Staining

[BalancingActor]

So, we have staining. See photos. I did the vitamin C thing in a sock last night and it took up the stain. However, there is no way I can do that for the entirety of the staining. Pool is 9 ft deep and I am not a mermaid yet. Maybe in another life. I have made my brain bleed watching videos and reading. I cannot seem to find 2 articles/videos that say to do the same thing. So I am here at the direction of FB. I have a grad party mid July that I want the stains gone by. If not gone, lessened. Just under 23,000 gal pool. In the first photo above the hand is the spot that I got up with the vit. c.
This is what I have gathered so far:
Clean, brush, backwash. Chlorine level below 1. Turn off pump 2 hrs. get water still. Dump the Bioguard Erase Iron Stain Remover (2 bottles). Circulate 1 hr. Add Pool Magnet Plus (1 bottle). Sparkle up in skimmer (3 caps). Keep on circulate overnight.
Morning Filter on.

 

[Texas Splash]

Clean, brush, backwash. Chlorine level below 1. Turn off pump 2 hrs. get water still. Dump the Bioguard Erase Iron Stain Remover (2 bottles). Circulate 1 hr. Add Pool Magnet Plus (1 bottle). Sparkle up in skimmer (3 caps). Keep on circulate overnight.
Morning Filter on.

We have a different process here at TFP to address the staining. The link is below. Problem this time of year is that with warm water there is always a chance of getting algae when you let the FC fall to zero. If you get algae, then forget about staining. You have to remove the algae first via the SLAM Process which can actually make staining worse because of the elevated FC level.

After reading our article below, go whichever route you feel you need to since you are on a timeline, but be realistic as well. IMO, when people are hot in the summer, they care about 3 things at a party: free food, free drinks, and a way to cool off. They probably won't care too much about staining at that point. If they do, give them more to drink.

For now, I would offer the following:
1 - Keep the pH on the low side with muriatic acid. Iron gets aggravated with an elevated pH.
2 - FC should not be exceptionally high, but there does need to be enough in there to prevent algae. If you must lower the FC for a process, be sure to use Polyquat 60 algae.
3 - A sequestrant is fine, just remember the iron is still in the water. The iron never leaves unless you lift it then change the water.
4 - Keep polyfill around. Try it in the skimmer to see if it grabs iron.

The ideal time to treat for widespread staining is when the water is still cold, but do what you have to do. Look over our guidance and let us know if you have more questions.

Ascorbic Acid Treatment - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[BalancingActor]

We tried the muriatic acid and we "slammed" the pool 3 times when we opened. I just can't get the stains up. My chemical levels, according to the pool place is "perfect"

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
You need a proper test kit. I suggest the TF-100/Pro or Taylor K2006C. A proper test kit is needed to get the accurate water chemistry results needed to follow the TFP protocols.

Be sure to read the AA article Pat posted.

 

[Lake Placid]

We tried the muriatic acid and we "slammed" the pool 3 times when we opened. I just can't get the stains up. My chemical levels, according to the pool place is "perfect"

Muriatic acid is completely different than Absorbic Acid and will not correct your staining issue. Absorbic acid will, but it’s got its risks this time of year. Pat directed you the right way. A SLAM is a process, not something you’d do 3 times when you opened. I suspect you mean Superchlorinated? Here’s a link to the SLAM process for you to browse as time permits. SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain

 

[BalancingActor]

I guess I don't understand why you are telling me to SLAM when my levels are fine. Its the stains I want gone. My pool isn't green the water is crystal clear. It only looks green bc of the brown stains.

 

[BalancingActor]

Muriatic acid is completely different than Absorbic Acid and will not correct your staining issue. Absorbic acid will, but it’s got its risks this time of year. Pat directed you the right way. A SLAM is a process, not something you’d do 3 times when you opened. I suspect you mean Superchlorinated? Here’s a link to the SLAM process for you to browse as time permits. SLAM - Shock Level and Maintain

Yes, I super chlorinated, at opening. Then we used muriatic acid, for no reason than someone told me it would lift the stains. That was a bust, but I had a coupon at Ace so it only cost me $3.

 

[mknauss]

I guess I don't understand why you are telling me to SLAM when my levels are fine. Its the stains I want gone. My pool isn't green the water is crystal clear.

They were referencing your statement

and we "slammed" the pool 3 times when we opened.

 

[Texas Splash]

Yes, I super chlorinated, at opening. Then we used muriatic acid, for no reason than someone told me it would lift the stains. That was a bust,

I think the discussion got a little off course somehow with the whole SLAM thing. We can come back to that later if you would like.

Did you have any questions about my post above in Post #2?