STAINS: Excess minerals in the pool water will initially lead to colored water. If not treated, stains on the walls and floor will appear next. You must adhere to these early warning signals and treat the colored water before staining occurs.

For more specific information on stains, select from the following topics:

• CAUSES OF STAINS
• HOW TO TREAT FOR STAINS

CAUSES OF STAINS: You will notice an odd tint to the color of the pool water before you will notice any stains. You must adhere to these early warning signals and treat the water chemistry before staining occurs. These stain-causing minerals (most notably copper and iron, and even manganese) may occur from:

• The tap water that was used to fill your pool.
• Poor water chemistry-the water is too acidic. If only an odd tint to the color of pool water has occurred, it is probably only the pH that needs to be adjusted. If stains occur, however, the pH is definitely low, and either Alkalinity or Hardness, or perhaps both, are also low. All of these water balancers must be tested and adjusted, starting with Alkalinity, followed by Hardness, and ending with pH. Also, you must rid the water of these stain-causing minerals by adding a Metal Sequestering Agent. Again, it is important to read the instructions on the label before any application is made. If stains occur, poolmanual.com recommends that you take a water sample to your local pool professionals and have them analyze your pH, Alkalinity, Hardness, and the possible presence of metals (primarily copper and/or iron) on the computer and then listen to their advice on the proper treatment.
• The use of a Metallic Algaecide.

HOW TO TREAT FOR STAINS: If only an odd tint to the color of pool water has occurred, it is probably only the pH that needs to be adjusted. If stains occur, however, the pH is definitely low, and either Alkalinity or Hardness, or perhaps both, are also low. All of these water balancers must be tested and adjusted into their respective ideal ranges, starting with Alkalinity, followed by Hardness, and ending with pH. Also, you must rid the water of these stain-causing minerals by adding a Metal Sequestering Agent. Read the instructions on the label before any application is made. It will also help to brush the stained area(s) to assist with its removal. If stains occur, poolmanual.com recommends that you take a water sample to your local pool professionals and have them analyze your pH, Alkalinity, Hardness, and the possible presence of metals (primarily copper and/or iron) on the computer and then listen to their advice on the proper treatment.