Blue/Green Streaks on Pool Filter

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T

trafficdoc

Well-known member
Jun 13, 2021
48
Florida
Pool Size
10000
Surface
Plaster
We have been having issues with staining on our pool. The stains are all the same color as noted in the attached photo. We noticed them for the first time last summer and they have only gotten worse and more numerous this year. Shocking the pool does nothing for them. Vigorous brushing/vacuuming does nothing for them either. I've tried crushing Vit C tablets and placing them in a stocking and putting directly on stains.....no change. I've tried rubbing a chlorine puck on them....no change. I'm about ready to pull out my hair!!

Fast forward to a couple months ago, I started to notice some blue/green streaks on the white pool filter when we clean it every week. Is it possible that these blue/green streaks on the pool filter have any relation to this staining on our pool surface? If so, what could it be and does anyone have any idea how to remove the stains?

Thank you!
 

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Do you use the inline chlorinator? Do the pucks/shock you use have copper in them?
 
Yes, I use the inline chlorinator. I use Suncoast Complete 4 in 1 tabs. See photos attached.

Does that look like a copper stain to you?
 

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Are you testing your pool water chemistry with your own test kit?

What do your filters look like when you clean them? EDIT -- you mention blue green on them, That is copper.
 
mknauss said:
The only way to attempt to remove copper stains is with a sulfamic acid treatment followed by draining the pool. It is not a guarantee that the stains will be completely removed.

Copper in Pool Water - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
Click to expand...
What if we drained the pool and then had someone do an acid wash? Would that remove the stain?
 

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mknauss said:
Might. Will also damage your plaster finish.
Click to expand...
Oh okay. Good to know! (EDIT-We have PebbleTec. Would that be damaged too if we were to drain the pool and do an acid wash?)

So just so I understand correctly the process you suggest. Is this correct?--

1-Use Jacks Magic #2 Copper and Scale Stuff to remove stains and follow these instructions (https://jacksmagic.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/07/JM-Stain-Solution-2-Treatment-Procedures.pdf)
2-Then drain the pool. How long do we wait after doing Jack's Magic #2 before we drain the pool?

Am I missing anything in the stain removal process?

Obviously, I shouldn't use the pucks any more, but is there a way to make sure I'm not refilling the pool with more water that contains copper?
-Do I have to add any other products to the pool on once it is refilled?
-Do I have to add any other products to the pool on a regular basis moving forward? (beside the regular liquid chlorine and acid as needed)
 
PebbleTec would likely be worse. It would remove the plaster holding the pebbles together and make it rougher than it already is.

You can use that product.
How long to wait? Until the stains lift. Should be quick. Do NOT circulate the water through your surface equipment after adding the acid.

Fill water rarely contains any appreciable copper.

Follow Just Filled Your Pool with Water? Here's What To Do Next - Further Reading

CYA. Otherwise not likely anything else.
In your climate, you likely can use trichlor when needed. Just plain trichlor. NO 'other ingredients'. You get enough rain that you likely need some CYA occasionally.
 
Do be ware of draining a pool in areas of high water table. Your pool shell can float out of the ground. Be very certain you understand the consequences of draining.
 
mknauss said:
You can use that product.
How long to wait? Until the stains lift. Should be quick. Do NOT circulate the water through your surface equipment after adding the acid.
Click to expand...
Just so I understand your comment above (underlined) correctly.
Are you referring to Step 3 in the pdf instructions for the Jacks Magic #2 Copper and Scale Stuff where is says "Add ½ gallon Muriatic (pool) Acid per 10,000 gallons of pool water AFTER the pH and TA are adjusted."?
You are saying that I should NOT run the pool pump after adding the 1/2 gallon of muriatic acid?

What about the pdf instructions for Step 6 that instructs us to run the pool "Circulate pool continuously on high speed for the duration of the treatment (48 hours – 2 weeks).
Do I follow the instructions and run the pool pump at this point?
 
The acidity of the treatment can damage metals in your pool surface equipment. Up to you. I would get a sump pump and hose and use that to move the water around. Also brushing every hour or so.
 
mknauss said:
The acidity of the treatment can damage metals in your pool surface equipment. Up to you. I would get a sump pump and hose and use that to move the water around. Also brushing every hour or so.
Click to expand...
Brush the pool every hour or so for 48 hours to 2 weeks??

"6. Circulate pool continuously on high speed for the duration of the treatment (48 hours – 2 weeks)."
 
As long is the stains are just copper, and not embedded in scale, then the process will be nearly instantaneous. They are covering their bases as their product is also sold for scale removal.
 
mknauss said:
Do be ware of draining a pool in areas of high water table. Your pool shell can float out of the ground. Be very certain you understand the consequences of draining.
Click to expand...
Also, if we don't drain the pool after the treatment....what happens to the water that has been treated with this Jack Magic #2 Copper and Scale Stuff?
Do the stains just come right back?
 
Yes. Once your neutralize the acid. Also your FC/CC reading will not be correct for many months.
 

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