Not sure if this is the proper forum to post this, but we're looking for help as our current pool maintenance company can't seem to fix the issue; been ongoing for several months now. We're in Florida on the Gulf Coast, the house and pool are just over 1 year old (new build), 12' x 24', approx. 9720 gallons, Pentair 250k gas heater, Jandy Single speed pump, Jandy CS100 filter, with a Jandy TruClear Salt system.
We closed on the house late March and the stain was first visible late August / early September, they treated the pool with muriatic acid late September / early October and it went away. In December it came back and due to the holidays we pushed off a second treatment until late February / early March. You can see a test spot where the stain went away when spot treated. Once it came back in December we involved the home / pool builder as this is the maintenance company they recommended.
Two weeks ago, they drained the pool ~50% and refilled it. During the last week they have been bringing the water chemistry back into balance; however, we took a water sample to local Pinch-a-Penny as we don't trust them and yes, we're looking for a new maintenance company.
CA 100
Free Chllorine 6.0
PH 8.0
Calcium Hardness 335
Total Alkalinity 95
Total Chlorine 6
Salt 1900
They are blaming the stain on everything from too much sunscreen to the heater; we're thinking it's based on improper water chemistry and not treating the water for metals, in this case, copper. When we asked if they ever treated the water for metals, we're told no. When we asked if they perform any tests for metal, copper in this case, we're told no. When we asked if they used a sequestering agent when treating the pool, we're told no. We did have a copper hose bib just after the water pump for draining purposes, so for peace of mind, I changed it to a stainless steel one; yes, it was oxidized inside, but I forgot to take a picture before I tossed it.
This week they want to perform a third treatment and if needed, drain the pool again and basically rinse and repeat as needed. At this point of time, I'm against another drain / refill without a different course of action as it seems we're going around and around without solving anything.
Sorry for the long story, but I wanted to provide as much detail as possible. Any help is appreciated... if you need more info, let me know.
We closed on the house late March and the stain was first visible late August / early September, they treated the pool with muriatic acid late September / early October and it went away. In December it came back and due to the holidays we pushed off a second treatment until late February / early March. You can see a test spot where the stain went away when spot treated. Once it came back in December we involved the home / pool builder as this is the maintenance company they recommended.
Two weeks ago, they drained the pool ~50% and refilled it. During the last week they have been bringing the water chemistry back into balance; however, we took a water sample to local Pinch-a-Penny as we don't trust them and yes, we're looking for a new maintenance company.
CA 100
Free Chllorine 6.0
PH 8.0
Calcium Hardness 335
Total Alkalinity 95
Total Chlorine 6
Salt 1900
They are blaming the stain on everything from too much sunscreen to the heater; we're thinking it's based on improper water chemistry and not treating the water for metals, in this case, copper. When we asked if they ever treated the water for metals, we're told no. When we asked if they perform any tests for metal, copper in this case, we're told no. When we asked if they used a sequestering agent when treating the pool, we're told no. We did have a copper hose bib just after the water pump for draining purposes, so for peace of mind, I changed it to a stainless steel one; yes, it was oxidized inside, but I forgot to take a picture before I tossed it.
This week they want to perform a third treatment and if needed, drain the pool again and basically rinse and repeat as needed. At this point of time, I'm against another drain / refill without a different course of action as it seems we're going around and around without solving anything.
Sorry for the long story, but I wanted to provide as much detail as possible. Any help is appreciated... if you need more info, let me know.
It's good you seem to have the stain ID'd, but keep in mind that neither the service tech or free local water testing will help you in the long run. Be very careful about relying on their results. As an example ..... you know those numbers you posted above? If those were accurate (which I doubt) and indicative of normal numbers, there would be no heater core erosion. So something isn't adding-up, and my guess is the testing. It is imperative that you have the ability to check the water yourself with a TF-100 (link below) or Taylor K-2006C. It's easy, accurate, and something every pool owner should do to ensure a local service isn't taking advantage of them. You don't need algaecides, shocks, or any of that other stuff they probably try to push on you. All the info you need to know is in my signature below. Hope that helps.
