How Do I Remove Metal Stains from My Pool?Updated a month ago
Metal stains from elements like iron, copper, or manganese can leave unsightly streaks and discolouration on your pool’s surfaces. Common in areas with hard water or older plumbing, these stains require a targeted treatment plan. Here’s how to identify, remove, and prevent them in your pool.
1. Identify the Stain Type
First, try to identify the source of the stain based on its colour:
Iron Stains: Typically appear as rusty brown, red, or orange streaks. These are common when using bore water or if you have corroded metal pipes or fittings.
Copper Stains: Show up as blue-green or teal patches. These often result from the overuse of copper-based algaecides or corrosion in pool heaters.
Manganese Stains: Appear as dark purple or black splotches. While less common, they can be introduced from natural water sources.
2. Treating Metal Stains
Step 1: Prepare Your Water for Treatment
Before adding any treatment products, you must adjust your water chemistry to create the ideal conditions for stain removal. Test and adjust the following:
pH: Aim for a pH of 7.6.
Total Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm.
Chlorine: Lower your Free Chlorine level to 0 ppm. This is crucial, as chlorine can oxidise metals and "set" the stain, making it much harder to remove.
Step 2: Apply a Metal Stain Remover
With the water prepared, apply a dedicated metal stain remover like the Water TechniX Metal Out. This product is formulated to lift stubborn metallic stains from pool surfaces.
Follow the product instructions carefully for the correct dosage based on your pool's volume.
Brush the stained areas to help the product work effectively.
Tough stains may require repeat doses.
Step 3: Shock & Filter
After the stain has visibly lifted (typically after 24 hours), it's time to remove the dissolved metals from the water and rebalance your pool.
Shock the pool according to the manufacturer's directions to restore a normal chlorine level.
Run the filter continuously for 24–48 hours to capture the suspended metal particles.
Thoroughly backwash or clean your filter to flush out the trapped metals.
Step 4: Prevent Reoccurrence with a Metal SequestrantTo keep metals from settling and staining again, you need to hold them in solution.
Apply a regular dose of a metal sequestrant or remover, such as Water TechniX Metal Out, as required. This is especially important if your source water is known to contain metals.
3. Preventing Future Stains
Test your fill water: If you use bore water or are in a rural area, test the water for metals before adding it to your pool.
Avoid copper-based algaecides: Opt for non-metallic alternatives like the Water TechniX Non-staining Algaecide to prevent future blue-green staining.
Maintain proper pH: Consistently keeping your pH in the correct range helps prevent metals from coming out of solution and staining surfaces.
Install a metal trap: For pools with a persistent metal problem, consider a filter that is effective at trapping metals.
When to Call a Pro
Stains reappear quickly despite treatment, indicating an ongoing source of metal contamination.
You notice damage to your pool's plaster or fibreglass from aggressive scrubbing.
You suspect significant corrosion in hidden pipes or heating elements.
Need Metal Removal Products?
Browse our Pool Chemicals Collection for powerful stain lifters, sequestrants, and test kits. Pairing the right chemicals with a quality pool filter is the key to keeping metals at bay.
Final Tip: Prevention beats cure! Regular maintenance and using a sequestrant as needed will save you hours of scrubbing and keep your pool looking pristine. ✨