Remove Iron Stains
from a Swimming Pool
Many city and well water sources contain iron, some in significant amounts. This can cause iron stains in a swimming pool. Small stains also can be caused by a metal object being left in the pool. The stains are orange or brownish, essentially rust. Several options are available to remove iron stains from a swimming pool, most of which are available at your local pool store. You may need to try more than one.
Instructions
1. Determine if the stain actually is iron by rubbing a chewable vitamin C tablet on it. The ascorbic acid should make the stain come off easily. If the stain is small enough, vitamin C tablets are all you need.
2. Purchase a natural ascorbic acid-based pool product to apply directly to the stain. Alternatives include diphosphonic or oxalic acids. Several pool products are available for removing iron and other metal stains, including Leisure Rust Scum and Stain Eraser, SeaKlear Metal Stain Control and Super Stain Away.
3. Treat the entire pool with the acidic pool product as directed if you are having multiple iron stain problems. First lower the pH to about 6.0 with pH-down products, and lower the chlorine to below 1 part per million. Adding acid will further lower pH, so you'll need to bring it back to 7.2 to 7.6 again afterward, as well as bring the chlorine back to a suitable level before using the pool.
4. Purchase a stain-removal device that can be attached to a pool pole and submersed to the bottom of the pool, to remove small stains at the bottom. This apparatus applies a small amount of muriatic acid to the rust stain.
5. Scrape a chlorine tablet on the area to bleach the stain away.
6. Use wet/dry sandpaper and sand off the stain if it is located where sanding action will not leave a noticeable result on the plaster.
7. Prevent staining from occurring again by never leaving metal objects in or near the pool, and by having a sample of the fill water tested for naturally occurring metals. The fill water may need a water softener to remove iron. Metals also may be introduced through pool equipment or plumbing that has become corroded.
Tags: fill water, , pool product, Remove Iron Stains, swimming pool