes, attaches to the garden
hose and removes dissolved iron, copper
and manganese. The
WaterLink SpinTouch Lab is the
most advanced Pool and Spa Tester, ever
created, and can be used to test
Drinking Water and Well Water, as well.
Performs up to 10 different test, in
just one minute, and can provide
corrective chemical information.
The
MetalTrap
Dual-Cartridge Filter, available
in 3 sizes,
attaches
to a garden hose and removes dissolved
heavy metals and sediments. One
cartridge is washable and reusable and
the other is replaceable. Your
well water problems might be as easy to
solve, as attaching a garden hose to a
cartridge-like filter. |
|
If you have a pool or spa water
testing need, we should have the
product.
►
Scroll down to read through some
Question & Answer information.
◄
|
Removing Stains and Discoloring Metals,
from the water!!! |
Look for the presence of
rusty, tan, blue, green, purple, gray, brown
or black stains. These are typically
due to the presence of heavy metals,
such as iron, copper or manganese. Even
if there is no obvious staining, the
presence of these heavy metals will cause
water discoloration and possible
staining, after chlorine or bromine are
added or the pH is raised. Depending
upon the severity of the problem, the
products below can help you eliminate or
avoid problems. The
Stain Reversal
Kit contains everything needed
to remove the metal stains, eliminate
the heavy metals and help prevent a
recurrence, of the problem. The
Stain Remover
removes iron copper and manganese
stains.
Pool
Refresh-Total Trap helps
eliminate heavy metals and phosphates,
by filtering or vacuuming them out of the
pool water. The right products
can provide a real solution, for well
water problems. |
|
If you have a pool or spa water
testing need, we should have the
product.
►
Scroll down to read through some
Question & Answer information.
◄
|
Optimizing the water chemistry and
improving water clarity!!! |
Test the water chemistry and
adjust the pH, total alkalinity, calcium
hardness and cyanuric acid, as might be
necessary. A
ColorQ, All-Digital Tester can
perform all of the common pool water
tests and eliminates the color-matching
and guesswork. Some tester models,
such as the #2067 ColorQ PRO 9-Plus,
perform all of the common pool water
tests, plus copper and iron. Better
Circulation helps make everything work
more effectively. The
Circulator is a return jet
replacement fitting, that improves
filtration, eliminates dead zones that
promote algae growth, improves sanitizer
distribution and improves chemical
dispersion.
The NEW
ColorQ 2X Testers
are Bluetooth and available, in a range
of models. |
|
If you have a pool or spa water
testing need, we should have the
product.
►
Scroll down to read through some
Question & Answer information.
◄
|
How to treat and avoid well water
staining and discoloration? |
It is very common for well
water to contain dissolved minerals and, when
these include iron, copper or manganese
compounds, staining and/or water discoloration
is the result. Characteristically, when a color
change is observed, immediately following the
addition of chlorine, shock or chemicals that
raise the pH or total alkalinity, it is a sure
sign that metals are present. Staining is a
detraction from the overall appearance or
aesthetics of the pool, as well as an annoyance.
Colored stained walls, floors, steps and other
underwater surfaces can result from the
untreated presence of heavy metals, such as
iron, manganese and copper, in the pool water.
These metals can occur naturally in water
(especially well water) or may have been
introduced into the pool water, as a result of
corrosion. Copper algaecides are usually in a
chelated or stabilized form and are not normally
a problem, when used properly as directed. Pool
stain removal can be accomplished with the
proper materials and techniques. New or freshly
resurfaced masonry pools can be more susceptible
to staining, until the underwater surfaces have
"cured", for about six months and come to
equilibrium with the pool water. Stain avoidance
treatment should be considered, whenever a water
analysis indicates the potential for a problem.
If possible, test the source water before it is
added to the pool, as it is best to add mineral
treatments prior to the addition of oxidizers
(chlorine, bromine or shock) or the pH and/or
total alkalinity are increased. An alternative
method of dealing with known heavy metal
problems is to use the METALTRAP Filter, which
can physically remove the dissolved metals, as
the pool water is being added. If sediments are
involved, a METALTRAP Dual-Cartridge Filter
should be considered, as it removes both the
mineral sediments, as well as the dissolved
metals. Well water, containing sulfur, can
cause unpleasant odors and organic
contamination, that can increase chemical usage
and lead to discoloration. Sulfur and organic
contamination can be removed by the
MetalTrap
1-Micron Pre-Filter, when
this cartridge-like device is used to treat the
pool water and any make up water, afterwards.
