White fiberglass pool steps are brown

[Jesusfreak]

FC 5
Alk 20
pH 6.8

I know the Alk and pH are low. Will bringing them up clear this?

Thank you

 

[mknauss]

Add baking soda to raise the TA to 70 ppm. That should raise the pH.

Try vitamin C on the steps. That will tell you if it is iron.

 

[Jesusfreak]

TA-85
pH - through the roof
Cl- 0

 

[mknauss]

How did your pH go 'through the roof' from 6.8?

 

[Jesusfreak]

I added the wrong stuff. My calculator said 15lbs. of baking soda. I mistakenly put in soda ash.

 

[mknauss]

That is an issue. Start adding acid. Lower the pH to the 7's.

 

[Jesusfreak]

Where do most purchase their muriatic acid?

 

[mknauss]

I get mine at Home Depot. Some get it at pool store.

 

[Jesusfreak]

I have the brown steps again. What do I need to do again? Thank you

 

[mknauss]

I have the brown steps again. What do I need to do again? Thank you

Try vitamin C on the steps. That will tell you if it is iron.

 

[Jesusfreak]

Ok, if I have iron, how do I clear it up? The city water does have iron in it, although I haven’t had to add water to it in months.

 

[mknauss]

If it is widespread, then you need to do an Ascorbic Acid treatment. And then either attempt to capture the iron before it re-stains or use a sequestrant.

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