Metal stain removal and borates

[Hlynnkirk]

Hi all!
Fairly new to tfp. We have been dealing with significant metal staining on and off since last summer. They returned again this year as the water has started to warm up.
CYA was over 300 at pool opening, so we did three partial drain and refills. I've been working on getting my water fully balanced and my free chlorine down to more normal range. Current test results:
FC 8
CC 0
pH 7.4
ALK 90
Ch 130
CYA 80
Water temp 76.1

I realize that cya is still higher than we prefer, but after 3 partial drains, I can't drain and refill again... And down from 300, we will call that a win. Calcium hardness is low as well, but I understand with vinyl liners that we should not add to raise it.

I'm ready to remove staining again. I have 2 quarts of proteam metal magic. I've been waiting till my free chlorine was down, as they suggest, and I've got some polyquat60 to add to the pool as an algae preventative. Any tips??

Additionally, We were reading about adding borates to the pool before the staining returned this last time, my question is, with everything in Balance now, should I add borate before we treat the staining? Or after, once water is rebalanced?

Sorry so long-winded! I always appreciate all your help

 

[jblizzle]

low CH does not matter in a vinyl pool ... and your CYA is workable (assuming you stop using the tablets).

Why do you want to add borates?

 

[Hlynnkirk]

I read several articles, on here and in other places about the added algae preventative, Clear/sparkling water, level pH and other benefits. Was hopeful that even with our higher but workable cya, it would help us maintain

 

[jblizzle]

Some of those benefits are overstated IMO. You can prevent algae and have sparkling water just by keeping the FC in the proper range for your CYA.

Do you have a problem with the pH rising? It not, I would not worry about adding borates.

 

[Hlynnkirk]

I don't. Tix!