Topping off with hard well water with iron

[LaurenB]

Had a mishap recently that required lots and lots of backwashing. I’m now to the point where I’m going to have to top off. We have hard well water. I had this issue at my previous house, but I somehow managed to not top off once I got rid of the orange staining (let rain fill it, and religiously used the solar cover).

There is no rain in the forecast for awhile, and the solar cover has my water temperature up to 90 already (and there’s a heat advisory for the next several days)… I don’t want a hot tub.

Is there something I can do *in advance* to prevent iron staining? (Aside from a water softener). TIA

 

[Texas Splash]

Is there something I can do *in advance* to prevent iron staining?

Keep the pH on the low end. 7.2 if possible. Don't let the FC get too high either. Have some polyfill ready just in case. Consider a good sequestrant.

 

[JoyfulNoise]

Iron Fill Water Filter - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[LaurenB]

Keep the pH on the low end. 7.2 if possible. Don't let the FC get too high either. Have some polyfill ready just in case. Consider a good sequestrant.

Am I lowering the pH just while adding and let drift up to normal or keep it low? And same for FC?

How low of water level is safe for the skimmers? Right now they are about 1/2” below the halfway mark.

 

[Texas Splash]

Am I lowering the pH just while adding and let drift up to normal or keep it low? And same for FC?

This will require monitoring. It depends on your iron content. If you see staining or color changes when the pH rise to 7.8, or if the FC is on the high side for your range (see FC/CYA Levels) then you'll have to adjust lower.

How low of water level is safe for the skimmers? Right now they are about 1/2” below the halfway mark.

The water needs to be high enough for the pump to circulate water. Once water is circulated for a while, then you can properly take a water sample, test, and adjust the chemical levels as needed.

Hope that answers your questions.

 

[LaurenB]

The pump is able to circulate fine where the water level is now. I guess my concern is what happens if it gets too low? Is the problem that they will pull air into the pump?

 

[Texas Splash]

I guess my concern is what happens if it gets too low? Is the problem that they will pull air into the pump?

Sure. You always want to keep water flowing through the pump freely when it's on. As long as you have circulation and have tested/adjusted the chemicals as needed, people can swim.

 

[LaurenB]

Thanks!!