Staining of the Swimming Pool

Stains can, and do reduce the attractiveness of a swimming pool. By regularly testing and maintaining the water chemistry of a pool, we can avoid pool problems such as staining. The cost of regular pool water maintenance is far lower than the cost of stain removers, acid washing or swimming pool resurfacing.

Staining of the swimming pool's surfaces does not result in illness, but has a negative aesthetic effect on the bathers at the swimming pool. The swimmers have the impression that the swimming pool looks dirty and this detracts from the swim.

Staining can result from several factors:

• the pH is too low;
• the total alkalinity level is too low;
• the calcium hardness level is too low;
• the level of total dissolved solids is too high;
• there are high levels of metals.

By testing and correcting the above pool water parameters, the staining should stop. Existing stains will, however, still require special treatment and we suggest you consult a pool professional.

More pool stain resources are in the Swimming Pool Staining Forum.