Metal stains

[survivalcar]

There are ever-so-slight metal stains appearing in the shallow end of my pool. Last year I treated it by pouring a product called The Blue Stuff in the pool and then putting a little sack into the filter trap to collect the metals that TBS put into solution. It seemed to work amazingly well at the time and especially the white plastic steps were super-clean and sparkly. But I also have this lingering memory that using that stuff threw off the rest of the pool chemistry in some way. I can't remember what it did but I wonder if anyone knows what to look out for if I throw that stuff in now? My guess is you're going to tell me not to throw it in at all, just a hunch.

We did use Vitamin C on just the steps when those were the only visible stains at a different time last year, which was effective but not as good at getting the stuff off the bottom.

Thanks

Chris

FC 9
CC 0
pH 7.8
TA 90
CH 70
CYA 60

 

[Texas Splash]

If it was Magic Jack's Blue Stuff, that's actually designed to help with copper. While some products seem to effect your FC level, this one claims to work well if the FC is elevated. Still, if you use it, I would try to not have an exceedingly high FC level so that it doesn't try to breakdown the product.

The other question you might ask yourself …. IF you actually have copper as opposed to iron, is where did it come from? Copper usually comes from pool store products, but some see it introduced by corroded heaters or old plumbing of some type. Something to think about. Now if you actually do have iron as evidence by the positive reaction from Vitamin C last season, then you might look at Magic Jack's full line of products as you might find a sequestrant better suited for you. Maybe the pink stuff?

 

[survivalcar]

We have well water here and there are elevated levels of all kinds of metals. Thanks, I'll look into whether the pink stuff is better, although I already have the Blue Stuff and it says on the link you provided "everything the Pink Stuff does and more." Still, better to know for next time.

What do you think is a high enough FC level? I bring it up to 9 daily because I SLAMmed at the beginning of this season and then followed this chart:

Pool School - Chlorine / CYA Chart

I ask because if it's going to tank my FC level and require a whole new SLAM, it's probably not worth doing until next year. I can live with a little stain until the pool is closed in about 2.5 weeks.

Thanks again

Chris

 

[Texas Splash]

Chris, well water can certainly presents iron, so it's good you're staying on top of things. With your CYA of 60 and an ideal FC range of 7-9, you're in a good place. It's possible that the FC on the higher end of the chart (9) has aggravated the iron a bit. Remember an elevated pH will also increase the potential for staining, so you might also consider lowering that pH down to about 7.2-7.4 and trying to not let it go over 7.5-ish. Since metal management is a year-long process with a well, I don't know if it matters when you treat the staining. I don't think it will crash your FC, but when you add the Blue Stuff you should watch the FC for the next few days to be safe. I'd keep the FC between 6-8 and not let it drop below 5. Once you treat the stain itself, continue regular dosing with a good sequestrant to help keep that iron contained and prevent it from precipitating out to the pool.