Picture above are the products that will help
eliminate common well water problems. If
problems arise, refer to the
Pool Problems
Page, as a source of problem-solving
information, broken down into various
categories. Scroll down the page and click on the linked
keywords,
catch phrases
or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or product.
Do you know what's in
your water? If you're having problems, with stains
and discoloration, due to the presence of metals, you should
be testing for iron and copper, to better understand the
extent and cause of the problem. This helps select the
best treatment option. Understanding the nature of
the problem, should be step one. For information
about our full selection of testing options, visit our
Test Equipment Store.
For information about treatment options, visit our
Stain Treatments Store.
There are many causes of stains and discolorations,
which can appear in a variety of colors.
The color can sometimes point to a cause and solution.
Water Testing
can help verify the cause of the problem. |
Stain
or Discoloration Color |
Cause
and Treatment |
Green or
Brown |
Most likely, these are organic, in nature, and are
due to algae and/or tannins, leaching from many
common varieties of tree leaves. This is more
likely to happen, if the sanitizer (oxidizer) levels
are low and/or if there is poor circulation, across
the pool floor. Superchlorination and
improving circulation,
are the best course of action. |
Dark Blue, Green
or Black |
Dark blue, green or
black colors or mixtures are likely caused by
copper. High calcium hardness levels tend to cause
the stains to darker, in appearance. The
source could be corrosion of the copper heat
exchanger, natural sources, over use of copper
algaecides, ionizer or mineralizers. This type
of problem requires proper chemical treatment, such
as provided by the MetalTrap
Stain Reversal Kit. If present in the
source water, a MetalTrap
Dual-Cartridge Filter can be connected to the
garden hose, used to add new water. This will
help prevent the addition of more metals, with each
new water addition. |
Green,
Brown,
Tea-Colored or
Rusty-Red |
Green, Brown, Tea-Colored or Rusty-Red colors are
usually indicative of an iron problem. The
most likely source is the water being used to fill
the pool. This is especially true, when well
water is used. While the use of a
MetalTrap Stain Reversal Kit
will help solve the problem, a
MetalTrap Dual-Cartridge
Filter should be attached to the garden hose, in
order to avoid future recurrences. |
Brown, Black or Purple |
Brown, Black or Purple
colors are usually an indication of manganese being
present. This most often occurs, when well
water is being used. A test of the source
water should confirm the presence of manganese.
While the use of a MetalTrap
Stain Reversal Kit will help solve the problem,
a MetalTrap Dual-Cartridge
Filter should be attached to the garden hose, in
order to avoid future recurrences. |
Red or
Blue |
Red or Blue Stains can be associated, with the
presence of berries or vegetation.
This is more likely to happen, if the sanitizer
(oxidizer) levels are low and/or if there is poor
circulation, across the pool floor.
Superchlorination and
improving circulation, are the best course of
action. |
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▼
Helpful,
Problem-Solving Information, in a question and
answer format.
▼ |
►
How To Avoid Problems, When
Using Well Water?
Your web site is a great
resource for pool owners and
is full of useful
information. I have a pool
that is feed by well water
and I have all sorts of
problems keeping the
chemicals balanced and my
pool clean. It's a daily
battle. My biggest issue
occurs when I add chlorine
to the pool. The pool goes
greenish brown and a by
product is produced that
settles at the bottom. I've
read the information on your
website and it looks like my
best solution is the dual
cartridge metal trap. I
have 13,000 gallon pool. How
often would I need to change
out the cartridge?
Michael M., 3/26/2018
The
dual
cartridge MetalTrap filter
is what you need. How long
the cartridges will last
will deep on the sediment
and dissolved metals
content.
There are 3 series: 6, 14
and 22. The six series might
last for 12,000 gallons and
the fourteen series for
28,000 gallons. It could
last longer or less,
depending on your particular
water quality. Better you
spend money on preventing
the problems metals cause,
rather than waste it
constant chemical
treatments. Your problem
sounds like iron.
