Really need advice re stains

NewPoolGirlTX · Sep 15, 2023

Rancho Cost-a-Lotta said:
That's an oxymoron.

I guess I'll just have to leave this with me being the only one that can see the light circles. Good luck!

no, I appreciate your input and I see light circles, but I don't use tablets. and the stains have never been uniform. there have always been clean spots. Honestly, I've only bought one single tablet since the pool was replastered and it's in pieces in a baggie in my garage. I have no idea why the light spots appear that way.

Texas Splash · Sep 15, 2023

NewPoolGirlTX said:
Do you follow the Jack's Magic #2 for the sulfamic acid treatment? Then you say to exchange the water. How much water? I looked for a blog post, but didn't see one.

I'll let @JamesW answer the sulfamic acid approach. But yes, once the acid lifts the copper stains (if that's what they are), then you'll want to exchange as much water as possible to remove the copper. In addition, the sulfamic acid lingers and messes with your chemicals later.

JamesW · Sep 15, 2023

JamesW said:
It is difficult to tell based on the pictures.

I suspect that sulfamic acid will be the best choice followed by a drain and refill or significant dilution.

Note: Any treatment has risks and costs.

The treatment might not work and it might cause more problems.

Note: Draining can cause damage to the pool.

Never drain unless you can verify that it is safe to do so.

Do your research and get enough information to make an informed decision.

All decisions are at your own risk.

Maybe contact Jack’s as they have experience with copper.

Contact Us | Jacks Magic

jacksmagic.com

Texas Splash · Sep 15, 2023

NPG, I don't think we ever provided you wiht this article. It's a good article to read if you determine that copper must be the culprit.

Copper in Pool Water - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

NewPoolGirlTX · Apr 27, 2024

Resurrecting this thread.

I have determined that I need to do Jack's Stain Solution #2 for my stains. This is mainly sulfamic acid, yes? once the stains are lifted, I need to drain and replace a bunch of water. @Texas Splash

Questions:
1) Jack's ha a "Proprietary formula". Are there cheaper sulfamic acid treatments that are just as good?
2) I I know I need to use a sequestrant. Do I need anything else? Does the Jack's fiber stuff do anything to help?
3) I live in Central Texas and we have high calcium in our water. I don't think I can get the level to 200-400. Will the treatment still work or do I need to adjust something?
4) I keep seeing that the treatment will mess with the water chemistry for a long time. I plan to replace at least half the water, I'm not sure if I can do all of it. If I don't drain it all, I'm not clear on how to manage the pool post treatment with the chemicals, like I know chlorine will be hard to measure, so how do I make sure the chemicals are ok? is there a write up about that?
5) draining and filling: What do I need to do during that process? I have a sand filter, can I drain through it if I turn off the skimmers and only suck through the floor or do I really need to rent a pump? What chemicals do I add as it fills back up?

I have to weigh cost and effort right now, as we are hoping to sell the house soon and resources are limited. I don't want to leave a mess for someone else, but I also don't necessarily need a perfect or permanent solution, although my perfectionist tendency really wants one.

PS For anyone following along. I did not find the Jack's stain ID kit to lift ANY of my stains immediately. What I did find, is that they would lift over a matter of hours afterwards. This caused me a great deal of frustration and wasted time and money. Just FYI