Yellowish color on Vinyl Steps

[Barkyman]

Hi.

I started to notice a slight yellowish color on my steps in recent weeks (picture below). The magic eraser worked great on the part above the water. But I'm not sure what to do with the steps in the water. Also, not really sure what caused it, but is there anything I can do/use to prevent from happening again? Thanks.

 

[ajw22]

Put a paste of Vitamin C in a sock and rub it on the steps. If the stains lift then it is iron stains from iron in your water.

Stains in Your Pool

The stained pool is beyond embarrassing. Our in-depth Guide to remove stains in your pool will help you to remove the stains and prevent them in the future.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Barkyman]

Thanks. Is there a way to test the water to see if it's actually iron? Is there anything I can put into the pool to reduce it? Thanks.

 

[Barkyman]

I was able to take a small brillo pad and lightly rub the steps and it did mostly come off. But it's still there and will try the vitamin C.

 

[ajw22]

Thanks. Is there a way to test the water to see if it's actually iron?

Yup, the vitamin C/ascorbic acid test.

Once iron deposits on pool surfaces it is no longer in the water.

Is there anything I can put into the pool to reduce it?

The best way to get iron out of a pool is to drain the water and replace it with iron free water. Some folks are successful with polyfill filtering. Read Iron Fill Water Filter - Further Reading

There is Sequestrant - Further Reading which can keep iron in solution in the pool water but the sequestrant degrades and needs to be added again or the iron will go out of solution onto pool surfaces.

Ascorbic Acid Treatment - Further Reading is used to treat an entire pool that has iron staining.

 

[Barkyman]

Thanks. I don't know how I would have gotten iron in the water, but I try the various tests and see.

 

[Barkyman]

So I used vitamin C tablets and my steps look like new!

Now I need to see what can be done. I don't think draining the pool is ideal. It's been 2 years since I had to clean it like that as my pool was new and is filled with water from my house water.

 

[ajw22]

So I used vitamin C tablets and my steps look like new!

All you did was move the iron from the pool surface to in solution in the water. If you do not do anything the iron will deposit on the pool surfaces.

Where does your house water come from? Who is your water company?

 

[Barkyman]

Yea - fully understand. I live in Central NJ, but not sure of who is supplying the township water.

Has anyone used the packs you put in the skimmers to collect any metals? They seem to get decent reviews - CuLator Metal Eliminator.

I did get my water tested and I don't have any metals or Iron showing up. Water is crystal clear and my chem levels all look good.

 

[ajw22]

Who do you pay your water bill to?

What town in NJ are you in?

 

[Barkyman]

Who do you pay your water bill to?

What town in NJ are you in?

East Brunswick

 

[ajw22]

East Brunswick

Water & Sewer Utility | East Brunswick, NJ

The Water Production Division is responsible for providing safe drinking water to the community and assuring that its quality meets the standards established by the New Jersey Department of Environmental Protection. The Sewer Utility operates and maintains the sanitary sewage collection system...

www.eastbrunswick.org

Consumer Confidence Report - EB Water Utility

www.ebwaterutility.org

It looks like iron is not tested for in your water supply.

It is interesting that your water is adding copper to your water that accumulates and at levels of 0.5ppm can stain pools and turn blonde hair green.

Copper in Pool Water - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Barkyman]

Thanks. This is helpful - I was looking at the various metals and colors and it seems like Aluminum will leave yellowish color on plastic etc. I did buy one of those skimmer baskets packs that should collect metals, but I'll have to keep an eye on things.