How to Identify a Pool Stain

How to Identify a Pool Stain

Swimming pool stains can occur naturally or when metallic compounds and improperly balanced pool water meet.

The best way to keep them out is by regular maintenance.
There are two categories of pool stains:

  1. Organic stains – green, yellow, or brown and is a result of leaves, algae, mud, or other natural debris.
  2. Metal stains – reddish-brown, or very dark in color and will commonly appear after chlorine is added or after the swimming pool is shocked with granular chlorine. Iron and copper are the two most common types of metal stains.

Organic stains are typically easy to remove, but metal stains are unsightly and can be difficult to remove entirely. If the metal stain is not treated correctly, it will return. Some of the most common sources of metals in swimming pool water are likely sitting in your back yard. Lawn fertilizer and well water can be the main cause for iron in your swimming pool water, while the corrosion of copper/brass pipes, pool heaters, and algaecides can cause copper to be present in the water. The best way to prevent metals from entering the water and causing stains is to keep your chemicals balanced within the recommended ranges at all times.

It is not always easy to identify what type of stain, because some organic and metal stains can look similar in appearance. Stain ID kits can assist in determining the type of stain, but if your pool is not properly balanced the test results can be misidentified. Treating for the wrong type of stain will cost you time and money and could create more problems. A pool cleaning professional is the best resource to identify and treat the stain in your swimming pool correctly.

Keeping a clean and balanced pool is the #1 way to avoid stains before they start! Weekly swimming pool maintenance is recommended to keep your pool looking its best and will lengthen the life of your pool equipment and pool surface.

America’s Swimming Pool Company will work with you to design a weekly maintenance and cleaning plan that fits your needs and your budget.
Find your local ASP by visiting asppoolco.com/locations.