I followed the process for identifying and then treating iron stains on my vinyl pool, as laid out in the TFP Forum thread here;
as well as another detailed version of the same process on another forum here;
I used about 1/2 lb of ascorbic acid per 10,000 gals, then followed up with the prescribed dose of Jacks Magic Pink Stuff as the sequestrant and CuLator metal eliminator in the skimmer. Initially the results were very good (stains removed) however as I slowly brought the pH back up to the 7.2 level the stains started to re-appear. Following the guidance, I reduced the pH and added more sequestrant, which seemed to reduce the staining. I then started to bring the chlorine level up, but kept it on the low side, and did not shock the pool. As I got the chlorine stabilized, I kept the pH on the low side (6.9-7.1). I let the pool run like this for several weeks, and all seemed to be stable. I then brought the pH up to 7.3 over several days using Borax (because the Alkalinity was already on target). This was about a month after the initial AA treatment. Then I shocked the pool for the first time, using granular Super Shock at a level of 1 lb per 10,000 gallons. Following the Shock, the pool bottom is now almost completely covered with the light brown iron stains again. (Makes me want to scream!) It seemed that the process was going well and according to plan.
I'm looking for input on what happened, and what the best course of action is.
I'm hesitant to start the process over again, since it's now sunny/hot and algae is a real concern if I let the chlorine drop (it was May in Michigan when I did this AA process initially). I suspect I will need to reduce the pH and add sequestrant, but I'm hesitant to continue swinging the chemistry (and throwing money into the pool water) until I have some guidance from other more experienced pool users who have been down this road. I'm happy to fill in any details of my process that I may have missed.
Thanks for your input.
(18'x38', 30,000 gallon vinyl lined pool)
Ascorbic Treatment to rid Pool of metal stains
Here are the directions to use Ascorbic acid to rid your pool of metal stains: Here is the ascorbic treatment: Take your chlorine down to 0 and PH down to 7.2, if there is chlorine in the water it won't hurt, it will just eat up the ascorbic acid, so you will need more to get rid of the...
www.troublefreepool.com
as well as another detailed version of the same process on another forum here;
Stain removal via ascorbic acid treatment
Info is correct, but method needs rewriting Few people seem to be able to follow this process successfully, because it is too hard for most. Unfortunately,I don't know a simpler method that actually works! Ascorbic treatment for stains (original by mbar, posted by aylad, and updated by...
www.poolforum.com
I used about 1/2 lb of ascorbic acid per 10,000 gals, then followed up with the prescribed dose of Jacks Magic Pink Stuff as the sequestrant and CuLator metal eliminator in the skimmer. Initially the results were very good (stains removed) however as I slowly brought the pH back up to the 7.2 level the stains started to re-appear. Following the guidance, I reduced the pH and added more sequestrant, which seemed to reduce the staining. I then started to bring the chlorine level up, but kept it on the low side, and did not shock the pool. As I got the chlorine stabilized, I kept the pH on the low side (6.9-7.1). I let the pool run like this for several weeks, and all seemed to be stable. I then brought the pH up to 7.3 over several days using Borax (because the Alkalinity was already on target). This was about a month after the initial AA treatment. Then I shocked the pool for the first time, using granular Super Shock at a level of 1 lb per 10,000 gallons. Following the Shock, the pool bottom is now almost completely covered with the light brown iron stains again. (Makes me want to scream!) It seemed that the process was going well and according to plan.
I'm looking for input on what happened, and what the best course of action is.
I'm hesitant to start the process over again, since it's now sunny/hot and algae is a real concern if I let the chlorine drop (it was May in Michigan when I did this AA process initially). I suspect I will need to reduce the pH and add sequestrant, but I'm hesitant to continue swinging the chemistry (and throwing money into the pool water) until I have some guidance from other more experienced pool users who have been down this road. I'm happy to fill in any details of my process that I may have missed.
Thanks for your input.
(18'x38', 30,000 gallon vinyl lined pool)