Hi - been lurking here for awhile. Thanks in advance for your help.
As the subject says, I'm a first-time pool owner who just finished a complete pool renovation after we bought our new-to-us home (reno included new plumbing, white plaster, tile, skimmers, decking, and equipment -- SWG, DE filter, pump, polaris). Pool is approx 30K gals.
On recommendation of PB, we filled most of the pool from a very clear creek that runs behind our property (city water here is VERY expensive). PB added a couple of gals of sequestering agent during fill, but was distracted with other jobs, so he really didn't pay much attention to the fill process. After about 1 week -- no surprise to me now that I've reviewed some past posts on this site -- dark blue to purple stains appeared after he shocked the pool (mainly on steps, corners and portions of deep-end walls). Since then, he added 4-5 more gals of sequestering agent (unfamilar brand that I can't now recall) and backwashed a number of times. Pool is now crystal clear, but no change in stains over the last 3 weeks or so.
PB claims stains will eventually disappear and acts disinterested, unresponsive. On the positive side, I withheld final payment, so all isn't completely lost. Now I'm trying to address this myself. Took sample to Leslies and they tested for metals -- found no cooper or iron (said they couldn't test for manganese?). Other results were:
FC = .5
TC = .5
pH = 8.0
TA = 120
Calcium Hardness = 260
CYA = 20
Phosphates = 200
Salt = 2900
Since added a gal of muratic acid.
Tried the Vit C tablet test on steps. No immediate reaction, but after letting 3 tablets sit and dissolve for about 30 mins, stain turned darker (brown-blackish), then lightened. The 3" sample test spot is now less blue/purple for sure, but it is also much more rough in texture with very small, black pepper-like specks?
So, here's the question. I ordered 5 lbs of ascorbic acid, now en route, and plan to follow the posted instructions on doing the ascorbic acid treatment to address stains. But before I potentially screw things up further, I want you guys to weigh in. Specifically, given my situation, would you:
1) suggest any changes to the ascorbic acid steps/processed detailed on this site?
2) should I be concerned about the rough surface that resulted from my Vit C tablet test? Should I expect that for the entire pool after the process (if so, I might need to reconsider).
Really appreciate any and all thoughts!
As the subject says, I'm a first-time pool owner who just finished a complete pool renovation after we bought our new-to-us home (reno included new plumbing, white plaster, tile, skimmers, decking, and equipment -- SWG, DE filter, pump, polaris). Pool is approx 30K gals.
On recommendation of PB, we filled most of the pool from a very clear creek that runs behind our property (city water here is VERY expensive). PB added a couple of gals of sequestering agent during fill, but was distracted with other jobs, so he really didn't pay much attention to the fill process. After about 1 week -- no surprise to me now that I've reviewed some past posts on this site -- dark blue to purple stains appeared after he shocked the pool (mainly on steps, corners and portions of deep-end walls). Since then, he added 4-5 more gals of sequestering agent (unfamilar brand that I can't now recall) and backwashed a number of times. Pool is now crystal clear, but no change in stains over the last 3 weeks or so.
PB claims stains will eventually disappear and acts disinterested, unresponsive. On the positive side, I withheld final payment, so all isn't completely lost. Now I'm trying to address this myself. Took sample to Leslies and they tested for metals -- found no cooper or iron (said they couldn't test for manganese?). Other results were:
FC = .5
TC = .5
pH = 8.0
TA = 120
Calcium Hardness = 260
CYA = 20
Phosphates = 200
Salt = 2900
Since added a gal of muratic acid.
Tried the Vit C tablet test on steps. No immediate reaction, but after letting 3 tablets sit and dissolve for about 30 mins, stain turned darker (brown-blackish), then lightened. The 3" sample test spot is now less blue/purple for sure, but it is also much more rough in texture with very small, black pepper-like specks?
So, here's the question. I ordered 5 lbs of ascorbic acid, now en route, and plan to follow the posted instructions on doing the ascorbic acid treatment to address stains. But before I potentially screw things up further, I want you guys to weigh in. Specifically, given my situation, would you:
1) suggest any changes to the ascorbic acid steps/processed detailed on this site?
2) should I be concerned about the rough surface that resulted from my Vit C tablet test? Should I expect that for the entire pool after the process (if so, I might need to reconsider).
Really appreciate any and all thoughts!