Dealing with well water with
a high iron and or copper
content can be a challenge.
It is best handled with a
MetalTrap Dual Filter. The
5-micron pre-filter will
remove the particulated
metals and is washable and
reusable. The second
MetalTrap Filter will remove
up to 1 PPM of metals, from
its rated volume. You will
have to test the water
coming out, for iron and
copper, to know when the
cartridge is exhausted.
This cartridge is not
washable, but is
replaceable. It is
important to keep the flow
rate low, about 5-8 gallons
per minute, when metals
content is high. I would
expect that you will require
several Metal Trap Filter
refills, based on the high
metals content.
I hope that I have been
helpful. If so, please tell
your friends and dealers
about the website.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/26/2018
► How Do I Avoid The
Staining, If Well Water Is Used?
I plan on having a 18,000 gallon
inground gunite pool installed, in about one month. My next
door neighbor had a similar pool installed last year and he
went through a terrible time, dealing with staining and
discoloration, because of the well water he used. I am not
even sure that he has solved the problem, as his pool is
still covered. I started to some research and found your
website, through Google. It looks like I will be using
similar well water (private). I don't think my softener can
handle all that water and trucking in water does not seem to
be an affordable option. I took the first step and had a
local pool dealer test for copper and iron. He found 0.0 PPM
of copper and 1.1 PPM of iron. He did not have a manganese
test. What would you do in this situation?
Bill J., Lexington, KY, 3/16/2016
I think you took the right first step: planning ahead. If
you simply filled the pool, staining and discoloration would
have surely followed. Just adding a metal treatment might
not solve the problem or at least not permanently. Most
metal "removers" are mislabeled or referred to in a
incorrect manner. At best, they chelate or complex the heavy
metals and do not actually remove the heavy metals. So
although, staining and discoloration are reduced or
eliminated, it may not permanent. The problem is that many
of the most popular ones are based on organic phosphonic
acid products and over time, degrade to the ortho-phosphate
form and the original problem starts to return. Not only do
you get the staining back, but you now have a phosphate
problem to deal with.
Start by backwashing or cleaning the filter, as you don't
want to dissolve any metals that the filter may have
removed. I would
use a METALTRAP Dual-Cartridge Filter to treat all of the
water, as it is being added to the pool. It will permanently
remove any heavy metals present. Nothing is better than
removing the metals. In addition, you might add a dose of
Liquid METALTRAP, when the pool is 1/2 filled. This will
help provide some insurance, should metals get added to the
pool, because of heavy rains washing debris into the pool or
as the result of corrosion of equipment, due to low pH.
Avoid using algaecides or products that contain metals. A
polymer algaecide would be best. For sanitizing I would
think in terms of chlorine and a salt chlorine generator
would be an excellent choice and avoid ionizers, in general.
When the pool is full adjust the water chemistry to the
suggested ranges and there should be no discoloration or
staining. In the future, whenever new water is added, make
sure that you run it through the METALTRAP
Dual-Cartridge Filter. Avoiding the problem, is the best
solution.
Good luck with the pool and I hope that the information will
prove helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/16/2016
► Phosphate
Problems With Well Water?
My well is adding phosphates to our
pool via the auto-fill. Will your Fresh Start product
capture the phosphates or just metals? If so, can I attach
it to one inch PVC line? Do you have another suggestion or
better idea if I am going down the wrong path? Thanks.
Darren B., 12/3/2016
Most likely the well water contains iron, as well. I would
use a METALTRAP Filter, to treat all new water being added
to the pool. This will remove iron, copper and other heavy
metals, from all new water additions. It won't remove
phosphates. To do that you can add the
POOL REFRESH system,
to the pool. It will precipitate the phosphates and heavy
metals, so that they can be vacuumed and/or filtered out.
When the filter is cleaned, these problematic minerals are
out of the pool, permanently. Test the water periodically,
to see if any follow up treatments are necessary. I hope
this information will help solve the problem.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 12/2/2016
► Used Water
From A Stream?
I thought I could save some money, by
filling the pool from a stream that runs behind my property.
It was a bad mistake, because as I added the chemicals, the
color went from a tea color to rusty brown. I have a 15,000
gallon above ground pool, which has horrible looking water
and stains to match. Can you offer a solution?
