Top 10 Causes of Brown Pool Water

Help! My pool water is clear brown.

Brown pool water is usually due to metals, organic contaminants, or imbalances in the pool’s chemistry. Clear brown water indicates oxidized iron is in the swimming pool. Cloudy brown water indicates organics are also present in pool water.

Here are the top 10 causes:

  1. High Iron Content: Iron in the water often comes from well water, corroded pipes, saltwater systems, bricks, stones, pavers, and pool screens or cages. When chlorine is added to the pool, iron oxidizes, turning the water clear brown or rust colored. If the pH goes up too high, you will get surface staining. Solution: Use Mega Maintain and a CuLator Ultra 4.0.
  2. High Manganese Levels: Manganese in the water, also found in well water or through pipe corrosion, can oxidize and give a brownish or black tint. Solution: Use Mega Maintain and a CuLator Ultra 4.0.
  3. Oxidation: Metals in pool equipment can “dissolve” due to low pH, especially iron, copper, and manganese, which discolor the water and can stain pool surfaces. Solution: Use Mega Maintain and a CuLator Ultra 4.0.
  4. Algae Growth: Certain types of algae, especially when dying or being treated, can turn pool water brown or murky. Solution: Increase your chlorine level. If algae continue, use a copper-based algaecide.
  5. Debris and Organic Material: Leaves, soil, or organic debris can decompose in the pool, giving the water a brown tint and affecting the pH and chlorine levels. Solution: Add more chlorine.
  6. High Total Dissolved Solids (TDS): Excessive minerals and salts in the water can cause discoloration and murkiness if TDS levels become too high. Solution: Drain some pool water and replace it with fresh water.
  7. Low Chlorine Levels: Insufficient chlorine allows organic material to thrive, often leading to water discoloration or cloudiness. Solution: Add more chlorine.
  8. Incorrect pH Levels: Low or high pH can interfere with chlorine’s effectiveness, leading to discoloration from unbalanced water chemistry. Solution: Get pH within range of 7.2-7.6.
  9. Faulty Filter System: A clogged or broken filter can fail to remove organic particles and metals, leading to murky or brown water. Solution: Clean filter or replace with new filter.
  10. Old, Stale Water: If pool water has not been replaced or refreshed in a long time, contaminants and dissolved minerals can accumulate, leading to discoloration. Solution: remove some swimming pool water and replace it with fresh water.

Proper water testing and regular maintenance are key to identifying and addressing the root cause, especially by checking metal levels, pH, and filtration efficiency.

If your brown water is caused by iron, a simple solution is to use https://culator.com/product/mega-maintain-metal-stain-scale-control-sequestering-agent/Mega Maintain Sequester with a CuLator Ultra 4.0 to remove all the ionized metals therefore preventing pool surface stains and water discoloration.

 

If your brown water is caused by organics, increase your chlorine level, or add algaecide.

Top 10 Chemicals needed to open your Swimming Pool!

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TOP 10 CEMICALS NEEDED TO OPEN A SWIMMING POOL

When starting up a swimming pool in the spring, several chemicals are essential to ensure the water is clean, balanced, and safe for swimming. These chemicals play various roles in sanitizing the water, preventing algae growth, and maintaining the proper pH and alkalinity levels. Here are some of the key chemicals needed for starting up a swimming pool.

