I just purchased a home with a 1960’s -era pool. I am new to pool care and am looking for a way to clean the black buildup that has accumulated near the waterline. What is it and what are the most effective means of removal? So far I’ve tried muriatic acid and RMR-86. I had some success with muriatic acid but, as you can see in the pic, the most stubborn sections remain. I’m assuming it will take a combo of muriatic acid and elbow grease, but am not sure what type of brushes, bricks, etc. to use. TIA!!!
Black buildup near waterline
- Thread starter vvaughn76
- Start date
- Jun 24, 2021
- 16,349
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Its just oils from skin, lotion, hair products, etc.
Make up a baking soda paste and scrub it lightly with a microfiber cloth (or any cloth really).
Make up a baking soda paste and scrub it lightly with a microfiber cloth (or any cloth really).
No luck with the baking soda paste and microfiber cloth. Would I have better luck with baking soda paste and magic eraser?
I have confirmed that it can be removed with a razor blade, but I certainly would want to avoid that as the solution.
- Jun 24, 2021
- 16,349
- Pool Size
- 29000
- Surface
- Vinyl
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool RJ-60 Plus
Wow, then I don't know what it is. I use BS paste on my black scum.
Maybe @ajw22 knows what it is...
Maybe @ajw22 knows what it is...
I had a pool guy out to the house when I first bought, and he said the same thing: oil buildup. Perhaps you guys are right, and it’s been neglected for so long that it’s extra tough to remove?
- Jul 21, 2013
- 65,473
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Pool scum mixed with Efflorescence - Further Reading is my guess.