James G., 5/11/2013
You have an iron problem at least, but I suspect that you
realize this, by now. First of all don't add any chlorine,
as it will make the next step easier. Add a bottle of a 60%
polymer algaecide, to help maintain water quality, while we
tackle this problem. Get the pH to 6.8-7.2 and allow the
chlorine level to bottom out at zero. Add 1.5-2.0 pounds of
METALTRAP Stain Remover and keep the water
filtering, which should allow the iron and other heavy
metals to go back into solution. This should eliminate the
stains, but the discoloration of the water can remain. It
all depends on concentration of the iron, copper or
manganese. Running a test for these heavy metals, at this
point, could be very helpful. When the free chlorine has
reached close to 0 PPM, you should add the METALTRAP Stain
Remover. It will help to solubilize the metals, that have
stained the underwater surfaces. Use a brush to scrub the
surfaces, as this could speed the process. Once the stains
are gone, you should add two quarts of
Liquid METALTRAP, for
each 1 PPM of metals found. This product is a new chelating
agent and is 100% phosphate free. It tends to form stable
complex compounds with the heavy metals and does not break
down quickly or lose effectiveness, as do products based on
phosphonic acid derivatives. Liquid METALTRAP has the added
benefit of maintaining its effectiveness over a broader pH
range, than the phosphonic acid based products and because
it contains no phosphates, will not add to your problem, by
adding phosphates to the pool water. After the Liquid
METALTRAP has been added, keep the filter running 24/7 and
wait 2-3 days before adding chlorine. Add the chlorine
slowly, in 2-3 pound increments, until a free chlorine level
is re-established. A large amount of chlorine will be
required, because it will have to decompose the ascorbic
acid, first. The sole purpose of the ascorbic acid was to
solubilize the metals, so that they could be chelated by the
Liquid METALTRAP. In the future, add a dose of Liquid
METALTRAP, monthly and prior to adding new water. A
METALTRAP Filter, which is cartridge like, will allow you to
remove metals from the pool, by recirculating the pool
water, using a small submersible pump and a garden hose, and
can be used to treat new water that is added to the pool. It
will trap and remove the metals and that is the best way to
deal with this problem. I hope that this information will
prove helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/11/2013
► Well Water
Considerations?
I e-mailed you a few weeks ago for
information on chlorine generators, thank you for the
helpful info. Since that time, my husband and I have been
gathering information from some of our local pool dealers
and of course now I am more confused than ever. We have a 3
yr old in-ground 20,500 gal. vinyl lined, biguanide
maintained pool located in CT. We had an algae problem last
year and want to discontinue the biguanide. Our pool dealer
sells the a salt chlorinator system, but advised us against
using one because we have well water with known high iron
and manganese levels. (we do have a water system softener
system). When we filled our pool initially, we used half
well water and half was delivered. The water was tested and
not found to have metals present. We purchased a Dolphin
robotic pool cleaner for this season. Our pool dealer
recommends that we change the sand in our filter and now
that we have the automatic pool cleaner, to continue with the biguanide. I
stopped in at another pool dealer and they suggested trying
a "copper-based product" as an alternative to using
biguanide. She said they have not found any staining
problems, even with well water. I was doing some research
about this "copper-based product" and I am now concerned
about the copper. Most of the pool forums I visit say to
stay away from all copper based products in general. I was
considering going with regular chlorine, but I am concerned
about the liner bleaching. Any advice you can give me is
greatly appreciated. Thank you in advance. Sincerely.
Carrie C., CT, 4/25/2007
If you have a sand filter that is operating properly and
would like to improve the water quality, replacing the sand
with a zeolite sand replacement filter media, which should be able to remove those small
particles, that previously could have passed right through
the filter. It can even take out some of the metals! Why
hasn't someone suggested this before? A zeolite sand filter
replacement weights a lot less than sand. You should require
one-half of the weight of sand. That means in place of 300
pounds of ordinary filter sand, you will only require 150
pounds of zeolite.
You need to give up on biguanide, no matter what. It is
common for people to develop resistant microorganisms, after
a few years of use. Once this happens, you should make the
switch permanent.