  1. Chlorine: Chlorine is the primary sanitizer used in pools to kill bacteria, viruses, and algae. When starting up a pool in the spring, it’s essential to shock the pool with a concentrated dose of chlorine to eliminate any contaminants that may have accumulated over the winter. You can use either granular chlorine, liquid chlorine, or chlorine shock products for this purpose.  Once your pool is open, remember that the only safe swimming chlorine range is between 1-4 ppm.
  2. pH Increaser and Decreaser: pH is a measure of the acidity or alkalinity of the pool water. The ideal pH range for swimming pools is typically between 7.2 and 7.6. pH increaser (sodium carbonate or soda ash) is used to raise the pH level if it’s too low, while pH decreaser (sodium bisulfate or muriatic acid) is used to lower the pH if it’s too high.  If your pH ever falls below 7.0, then your water is acid and will destroy all surfaces, and your equipment, including your heater. 
  3.  Alkalinity Increaser: Total alkalinity is a measure of the water’s ability to resist changes in pH. Proper alkalinity levels (typically between 80 and 120 ppm for liners and 100-125 for plaster) help stabilize the pH and prevent rapid fluctuations. Sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) is commonly used to increase alkalinity when necessary.
  4.  Calcium Hardness Increaser: Calcium hardness refers to the concentration of calcium ions in the water. Maintaining the proper calcium hardness level (usually between 200 and 400 ppm) helps prevent corrosion of metal components and plaster surfaces, as well as scale formation. Calcium chloride is often used to increase calcium hardness in pool water.  Be careful not to overuse calcium chloride as once the calcium is in the swimming pool water, there is no simple way to remove it.
  5. Algaecide: Algaecides are chemicals designed to prevent or control algae growth in the pool. Adding an algaecide during startup can help inhibit algae growth as the pool water warms up and becomes more conducive to algae development. Choose an algaecide appropriate for your pool type and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dosage and application.  Many algaecides contain copper, which works great, but be aware that if you choose a copper-based algaecide, you will need to use a CuLator Metal Eliminator to remove those ionic metals, or they can stain the swimming pool surfaces or turn your pool water colors.
  6. Stabilizer (Cyanuric Acid or CYA): Stabilizer helps protect chlorine from degradation due to UV sunlight exposure. Cyanuric acid is the most common stabilizer used in outdoor pools. Adding stabilizer during startup can help maintain chlorine effectiveness and reduce the need for frequent chlorine shock treatments.  Be careful not to over-use Stabilizer, as there is no effective way to remove CYA from the swimming pool water.  Try to always keep your CYA level between 30-50.
  7. Metal Sequestrant: Metal sequestrants are chemicals that bind to metals in the water, preventing them from causing staining or discoloration on pool surfaces. If your water source contains high levels of metals such as iron or copper, adding a metal sequestrant during startup can help prevent metal-related issues. We recommend starting up the pool with Super Start-Up or maintaining it with Mega Maintain.
  8. Metal Eliminator: Use a CuLator Metal Eliminator and Stain Preventer PowerPak 1.0 for pools under 20,000 gallons or a CuLator Ultra 4.0 for larger pools, pools on well water, or problem pools.  Using CuLator is a great way to protect your pool and spa surfaces and equipment from stain-causing metals like rust, iron, copper, manganese, nickel, cobalt, silver, aluminum, and lead.  The easiest way to control metals is with a CuLator Ultra 4.0 for the entire summer season.
  9.  Clarifier: Clarifiers are chemicals that help improve water clarity by causing small particles to clump together, making them easier to remove through filtration. Adding a clarifier during startup can help clear up cloudy water and enhance overall water quality.  However, this may not be necessary if your filters are clean or new.
  10. Sunscreen: This one is for you before you go into the pool, protect yourself from the sun’s harmful rays with sunscreen! A sunscreen’s sun protection factor (SPF) is only fully effective for two hours after you put it on, make sure to reapply! 

Before adding any chemicals to your pool, it’s essential to test the water to determine its current chemical balance and identify any specific needs. Use a reliable pool water testing kit to measure pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, chlorine levels, and other parameters. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for each chemical product, and always wear appropriate safety gear when handling pool chemicals. By properly balancing and treating your pool water at startup, you can ensure a clean, clear, and safe swimming environment for the season ahead. Using this Range Based Balanced Pool Water Guide will help you identify how to correct your pool chemicals.

Top 10 Metal Removers for Swimming Pools and Spas 2023!

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Below are newest top 10 metal removers for the swimming pool industry 2023.

