Your Ultimate Guide to Stain & Scale Removal

Pool Stain and Scale Causes  

Before you choose and use any pool cleaning product, you have to figure out what has caused the problem. Two common categories cause pool stains, which include: 

Metal 

Several types of metal may make its way into your pool. Your primary water source could be a well, or you may have corroded pipes in the water system. Staining can also occur because of rusted metal equipment, parts, or accessories.

Organic

Berries, leaves, and other organic debris may leave stains if they settle in the pool and are not cleaned up right away.

After you have figured out what caused the stain, you can choose the right stain remover. The best way to do this is by looking at the color of the stain.

What’s What in the Pool Stain World?

Now that you know the common causes of pool staining get to know the specifics of what causes them.

Purple, Brownish or Blackish Stains 

A dark color combination like this occurs because of manganese. It is a metal that occurs naturally in well water but may be found in municipal water supplies, too. Water is treated to reduce the manganese present, but not remove it altogether.

Greenish Brown Stains

An organic stain usually causes this staining. Plant matter usually leaves behind colors like this.

Reddish Brownish Green Stains 

This color combination means too much iron is in the water. If you fill your pool with well water, there is a good chance it contains iron.

You may have iron around or in your pool area, too, like a fence. If rust is present, the rust may make it into the pool, which can result in stains that are these colors.

Bluish Red Stains 

Do you see a stain that looks like a brightly colored berry? If you have trees or bushes that make berries close to your pool, these are likely the problem.

Greenish Blackish Blue Stains

There are several potential causes. They may be the result of organic matter, such as berries or leaves. However, if nothing like that is near your pool, the culprit is likely copper.

Copper is another substance found in well water. If there is copper piping in your plumbing system, it could be corroded, which may also cause stains.

Stain and Scale Removal Tips

Remember, figuring out the cause of the stain and the source is just half the battle. The next step is to remove them.

Eliminating Organic Pool Stains

With organic staining, you can use chlorine to eliminate it. However, remember, the amount you use for regular sanitizing won’t be enough. It is necessary to super-chlorinate the water.

This requires you to use pool shock. To use this, follow these steps:

• Test and balance the pool water
• Shock your pool
• Brush and scrub your pool
• Run the pump
• Brush and scrub your pool again
• Check the stains

For best results, be sure to shock at night or dusk. If you aren’t sure of the volume in your pool, you can use a pool calculator to help you figure it out.

Eliminating Metal Pool Stains 

Metal stains are often more challenging to get rid of than organic stains. While this is true, they aren’t impossible to eliminate.

Use these steps to get rid of metal pool stains:

• Test the water to determine what metals are present
• Purchase a metal pool stain remover
• Follow the instructions on the product

Sometimes, more than one treatment is necessary to remove metal pool stains.

Continued Maintenance and Preventative Steps 

Locating the source of a stain is crucial to prevent it from appearing again. If you have a weird backyard and it is difficult to avoid staining, you do have options.

You could install a black pool liner. This will hide the stains in between the regularly scheduled cleanings.

You can also use a pool sealant to protect the surface from stains and yellowing. It will also help you win the battle against scale build-up.

Be sure to shock your pool regularly and keep the chemicals at the proper levels. This can help prevent most issues.

Keep Your Pool Clean and Swim-Ready All Year 

There is no question you made a rather large investment in your pool. Now you need to protect it by keeping it clean and free of stain and scale build-up.

If you need help or tips for stain or scale removal, it is smart to contact the professionals. They can help ensure you get the quality maintenance and care services you need for a price you can afford.

Along with keeping your pool clean, scale-, and stain-free, the right professional products can ensure that a pool remains swim-ready all season long. If you are ready to buy, check out our selection of available products.