The use of copper products, with well water, is poorly
advised. If you have metals in the water, you will have to
treat them with appropriate products. Copper will just
become part of the problem and will require even more metal
treatment, while offering diminished performance. I have a
wealth of experience with copper products and I never
believed their use with metal-laden well water was the best
move.
To switch from biguanide, you need to add 4 pounds or
gallons of chlorine per 5,000 gallons of pool water. Add
more, if necessary, until a stable FREE CHLORINE level is
maintained. However, before doing this I suggest that you
add at least a double dose of a phosphate-free, metal
treatment, such as Liquid METALTRAP, even if the tests are
negative. If not negative, add at least one dose per 0.5
PPM. More is better! Consider adding a
METALTRAP Filter to
treat all new water. Nothing is better than keep metals out
of the pool.
Liner bleaching can occur when high levels of chlorine are
maintained for long periods of time or there is direct
contact with a chlorine product. A salt chlorine generator
helps you avoid high concentrations and the need to shock
the pool frequently. A turn of the dial allows for to set
the level.
Which now brings us back to the
salt chlorinator. It is a much
better choice than ordinary chlorine. Your pool has been
filled with acceptable water and you should try and keep it
that way. Add a dose of a metal treatment monthly or prior
to adding new water. As a bonus, it will help keep the salt
chlorinator cell free of scale. A salt chlorine generator
will better serve your pool needs, cause less liner fading
and be no more of a problem with metals, than would the
hydrogen peroxide shock used with biguanide or the oxidizer
used with the copper product or just plain old chlorine. I
think it is the right choice! Good luck and I hope that I
have been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/25/2007
► What To Do
About Using Well Water?
I am going to be filling a new 12,000
gallon pool, using well water, that I know contains some
iron. I am afraid of stains that might result. I don't have
a water softener. Any good suggestions? Thank you.
Barry G., Easton, PA, 7/1/2009
It does pay to plan ahead, in your situation. If you add the
well water through a METALTRAP
Dual-Cartridge Filter, the heavy metals will
be permanently removed. When the pool needs to be topped
off, pass all the water through the METALTRAP Filter.
Removing metals, as the pool fills is the best insurance
against future problems. Remember, always use the METALTRAP
Filter to treat all new water! 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. Good luck and I hope that
I've been helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 7/1/2009
► Stains Keep
Coming Back?
Help!!! I have a fiberglass pool and
it all started, when my well water seemed to start showing
iron. My pH was on the low side, because of using trichlor
tablets and when I raised the pH, I ended up with stains all
over the pool. First I added some metal removers, which
failed to make any difference. Then, I was told ascorbic
acid would solve the problem. And it did! They told me to
add more metal remover, wait a few days and then start
adding chlorine. It took a while to get the chlorine back to
normal. It seemed to be solved at last. Over the next few
weeks, the staining slowly returned and now I am back to
square one. The dealer says that I need to repeat the
process and add twice as much metal remover and wait a week,
before adding chlorine. I think he is clutching at straws,
at my expense. Do you have a solution for a recurring stain?
Jeff S., NY. 6/28/2018
There is a permanent solution! But, first we need to set
the record straight. Dealers and some manufacturers love to
use the term "removes metals." If it truly removed the
metals, where did they go and why does the staining keep
returning? At best these product complex with heavy metals
and allow them to remain in solution, without staining. Most
of these products contain a phosphonic acid chemical, which
form a colorless complex with most heavy metals. The problem
is that they slowly degrade to ortho-phosphate, over time
and faster, if the pH is high. Now the staining returns. In
addition, you now have a phosphate problem, as well. The
static negative electrical charge on the fiberglass tends to
attract the positively charged heavy metal ions and staining
starts, once again. There are two ways to approach this
problem and break the cycle. Allow the free chlorine to zero
out and add a quart of 60% polymer algaecide to maintain the
water, while there is no chlorine present. Get the pH to
about 7.0. Now add METALTRAP Stain Remover and keep the
filter on 24/7. Scrub the walls, to help things along. In
due course, the stains will be removed. You have been here
before! There are two choices to make, at this point. You
can use the cartridge-like, METALTRAP Filter with a garden
hose and a small submersible or cover pump and recirculate
the pool water. As the water passes through the METALTRAP
Filter, the heavy metals are trapped and removed
permanently. It may take a few days, but if you
test the
water for iron, you will see the iron level (in your case) dropping.
