Stains
The Problem
Iron, copper and manganese can cause green, brown and purple stains on pool surfaces. Leaves, sticks and other organic debris can cause brown stains on pool surfaces. If the stains are ignored they may become impossible to remove.
Recommended Solutions
- Take action as soon as the stains are noticed.
- Ensure water is properly balanced. Lower pH to 7.2-7.4.
- Brush the stained areas daily for at least 5-7 minutes using an 18" curved wall brush.
- Use hth® metal & stain defense according to label directions.
- Organic stains will slowly disappear with the regular use of chlorine sanitizer and shock products.
- Brush the stained areas to help remove the stain.
Scale
The Problem
Higher levels of calcium combined with high pH and/or high Total Alkalinity (TA) can cause scale buildup on pool surfaces. Scale is noted by the off-white, gray or tan color, rough texture and release of chalky dust when brushed.
Recommended Solutions
- Check and adjust water balance. Adjust pH to the lower end of the range (7.2-7.4).
- Use hth® metal & stain defense according to label directions.
- Brush the scale areas at least daily. More frequent brushing will help speed up the removal of the scale.
- If softer water is available, the Calcium Hardness (CH) level can be reduced by draining some of the water in the pool and replacing it with softer water.
Preventative Maintenance
- Maintain water balance parameters at all times.
- If the fill water already has high hardness, keep the pH and Total Alkalinity (TA) in the lower half of their respective ranges.
- Add hth® metal & stain defense weekly.
Eye and Skin Irritation
The Problem
Do your eyes or skin feel irritation after leaving your pool or spa? It is possible that the pH is out of the desired range or that you have high combined chlorine, low FAC or low bromine.
Recommended Solutions
- Adjust water balance as needed. Adjust the pH to 7.2-7.4 at least one hour before shocking.
- Shock treat the pool with an hth® shock product according to label directions.
Preventative Maintenance
- Maintain the FAC in the range of 1-4 ppm.
- Shower before entering the pool.
- Shock treat the pool weekly.
- Maintain the pH in the proper range. Follow label directions on the sanitizer for specific pH range recommendations.
Foamy Water
The Problem
Foamy water can be caused by a buildup of organic contaminants like body oils, lotions and cosmetics. It can also be caused by low CH.
Recommended Solutions
Preventative Maintenance
Corrosion of Metal Parts, Damage to Pool Surfaces
The Problem
Corrosive water can damage metal components, cause stains or discolored water, pitting and erosion of plaster and concrete surfaces, and wrinkles in vinyl liners. Low pH is a primary factor in corrosive water, especially for metals and vinyl liners. But low TA and low CH also contribute to corrosive water, especially for plaster and concrete surfaces.
Recommended Solutions
- Low pH: Increase the pH to the proper range of 7.2-7.8 with hth® pH increaser.
- Test and adjust TA and CH to their proper ranges as needed.
- Use hth® metal & stain defense to help prevent stains or scale from forming.
Preventative Maintenance
- Maintain proper water balance; pH, TA and CH.
- Monitor pH daily.