How Do I Remove Metal Stains from My Pool?Updated a month ago
Metal stains (from iron, copper, or manganese) can leave unsightly streaks or discolouration on your pool’s surfaces. Common in areas with hard water or old plumbing, these stains need targeted treatment. Here’s how to identify, remove, and prevent them in Australian pools.
1. Identify the Stain Type
Iron Stains: Rusty brown, red, or orange streaks (common in bore water or corroded pipes).
Copper Stains: Blue-green or teal patches (often from copper-based algaecides or heaters).
Manganese Stains: Purple-black splotches (rare, usually from natural water sources).
Quick Test:
Rub a vitamin C tablet (ascorbic acid) on the stain. If it lightens, it’s iron.
For copper, apply a paste of citric acid and water. If the stain fades, it’s metal-based.
2. Treating Metal Stains
Step 1: Balance Your Water
Test and adjust:
pH: 7.2–7.6 (high pH worsens staining).
Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm.
Chlorine: Lower to 1 ppm (high chlorine oxidises metals, making stains worse).
Step 2: Apply a Metal Stain Remover (Water TechniX Stain Remover)
Chelating agents (e.g., HEDP or EDTA): Bind to metals for filtration.
Ascorbic acid treatment: For iron stains. Add 500g–1kg of vitamin C (or commercial stain remover), brush, and let circulate for 24 hours.
Citric acid: For copper stains. Follow product instructions to avoid damaging surfaces.
Always follow dosage guidelines—overuse can cloud water!
Step 3: Shock & Filter
After treatment, shock the pool to restore chlorine levels.
Run the filter 24–48 hours and vacuum debris.
Backwash/clean the filter to remove trapped metals.
Step 4: Use a Metal Sequestrant (Scaletec Startup Tec)
Add a metal sequestrant weekly to prevent recurrence (especially if using bore water).
3. Preventing Future Stains
Test fill water: Check for metals before topping up (common in rural/bushfire-affected areas).
Avoid copper-based algaecides: Opt for non-metallic alternatives like the Water TechniX Non-staining Algaecide
Install a filter with a metal trap: E.g., cellulose or activated carbon filters.
Maintain proper pH: Metals dissolve more easily in acidic water.
When to Call a Pro
Stains reappear despite treatment (indicates ongoing metal contamination).
Damage to plaster or fibreglass from aggressive scrubbing.
Suspected corrosion in pipes or heating elements.
Need Metal Removal Products?
Browse our Pool Chemicals Collection for stain lifters, sequestrants, and test kits. Pair with a quality pool filter to keep metals at bay.
Final Tip: Prevention beats cure! Regular sequestrant doses and mindful water sourcing will save you hours of scrubbing—and keep your pool looking pristine. ✨