Run53...yes, I'm afraid you will need to maintain, though perhaps not quite at that rate if you prefer to use a visual cue such as a slight tint to the steps.
However, are you on well and do you know what your readings are in terms of iron and copper?
I ask because while culator did absolutely nothing for me, switching my fill source to softened water has enabled me to dramtically reduce my metals to "almost" not staining. Eg for copper, .3, for iron, .3 to .4 -- borderline stain territory.
If you're on well, have a dual softener system for capacity (otherwise tops ups will use all the treated water and switch over to raw well) its a consideration. There are also some mechanical filters (pre filters, usually) that can reduce the load.
With the pre filters, like all mecanical media filters, including the small greensand type, the amount you remove depends on the ppm and the flow rate...eg another poster here who tested a Metal Trap pre-filter (green sand) reported a reduction from 1.3 ppm iron in source water to about .4. Others have used a polishing filter bag called Slimebag, which you can fit on a return, to reduce metal, particularly when oxidized. (
The Slime Bag | The Easiest Way To Maintain Crystal Clear Pool Water. )
So I don't mean to leave you with the impression that any of the filters will magically remove all metal, but when it comes to metal management and metals accrued over time from source water it certainly helps reduce the sequestrant diet
So if you tell me a litte more about your water source, metal level, etc. I'd be happy to share any tactics I've had luck with.