  1. Natural Chemistry Metal Free: Known for its eco-friendly formula, effectively sequesters metals while being gentle on pool surfaces. 
  1. CuLator Metal Eliminator and Stain Preventer by Periodic Products:  CuLator permanently removes and eliminates all stain-causing metals from the pool water, providing lasting protection against staining and discoloration. CuLator is patented and non-toxic. 
  1. Jack’s Magic The Purple Stuff: This powerful sequestering agent is designed to remove stains caused by iron, copper, and manganese, offering long-lasting protection against further metal buildup. 
  1. SeaKlear Metal Klear: Effectively suspends metal, prevents staining, and improves water clarity. 
  1. Leisure Time Metal Gon: Suitable for all pool types, this metal remover is designed to sequester metals, preventing staining and scale formation. 
  1. GLB Sequa-Sol: GLB Sequa-Sol is a cost-effective option for metals, preventing stains, and maintaining balanced water chemistry. 
  1. Pool Mate Metal Out: This fast-acting chemical effectively sequesters iron, copper, and manganese, preventing stains and scale formation, and improving water clarity. 
  1. Bio-Dex Protect All Supreme: Specially formulated to sequester metals and prevent scale.  Super concentrated formula. 
  1. Baquacil Metal Control: Designed for use with Baquacil pool care systems, this sequestering agent prevents metal staining and helps maintain crystal-clear water. 
  1. In The Swim Super Stain Away: Suitable for various pool surfaces, this powerful agent eliminates stains caused by iron, copper, and manganese, enhancing water aesthetics. 
  In this list, the term “Metal Remover” is a misnomer. Sequestering agents and chelating agents react with metal ions to produce molecules too small to be removed by pool filters. Metal removers sold in the pool industry do not remove metals from pool and spa water but rather suspend the metals in the water temporarily. The only product that REMOVES and ELIMINATES metals is CuLator Metal Remover and Stain Preventer.  Maintaining a clean and balanced swimming pool is crucial for optimal water quality and enjoyment. One common challenge faced by pool owners is the presence of metals, such as iron, copper, and manganese, which can cause staining and discoloration. Eliminating metals from your pool water ensures stain-free and healthy swimming pool water.  

Metals and Metal Staining Article from Aqua Magazine August 2020

Metals are naturally occurring substances found everywhere — in stone, soil and water. Rainwater, which is acidic, tends to dissolve the metals found in soil and stone, and carry them to groundwater and surface water, and thus on to hot tubs and pools when they are filled.

This article will focus on methods to control the introduction of metals into pools and hot tubs, specific types of metal staining and the chemicals used to prevent and remove them.

INTRODUCTION OF METALS TO POOL AND HOT TUB WATER

While 91 metals exist in nature, only six (iron, copper, manganese, cobalt, calcium and magnesium) typically cause problems in pools and hot tubs. Here we will address iron, copper, cobalt and manganese. (Elevated calcium and magnesium concentrations, which can produce scale, were addressed in “Water Balance Indexes” June 2018 Tech Notes, page 55).

Fill water (source water) typically contains metal contaminants, as nearly all municipal and well water supplies used to fill pools and hot tubs contain some metals, especially iron, copper, manganese and cobalt. For this reason, testing source water for metal concentration before filling the pool or hot tub is recommended. (See “Source Water and its Effects on Pool and Spa Maintenance” January 2020 Tech Notes, page 101.)

While tests for iron and copper are readily available, most of these tests measure only the free form of the dissolved metal. Complexed or sequestered dissolved metals, along with suspended particles of oxidized metals, are typically not measured by these tests. In general, two-step total metal tests containing sufficient releasing or reducing agents measure free, complexed and some oxidized metals better than most one-step metal tests that only measure free dissolved metals. Please refer to manufacturer’s instructions.

The majority of metals found in pool and hot tub water are introduced after the fill water has been added. These sources of metal contamination in pool water include stone water features, decking materials, plaster and pebble surfaces, chemicals, metal equipment, runoff and galvanic corrosion.

