Removing Stains In Your Swimming Pool
Start by identifying the stain from its color. Organic stains usually brush away after you shock the pool, while metal stains need a water test and a stain remover that is safe for vinyl liners.
Identify the stain by color
| Stain color | Likely cause |
|---|---|
| Rusty red, brown, or greenish | Iron |
| Bluish-green | Copper |
| Brownish-black or purple | Manganese |
| Green or brown, with leaves or debris nearby | Leaves, mud, or other plant matter |
| Red or blue | Berries or seeds |
Metal stains often show up around ladders, drains, and stairs, and under the lip of the pool. They can come from well water or corroding copper pipes.
Protect your vinyl liner
Never put chlorine directly on a vinyl liner, including on a stain. Undissolved chlorine sitting on vinyl can bleach spots into it. Don't use abrasive cleaners or pads on the liner, and never mix pool chemicals together; add each one to the water separately. See Safety precautions when working with chemicals.
Organic stains
Organic stains typically come from leaves, mud, algae, or berries that settle on the floor, and they are usually the easiest to remove. Shock the pool following the product label, let it sit overnight, then brush the stains with a soft brush. For target chemical ranges, see What Are the Ideal Levels of My Pool Chemicals?
Metal stains
To treat a metal stain, you need to know which metal caused it. Take a water sample to your local pool store to find out, and ask for a stain or metal remover that is safe for vinyl liners. If that doesn't clear it, get professional help. Shop pool chemicals.
Prevent stains
Test your water regularly to keep chlorine and pH in balance, since improper water balance can cause stains. Remove debris and vacuum the floor regularly. For more, read Removing Stains in the Pool on our blog.
Still need help?
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