White "Haze" on my dark fiberglass pool...tried everything.... any ideas?

[vtmatt2000]

My 3 year old viking pool has developed a bad white "haze" on almost all surfaces below the water line. I have tried everything to remove it before I open the pool. Tried, vitamin c, 50/50 bleach, 20% muratic acid in a spray bottle. The only thing that will remove the stain is 3M heavy cut rubbing compound and a ton of elbow grease. I travel a lot and did a terrible job last year of balancing the water. I'm sure that has something to do with it. The pool is very small, 5500 gallons, 10x20, "small unicorn" model. I normally drain and refill each year (sandy soil, so no worries with draining). Any ideas how to remove the white staining without 2 days with the power buffer?

 

[JohnT]

Re: White "Haze" on my dark fiberglass pool...tried everything.... any ideas?

Welcome to TFP!

What is your water chemistry like? Calcium, TA and pH particularly.

 

[vtmatt2000]

Re: White "Haze" on my dark fiberglass pool...tried everything.... any ideas?

I have not tested the water yet, just uncovered yesterday. I normally drain and refill each year (had planned on doing it tomorrow). Should I refill, balance the water then try to remove the stain? I can certainly test the water now, its pretty nasty water.

 

[JohnT]

Re: White "Haze" on my dark fiberglass pool...tried everything.... any ideas?

The stain is likely a result of your water chemistry, so knowing the water will probably guide you in removing the stain.

 

[jblizzle]

Re: White "Haze" on my dark fiberglass pool...tried everything.... any ideas?

Welcome to TFP!!!

I did not think that fiberglass pools were supposed to be drained. BTW, there is no need to drain and refill every year.

From the picture sure seems like you have a few chemistry problems.

 

[vtmatt2000]

Re: White "Haze" on my dark fiberglass pool...tried everything.... any ideas?

Evidently I have more than a few chemistry problems! I will attempt to get some good readings for my Calcium, TA and pH and report back. The pool is so small, I can drain and completely refill in 5 hours. It was just easier than cleaning and re-balance. Plus, I have had issues with TDS being high, and the refill solves the problem. But what do I know! I am looking forward to participating in the forum and hopefully doing a better job of keeping my pool balanced this year (and hopefully getting rid of the staining).

 

[jblizzle]

Re: White "Haze" on my dark fiberglass pool...tried everything.... any ideas?

TDS is kind of a meaningless parameter that pool stores like to harp about. We care more about the individual components that make up that number and can thus take better control of the chemistry.

Take a look at Pool School if you have not already. Start with these:
ABCs of Water Chemistry
Recommended Pool Chemicals
How to Chlorinate Your Pool

 

[vtmatt2000]

Re: White "Haze" on my dark fiberglass pool...tried everything.... any ideas?

pH 6.5, ALK 26, CH 126, remember, I have not opened the pool for the season, no chemicals have been added since labor day of last year. Test was done with a ColorQ Pro-7

 

[jblizzle]

Re: White "Haze" on my dark fiberglass pool...tried everything.... any ideas?

FYI, We also do not think very highly of digital testers ... a search of the forum will reveal why. Very suspect and inconsistent on some things and you never know if it is returning a decent value. Many members have gotten fed up with them and sold them to get one of the Recommended Test Kits.