Services at Foley Pools
Removing Swimming Pool Stains
A Complete Guide
Pool stains can make even the most beautiful custom pool look unappealing. Whether caused by minerals, organic debris, or chemical imbalances, stains can be stubborn and require specific treatment methods to remove them effectively. In this guide, we'll explore how to identify, treat, and prevent pool stains, ensuring your pool stays crystal-clear and inviting.
How to Prevent Pool Stains
Keep Your Pool Clean
Skim, brush, and vacuum regularly to prevent organic buildup.
Balance Your Pool Chemistry
Maintain proper pH, alkalinity, and calcium levels.
Routine Maintenance
Professional inspections help prevent long-term staining issues.
Types of Pool Stains
Pool stains can be frustrating and unsightly, but understanding their cause and treatment is key to maintaining a clean, beautiful swimming pool. Stains generally fall into four categories: organic stains, metal stains, calcium scale stains, and rust stains. Each type has unique characteristics and requires specific removal methods to restore your pool’s pristine appearance.
1. Organic Stains
Organic stains are among the most common types of pool stains, caused by leaves, algae, berries, and other natural debris that settle on the pool's surface or sink to the bottom. These stains absorb into porous pool materials and are particularly common in pools surrounded by trees and landscaping.
3. Calcium Scale Stains
Calcium buildup in pools, also known as calcium scaling, occurs when calcium hardness levels in the water become too high, causing white, gray, or chalky deposits to form on pool surfaces. These stains are most commonly found on walls, steps, tiles, and along the waterline, where water evaporation leaves behind mineral residue. Over time, untreated calcium buildup can become thicker and harder, making it more difficult to remove.
2. Metal Stains
Metal stains in pools occur when trace metals present in the water oxidize and bond with pool surfaces, leading to noticeable discoloration. This oxidation process is typically triggered by chlorine, pH imbalances, or the presence of oxidizing agents in the water.
4. Rust Stains
Rust stains in pools are unsightly, and if left untreated, they can worsen over time and compromise the appearance of your pool. These stains are usually caused by oxidation, a chemical reaction that occurs when metal comes into contact with water and oxygen. As the metal corrodes, it releases iron particles that embed into pool surfaces, creating reddish-brown, orange, or yellow discoloration.
Organic Stains
Metal Stains
Calcium Stains
Rust Stains
How to Remove Each Type of Stain?
Different pool stains require different treatment methods based on their cause. Here’s how to effectively remove each type:
Organic stains are usually brown, green, or blue and result from natural debris left in the pool too long. To remove them, brush the stained area thoroughly, then shock the pool with chlorine to break down the organic material. For stubborn stains, apply chlorine granules directly to the affected spot and scrub with a pool brush. Running the pool filter continuously after treatment helps clear out any remaining particles.
Metal stains appear in various colors: reddish-brown for iron, green/blue for copper, and black/purple for manganese. These stains often come from well water, corroded pipes, or pool equipment. To remove them, use a metal sequestrant to bind and remove metals from the water. For direct stain removal, apply ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) for iron stains and citric acid for copper stains. Keeping your pH and alkalinity balanced can also prevent metals from settling and causing future stains.
Calcium buildup is common in North Texas due to hard water. Light calcium stains can be scrubbed with a pumice stone or a calcium remover, while more stubborn deposits may require an acid wash. To prevent buildup, maintain balanced water chemistry, keeping calcium hardness levels between 200-400 ppm and pH levels between 7.2-7.6. Using a scale inhibitor can also help prevent mineral deposits from forming.
Rust stains appear as reddish-brown or orange spots and are often caused by metal objects left in the pool or corroding rebar beneath the surface. To remove surface-level rust stains, apply ascorbic acid (Vitamin C powder) or a stain remover directly to the affected area and scrub. If stains result from rebar corrosion, the damaged area may need to be chipped out and resurfaced by a pool professional to prevent further structural damage.
Common North Texas Pool Stains
In North Texas, calcium scale stains are the most common type of pool staining due to the region’s hard water. These stains appear as white, gray, or chalky deposits along pool walls, steps, tiles, and the waterline. High levels of calcium and minerals in the water cause these stains to form, especially when water chemistry is unbalanced or evaporation rates are high, which is common in the hot Texas climate.
Professional Stain Removal
While some pool stains can be treated with DIY methods, stubborn or deep-set stains often require professional cleaning services to restore your pool’s appearance. In North Texas, factors like hard water, metal-rich well water, and organic debris from trees can lead to persistent stains that won’t fade with basic treatments.
Common Questions About
Removing Pool Stains
-
Pool stains are caused by organic debris (leaves, algae, berries), metals in the water (iron, copper, manganese), calcium buildup from hard water, and rust from metal objects or corroding rebar.
-
The color of the stain can help determine its cause. Green, brown, or blue stains are usually organic. Reddish-brown, blue-green, or black stains often indicate metal buildup. White or gray chalky stains are from calcium, and rust-colored spots come from metal corrosion.
-
Brushing the stain, shocking the pool, and running the filter can remove organic stains. For stubborn stains, apply chlorine directly to the area and scrub.
-
Use a metal sequestrant to remove metals from the water and apply ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) for iron stains or citric acid for copper stains. Keeping your pool’s pH and alkalinity balanced can prevent future metal staining.
-
Light calcium buildup can be scrubbed with a pumice stone or calcium remover. Severe scaling may require an acid wash by a pool professional. Keeping calcium hardness levels balanced can prevent future buildup.
-
Regularly balance your water chemistry, clean your pool, remove debris, and use stain preventers like metal sequestrants and scale inhibitors.
-
If stains persist after DIY treatments, or if you have severe calcium scaling, deep rust stains, or extensive discoloration, a professional can safely remove the stains and restore your pool’s surface.
Let Us Help
•
Let Us Help •
Saying Goodbye to Pool Stains
Don’t let unsightly stains ruin the look of your custom pool! Whether you're dealing with organic stains, metal discoloration, calcium buildup, or rust, Foley Pools has the expertise to restore your pool’s beauty. Our professional stain removal services ensure your pool stays clean, clear, and inviting all year long.
Contact us today for a free consultation and let our experts help you keep your North Texas pool in top condition. Call us now or request a service appointment online!