Once the iron level gets down to under 0.1 PPM, you might
want to add a dose of Liquid METALTRAP. This is a true
chelating agent, that contains no phosphates and is
unaffected by normal pool chemistry or higher pH levels.
Give it another days or so and start to add chlorine, to
re-establish a
proper level. You should be home free. To
keep it that way, add a monthly dose of Liquid METALTRAP and
run all new water additions through the METALTRAP Filter.
The other option would be to use only the Liquid METALTRAP.
I think the METALTRAP FILTER is the way to go. Thereafter,
once a season, recirculate all of the pool water, through
the METALTRAP Filter, as added protection. This regimen is
the best way to deal with a recurring stain problem. I hope
that this information will prove useful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 6/28/2018
► Improving
Well Water Quality?
We have a vacation home with an above
ground pool. Our only water source is a well. There is
always discoloration upon filling, after chemicals are
added. I have added chemicals, as recommended, but it
doesn't seem to solve the problem. Is there a better way?
Karen K., Blowing Rock, NC, 9/2/2009
The METALTRAP Dual-Cartridge Filter will permanently remove metals from
water, as well as sediments, up to 5-microns in size. Use it to fill the pool and other household uses. It
meets the requirements of NSF-60 and NSF-61, as relates to
water quality. This should make a clear difference is water
quality, color and even taste.
I hope that this information will be helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/2/2009
► Sulfur
Present?
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
MetalTrap 1-Micron 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
► Sulfur
Odor: Bad Smell and Ugly Color?
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 MetalTrap 1-Micron Pre-Filter
and a small submersible, along with a garden hose to
recirculate the water. Keep the pool filter running. The
pre-filter 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 pre-filter, it should
improve. In the future, use the
METALTRAP
Dual-Cartridge Filter, to remove sulfur, metals and
contaminants, when adding water to top off the pool. I hope
this helps make a difference.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 6/30/2009
► Used Well
Water - Sulfur Smell and Ugly Greenish Color?
We are nearly finished filling our
18,000 gallons above ground pool, with well water. It smells
like there is a Sulfur odor and has a really unappealing,
murky greenish brown color. We live in the boondocks and
don't have city water. I was unable to use our in-home
filter system. I was told, because of the volume required.
Where should I do? This is our first pool and I realize that
I am off to a bad start.
Ken H., Tucson, AZ, 4/30/2008
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 MetalTrap Dual-Cartridge Filter and a small submersible, along
with a garden hose to
recirculate the water. Keep the
pool filter running. The pre-filter should be able to remove
the offensive smelling sulfur and other organic
contamination. Your well water is obviously of poor quality.
You would have been better off having water trucked in, if
there was no other option. However, draining the pool could
cause the liner to shrink and that would not be good. So
let's try and fix what you have. As you recirculate the
water through the MetalTrap Dual Cartridge Filter, it will
slowly improve. Run it 24/7, because the flow rate is only
5-7 gallons a minute. Keep the pool filter running 24/7, as
well. Get the chemistry right and a free chlorine of 5 PPM
and see what it looks like. Watch
the filter pressure and clean or backwash wash, as needed.
In the future, considering using the
METALTRAP Dual-Cartridge Filter, to remove sulfur, metals
and contaminants, when adding water to top off the pool. I
hope this helps make a difference I hope this helps make a
difference.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/30/2008
► Grayish
Spots In Fiberglass Pool?
I have a 18 by 36 fiberglass in ground
pool, and I have noticed lately that there is round grayish
black spots all over the bottom, I tried scrubbing them off,
but nothing, I have shocked it and put in algaecide and
nothing happens, what can I do to get rid of these. We use
well water, but it is considered to be of good quality.
