PC102: METALSSMART START Pool School

METALS IN POOLS

➤ Metals are an uncommon but costly pool problem that can seem to come out of nowhere. There are three metals that pool owners deal with: copper, iron, and manganese.

➤ Metals can find their way into the pool from a few sources.

➤ Some source water contains metals; if you suspect metals in your source water, have it tested for metals. If it tests positive, have a filter installed, if possible.

➤ Corroding equipment can deposit metals into the water. Heaters with copper exchangers are a common culprit; when acidic water passes around the heat exchanger, it can start to pit, with the dissolved copper moving into the main body of the pool.

➤ Off-brand chemicals can be especially sensitive to changes in sanitizer and pH, causing the metal in them to fall out of solution.

➤ When metals come out of solution, they will tend to present as clear, discolored water. Eventually, stains can form on the surface of the pool as more metal starts to build up on the surface.

Left: iron staining on pool surface. Right, top: copper in pool water. Right, bottom: approximation of manganese in pool water.

COPPER

➤ Copper is one of two common metals found in pools; in addition to coming from corroded heat exchangers and source water, many off-brand algicides contain copper that comes out of solution when water balance changes.

➤ When copper comes out of solution, it can present as green, gray, or a bright blue.

➤ Copper will come out of solution in the presence of an oxidizer (shock); however, it will also come out of solution in the presence of some balancing chemicals if added in large quantities.

IRON

➤ Iron is one of two common metals found in pools; it tends to come from source water, although old, corroding equipment or the use of non-stainless-steel clamps and screws can add iron to water.

➤ When iron comes out of solution, it can present as green (in very small quantities), orange, or brown.

➤ Iron will come out of solution in the presence of an oxidizer (shock). It does not usually come out of solution in the presence of balancing chemicals.

MANGANESE

➤ Manganese is a rare metal found in pool water. It comes from source water.

➤ When manganese comes out of solution, it will present as red or purple; once out of solution, it can gradually change to chocolate brown or black.

➤ Manganese will come out of solution in the presence of an oxidizer (shock). It does not usually come out of solution in the presence of balancing chemicals.

➤ The treatment for manganese is different from the treatment for copper and iron. Follow your water care specialist’s recommendations to remove manganese.

TREATING FOR METALS➤ Before starting treatment, bring a

water sample to The Pool & Spa House. The standard water test always includes tests for copper and iron. Inform your water care specialist of the color of the water and if there are any stains; if stains are present, let your specialist know how long the stains have been on the surface of the pool.

➤ If you suspect manganese, ask your water care specialist to test manganese.

➤ Let your water care specialist know if you have added any products lately that contain metals, like algicides or certain shock treatments.

TREATING FOR METALS - COPPER AND IRON

➤ Begin by removing any stains from the surface with Stain Treat or Erase Iron Stain Remover. Stains should lift quickly. This does not remove the metals from the pool, just from the surface.

➤ Apply Pool Magnet Plus to the main body of the pool. Circulate for a minimum of 15 minutes. This will grab onto the metals, preventing them from staining surfaces. Note that this does not remove the metals from the pool; if the metals are not removed from the water, the Pool Magnet Plus will eventually wear off and cause staining and discoloration again.

TREATING FOR METALS

➤ Pre-mix and add Sparkle Up through the skimmer to coat the filter media with the Sparkle Up mixture. This will filter out metals as the water passes through the filter. Circulate for a minimum of 24 hours.

➤ Note: Sparkle Up is a filter aid. If filter pressure increases 8-10psi above clean pressure before 24 hours have passed, backwash (sand filter) or take out and rinse filters (cartridge).

➤ After cleaning the filter with water, chemically clean the filter with Kleen It to remove residual metals and Sparkle Up from the filter.

MANAGING METALS

➤ For owners who cannot pre-filter source water, regular use of Pool Magnet Plus can help prevent metals from causing stains in the pool.

➤ Quarterly filter cleanings using Sparkle Up and Kleen It can remove any metals that Pool Magnet Plus has sequestered.

➤ The use of a CuLator packet in the skimmer can passively filter out metals over time.

➤ Avoid using off-brand algicides and sanitizers containing copper.

➤ Perform weekly checks of your water chemistry with a test kit or test strips; ensure that pH is within the acceptable range. Test monthly with The Pool & Spa House.

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