Marble, flagstone and granite naturally contain iron and can leach into a pool after every rain. Copper may be introduced from heat exchangers found in gas-fired water heaters when water is not balanced. Copper-based algaecides and mineral-based water treatment systems will introduce metals. Lawn and plant fertilizers containing metals can enter the pool water through improper application or uncontrolled runoff. Irrigation systems using reclaimed non-potable water or well water are additional common sources of metal contamination.

All of these sources can contribute to elevated metal concentrations in water, which can stain pool surfaces. Staining can be controlled with the proper and continual use of metal sequestering agents or by the removal of the dissolved metal from the water. Also, proper water balance prevents corrosion of surfaces and equipment that would contribute to metals in the water

STAIN PREVENTION

Remediation of Source Water – If source water is found to contain total metal concentrations greater than 0.2 ppm, remediation of the water is recommended prior to adding it to the pool or hot tub. Sediment filters (10 micron or less) can remove most of the larger oxidized metal particles. Treating water with filters containing metal adsorbents can reduce dissolved metal concentrations. Using untreated well water or other source water containing high levels of metal contaminants (greater than 1 ppm) should be avoided when filling or maintaining a pool or hot tub’s water level.

Pool and Hot Tub Water Balance – The most significant factor in preventing the release of metals from pool and hot tub equipment and surfaces — and the most overlooked — is pH. Water with a low pH (less than 7) is acidic and likely corrosive. Acidic water can dissolve metals found in filtration equipment, heat exchanger and cementitious surfaces.

Poor water chemistry will eventually damage the equipment and surfaces of any pool. Regularly measure and maintain the correct pH, alkalinity and hardness of the water. If the water does not contain enough calcium (hardness) or carbonate (alkalinity), it will draw the calcium and carbonate out of a cementitious surface, releasing metals naturally found in these materials into the pool water.

Primary Sanitizer and Associated Stabilizer Levels – Maintaining proper primary sanitizer and stabilizer (cyanuric acid) levels is essential to controlling organic contaminants in pool and hot tub water. These organic contaminants include pathogens associated with recreational water illnesses; they can also include algae and non-hazardous bacteria (such as Thiobacillus ferrooxidans, Leptospirillum ferrooxidans and Gallionella ferruginea, collectively referred to as iron bacteria).

Maintaining the correct concentration of active sanitizer reduces the need to add copper-based algaecides to the pool and hot tub water. Refer to the ANSI/APSP/ICC-11 2019 American National Standard for Water Quality in Public Pools and Spas for sanitizer and stabilizer guidance.

Bonding of Metals and Water – Many pool and hot tub equipment components are fabricated from metal. Titanium is found in many electrolytic halogen generators and in the heater core of electric heat pumps. Copper is the primary component of the heater core found in gas-fired pool and hot tub heaters and is often used in decorative features such as spillways and water/ fire pots. Iron, chromium and nickel are found in the stainless steel used to manufacture ladders, handrails and light rings.

For chemical and electrical safety, a bonding system is installed in the pool or hot tub. The system consists of copper wire connecting all the metal components and water together, thereby removing the differences in electric potentials. In the absence of a functional bonding system, metal components in contact with the water can dissolve or discolor, potentially destroying the equipment and increasing metal concentrations in the water. This process, known as galvanic corrosion, is enhanced in conductive solutions such as salt water and can also result from stray direct current (DC) in the water from such sources as telephone and alarm systems, DC power supplies, and electric transportation systems proximate to the pool or spa. While sacrificial anodes (like zinc metal) can be used to limit equipment damage, they do not address the cause of the corrosion, and the anode metal dissolves into the water. Bonding systems should be tested at least annually and any other time when corrosion is observed to ensure electrical safety and the ability to limit galvanic corrosion.