Robin M., 8/29/2008
The stains could be due to a metal in the water: possibly
iron and/or copper. Cobalt can be a problem with older
fiberglass pools. If the problem turns out to be cobalt,
there are products to try. However, they may not work and
the only recourse might be a refinishing. Newer fiberglass
products seem not be affected to the same extent, as older
technology finishes. Try this and, hopefully, it will remove
the colored spots and stains. Add 1/2 pound of pH reducer
powder to a white sock, shut off the filter and drop onto a
stain. Position using the vacuum pole and leave in place
for about 15 minutes. Move the sock around with the vacuum
pole after this period. If the stain is gone, repeat
elsewhere, as needed. Once the stains are gone, add a dose
of phosphate-free, Liquid METALTRAP, in order to avoid a
recurrence. If not try the same technique using ascorbic
acid - some pool dealer carry the product. Try placing a few
vitamin C tablets on the spots. If this works it indicates
that METALTRAP Stain Remover will work and that it is a
metal stain. Fiberglass has a negative electrical charge
and can attract positively charged metallic ions, causing
the development of a stain. The problem can be solved more
effectively, with the METALTRAP Filter. This cartridge-like
filter is used to recirculate the pool water and, as water
passes through its special media, metals are permanently
removed. If you use it to treat all new water and
seasonally, thereafter, you should be able to better
maintain the pool's appearance. I hope that I have been
helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/29/2008
► Well Water
Stain Problem?
Alan, We have a 30,000 gal. in-ground
pool that is filled from a private well on an ionization
system with a sand filter. About (2) years ago, we started
noticing dark stains in the pool. At first it was only on
the fiberglass steps, but now we also have it forming on the
vinyl especially in the deep end. By reading other articles
by you, we feel problem is caused by iron from the well
water (have noticed some staining in house toilets). If this
is true, will adding a solution to the pool to remove these
stains hurt the ionization system? Thanks.
Tommy, 5/16/2010
Yes, the addition of a mineral treatment can affect the
copper ions. Have the water tested for iron and copper. The
copper at a few tenths of a PPM should be from the ionizer.
Any iron would be undesirable! The iron should be treated
with a metal treatment: there is little choice in the
matter. Some of the ionizer manufacturers will advise you
to add a dose of a chelated copper algaecide to maintain the
effectiveness of the copper ion concentration. Read the
instruction manual for comments on this topic. If it were my
choice, I would forgo the addition of the copper algaecide,
inasmuch as we are not certain about the cause of the
staining. Instead, I would add a quart of a 60% Polymer
Algaecide and continue with the maintenance dose for another
few weeks. By that time, the copper concentration should
have reached a new equilibrium. There is a another solution,
that can really make a difference with well water: the
METALTRAP Filter physically removes iron, from the pool, as
the water is recirculated through the METALTRAP Filter. Even
better would be a Dual-Cartridge, MetalTrap Filter which
will remove both dissolved and undissolved metals.
Using Dual-Cartridge, METALTRAP Filter, to treat all new
water, helps keep new additions of iron and other metals out
and minimizes the possibility of staining. You could use The
METALTRAP Filter to recirculate the pool water. It will
remove the iron, as well as the copper. Once done, you can
test the copper level and replenish with a one-time addition
of a copper algaecide. Afterwards, use the METALTRAP
Filter, when any new water is added, to prevent the
introduction of iron and other heavy metals. I hope that the
advice proves helpful.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/16/2010
► Stains All
Gone!!!
We took your advice and used a metal
treatment product. Brown stains on steps are gone! I am so
disgusted when I think of what we have done this summer and
last! Two different companies tested the well water and
pool water for metal and said there was none! How often, as
a general rule, should we use the metal treatment product?
The bottle did have a maintenance dosage amount
recommended. Thanks so much!
Debbie H., Montgomery, Alabama, 10/26/2010
Pool stores usually only test for iron and copper. The
problem could have been another metal or there was something
in the water that interfered with the test. The main thing
is that your problem sounded like it was caused by a metal.
Follow the maintenance dosage, as specified on the label,
and add monthly and whenever new make up water is added.
Inasmuch you are on well water, using the
METALTRAP Filter
or Dual-Cartridge METALTRAP Filter (an even better choice,
when well water is being used) to treat all new water, helps
keep new additions of iron and other metals out and
minimizes the possibility of staining. You could, also, use
The METALTRAP Filter or the Dual-Cartridge METALTRAP Filter
to recirculate the pool water and lower the heavy metal
content, already present in the pool water. There is no set
rule for these things, as much depends on the metals content
and the overall pool chemistry. More often is always the
safer choice. Monthly might be reasonable. Glad it all worked out.
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 10/27/2010
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