New Pool-Iron???

[samanthafox9713]

We just set up our pool this weekend. Not a large pool, 14' by 42". We hooked it directly to our well pump so the softener didn't burn up filling it. It's a yucky brown, which we are assuming is iron??

We've been told to try 10 different things. We've added some chlorine. My husband is taking a sample up right now to a pool store to see what they say.

Until he gets back...any ideas??

 

[jblizzle]

Welcome to TFP!!!

While the iron is in the water, run the filter to try to filter the iron out. There are a few threads you can search for about using batting or paper towels in the skimmer to try to remove the iron.

I hope your husband does not buy a bunch of their magic potions.

 

[samanthafox9713]

The pool place said they will not test the water because it has not been running through the filter for 24 hours yet.

Here's a stupid question being a first-time pool owner. What is the skimmer?

 

[triptyx]

It's a hole along the waterline that usually has a basket so that it can suck in floating debris and strain it.

 

[samanthafox9713]

Oh, yeah we are not the fancy! Ours is just a smaller above ground pool.

 

[triptyx]

No worries! They do make skimmers for aboveground pools too, but if you don't have one, we'll have to find another way to get the iron under control.

 

[samanthafox9713]

We just bought a testing kit from the store. Had a coupon so what the heck, at least it will give us a little insite as to what we are looking at!

 

[jblizzle]

Which kit specifically?

Likely it is not one of the recommended ones.

 

[samanthafox9713]

Probably not. It's an hth with test strips.

 

[jblizzle]

Test strips are garbage. Not even worth trying IMO.

 

[Texas Splash]

HTH makes basic drop-test kits sold at places like Wal-Mart which are okay for short-term drop-testing pH, chlorine not to exceed 5 ppm, and sometimes TA, CH, and CYA. But those kits have limitations and won't test FC over 5 ppm which you may need later. I would ask you to consider the TF-100 (link below) to ensure 100% control of your testing and what your water needs. You might also consider the "Speed Stir" for quick & accurate mixing. It helps quite a bit.

Here's some info on metals and what your options might be:
Pool School - Metals in the Water and Metal Stains

 

[samanthafox9713]

Dye ones better?

 

[Texas Splash]

Yes, the drop-test (dye) ones are better.