Sequestering Agents – Sequestering agents are liquid solutions of soluble metal chelators and are added to pool water to temporarily protect pool surfaces. Sequestering agents work by bonding to the dissolved metals and limiting their oxidation. Although these chemicals are commonly referred to as “metal removers” by the industry, they only chelate the metals and do not physically remove them from the water. These agents have been used in the municipal water treatment industry for decades and require sophisticated ultrafiltration systems for the removal of the sequestered metal particles. The particle size is almost always too small to be effectively removed by pool filtration systems. Sequestering agents do, however, serve an important function in metal control. By combining with the dissolved metal ions, these chelators reduce the rate of metal oxidation by the sanitizer, thereby limiting surface staining.

In a pool or hot tub, the agent is continuously destroyed by the primary sanitizer and secondary disinfection system. Thus, in addition to the regular treatment dose, frequent additional “maintenance doses” of these chemicals are required to keep the dissolved metals from oxidizing and staining the pool surface.

Presently, there are only three reported ways to reduce the concentration of dissolved metals in pool and hot tub water:

  • Removing and replacing a portion of the water with fresh metal-free water;
  • Filtering the water through a reverse osmosis (RO) system; or
  • Using water-insoluble natural or polymer adsorbents to bind the metals.

REMOVING METAL SURFACE STAINS

There are well-established procedures for removing metal stains from pool surfaces. These typically involve three steps:

Step 1: Removal of the metal stain from the surface

Step 2: Chelation of the dissolved metals in the water with a sequestering agent

Step 3: Elimination of the metals from the water.

Removal of the metal stains is done by adding ascorbic acid (vitamin C)citric acid, oxalic acid or a similar material to the pool water. Removal of metal stains with muriatic acid should only be done by an experienced pool service professional, as permanent damage to the pool surface could occur. Chelation of dissolved metals (Step 2) and methods of reducing dissolved metal concentrations (Step 3) have been previously discussed.

Differentiating between metal stains and those caused by organic contamination is occasionally challenging. Obtaining a thorough history of the stain, evaluating water chemistry values and spot testing the stain with either ascorbic acid or citric acid may facilitate this assessment.

Note: Some organic stains, like those caused by iron bacteria, “disappear” when treated with ascorbic acid, but return as soon as a chlorine residual is restored.

OTHER METAL ISSUES

·         Biguanide-based sanitizers can react with iron and copper.

·         Dissolved copper can react with high levels of cyanuric acid to produce a characteristic purple surface stain or purple-colored water referred to as copper cyanurate.

·         Iron can interfere with ultraviolet (UV) disinfection systems. For systems producing UV light at 254 nanometers (UV-C), reducing iron levels in the water to below 0.2 ppm has been recommended by the United States Environmental Protection Agency. It is important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions regarding allowed levels of iron and other metals for proper system operation.

The United States Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that the copper concentration in pool and hot tub water not exceed 1.3 ppm (mg/L), and the United States Environmental Protection Agency has established an action level of 1.3 ppm copper for drinking water. Staining may occur at lower levels.

You can view the original article in the Aqua Magazine September 2020 Issue

Kids Hair Turned Green From Pool Water

Here is a recent question we received that I wanted to share:

I have a question regarding the Metal Eliminator. We have copper in our pool (about 2.0) no staining or water changing color… just the kids hair is getting a green tint. Do we have to use the Metal Sequester first (I did use metal free at the beginning of the season)? Or can I just get the CuLator Metal Eliminator and put it in my pump basket. Much Appreciated!!

K.D. California

Here is the response:

K.D.

Copper will definitely turn your kids hair green.  No, you don’t have to use the Metal Sequester first, but rather use it at the same time with the CuLator Metal Eliminator Ultra 4.0 ( in your pump basket) for best results.  All metal sequestering agents have a limited life span.  Usually about three to four weeks; so, the best way to deal with stain-causing metals is to get them out of the water.  CuLator is the only product that gets the metal out of the swimming pool water.

Thanks!