- May 3, 2014
- 62,687
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Black Algae
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Great point. Ok, you folks have me convinced it is metal scaling. What metal will leave a solid black residue? If it is metal, why did the vitamin c not help. Only the pH Down and muratic acid removes it (correction from previous reply)
- May 3, 2014
- 62,687
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Likely copper or a mixture of copper and silver. But they have to come from somewhere.
How much pH down (dry acid) do you use in a typical swim season? How do you add it?
Realize Pentair specifically states in the SWCG owners manual to not use dry acid.
How much pH down (dry acid) do you use in a typical swim season? How do you add it?
Realize Pentair specifically states in the SWCG owners manual to not use dry acid.
I typically use a 5lb bag of each (ph down/pH up) in a season. I try to keep my CYA high to keep the pH balanced.
I was just going by what the pool installers told me to use 5/6 years ago. Did not realize Pentair states not to use dry acid. I will switch to straight muratic acid.
I did read various articles regarding metal stains. However, while I realize there may be no immediate remedy, is there anything I can do to help reduce the staining now?
I use county water and have no filtration system for metals. Hasn't been a problem.
- May 3, 2014
- 62,687
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
great. How do you add it to the pool?
Nothing really to do for the staining. For copper, sulfamic acid treatment and full drain of the pool is needed. Silver is very difficult. Might consider getting a Jacks Magic Stain ID kit.
Was it a blue liquid?
Copper.
Note: Do your research before adding aluminum sulfate or sulfamic acid in any significant quantity or draining.
There are huge risks to treatment and draining.
Make sure that you are well prepared before deciding what to do.
You can try putting aluminum sulfate or sulfamic acid on a spot as a test.
Custom Building Products Aqua Mix 1 lb. Sulfamic Acid Crystals 050231 - The Home Depot
Eradicate mineral deposits at ease with this Aqua Mix Sulfamic Acid Crystals from Custom Building Products. Can be used on acid resistant stone.
www.homedepot.com
STAIN SOLUTION #2 – The Copper & Scale Stuff | Jacks Magic
jacksmagic.com
Google search results
www.troublefreepool.com
Draining - Further Reading
www.troublefreepool.com
4Cu + O2 --> 2Cu2O (Reddish color).
2Cu2O + O2 --> 4CuO (Black).
2CuO + CO2 + H2O --> Cu2CO2(OH)2 (Turquoise patina).
2Cu2O + O2 --> 4CuO (Black).
2CuO + CO2 + H2O --> Cu2CO2(OH)2 (Turquoise patina).
Any suggestions on where to purchase some 100 percent aluminum sulfate? I agree James, definitely the "2Cu2O + O2 --> 4CuO (Black)". Straight muratic acid takes it right off but will cause the pH level to plumet which is fine for the time being. Looking to find a solution that does not require a total drainage. Called the local pool supply places and have not found one that has it in stock. Homedepot has this (Custom Building Products Aqua Mix 1 lb. Sulfamic Acid Crystals 050231 - The Home Depot) but not sure it is the same. Continuing to call around...
- May 3, 2014
- 62,687
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Once you lift the stains, the water must be removed from the pool as the copper is now in the water.
You can do a no drain exchange, it should get most of the metals out if you do 1.5 times pool volume or so.
You can do a no drain exchange, it should get most of the metals out if you do 1.5 times pool volume or so.
Are there filters that can be put inline that will catch the copper from the water as it filters the water?
It is just for a test and not for whole pool treatment.
Most likely, it will just confirm, so probably not worth getting.
Maybe a zero alkalinity treatment, but that can be very risky to the pool and all equipment.
A sulfamic acid treatment might work, but that will usually require a drain and refill to remove the copper and sulfamic acid.
- May 3, 2014
- 62,687
- Pool Size
- 6000
- Surface
- Fiberglass
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Do extensive research and consult with a local expert before deciding what to do.
Any treatment involves risk and the pool and equipment can be seriously and permanently damaged by different treatments.
Note that I am not recommending ALUM (Aluminum Sulfate).
I am just going by what was shown in the video.
lesliespool.com
bio-dex.com
The copper stains are a bad situation and the resolution will probably require a drain and refill if it is safe to do so.
You can try a zero alkalinity treatment, a sulfamic acid treatment or maybe an aluminum sulfate treatment.
You can possibly do a no drain dilution process.
Do extensive research and consult with a local expert before deciding what to do.
Any treatment involves risk and the pool and equipment can be seriously and permanently damaged by different treatments.
Any treatment involves risk and the pool and equipment can be seriously and permanently damaged by different treatments.
Note that I am not recommending ALUM (Aluminum Sulfate).
I am just going by what was shown in the video.
Leslie's Aluminum Enhancer Bucket, 8 lbs. | Leslie's Pool Supplies
This product is used as a flocculant which attracts suspended particles in the water together (green or cloudy pools). Alum sinks everything to the bottom.
Alum | Bio-Dex
bio-dex.com
The copper stains are a bad situation and the resolution will probably require a drain and refill if it is safe to do so.
You can try a zero alkalinity treatment, a sulfamic acid treatment or maybe an aluminum sulfate treatment.
You can possibly do a no drain dilution process.
Do extensive research and consult with a local expert before deciding what to do.
Any treatment involves risk and the pool and equipment can be seriously and permanently damaged by different treatments.
Thanks to everyone that replied. As with our experiences, most "experts" in our area have no idea what to do with a pool. As was the "white" chalky film we had a few years back. Had 3 different companies come out and none had a solution that gave us any confidence they knew what to do. Solutions varied from reapply the gel coat to maybe fit a custom liner in it, really. I have someone new coming out next week so maybe they will know. Just wish everything was not a total train wreck. Such is my luck. I have learned a lot the last few years thanks to all of you. The pool really is easy to keep the chemicals in check and really enjoy it on occasions...