Operating a swimming pool correctly takes a lot of diligence. Paying attention to small details is needed to ensure that every part of your swimming pool is safe, clean and functioning properly. With so much to take care of, it can be very easy to forget about the importance of your water line, and let the level of your swimming pool water creep a little too high or too low. Continue reading How to Maintain the Water Level in your Swimming Pool
Month: March 2020
How to Remove Metals from Your Swimming Pool Water
The idea that dissolved water can cause problems with your swimming pool may come as a surprise. Many pool owners are not even aware that their water can contain metal, let alone enough that it will show up in their swimming pool. But, the water that we drink and swim in is not pure, and most water contains trace amounts of metals. Metal in the water only really becomes an issue when the levels are too high.
The first clue that there may be metal issues with your water is mysterious staining in your swimming pool that is not being caused by algae, dirt or debris. If you’ve discovered that your swimming pool water has an issue with metal levels, you’ll be happy to know that you can easily remove metals from your swimming pool water.
Metal staining in your swimming pool
Metal levels in the swimming pool is a measurement you can usually ignore. Metals only become a problem because high levels can cause stains on your swimming pool, and cause problems with your pool’s appearance. If you have mysterious stains in your swimming pool that doesn’t quite look like algae or the usual dirt and debris, it is possible that metals are to blame.
It is possible to test the metal levels in your water using a water testing kit. But, metal-specific testing kits can be expensive. Most people will discover metal issues through color matching and the process of elimination.
The type of staining you have in your swimming pool will depend on which type of metal is contaminating your water. Green, grey or teal stains are usually an indicator that there is excessive copper, while iron and manganese create stains that are more red or black in colour.
Once you’ve confirmed you have metals in your water, you’ll be able to fix the problem quickly.
How does metal get into swimming pool water?
Metal in your swimming pool water will usually come directly from your water source. Whether you are able to fill your pool yourself or call in a service, the metals present in your water will naturally be present in your pool. In either case, you’ll usually hear from your pool company, or other locals, if there is a metal present in the local water.
But sometimes, the metals in swimming pool water can be the result of a problem with your pool or equipment. Metal contamination from your pool equipment is usually a sign of rust or corrosion in an essential part of your equipment. As metals begin to break down, metal can leach into your swimming pool water and cause staining. When this occurs, you’ll need to be sure you remove the metals from your water, and resolve and repair the source of your contamination.
What kinds of metals can be present in pool water?
Iron and copper are the metals that most commonly cause problems with your swimming pool. But, your pool water can also contain zinc, manganese and even silver and gold.
None of these metals will cause a problem with your swimming pool, equipment, or water unless the levels are excessive.
Removing metals from swimming pool water
If you’ve had a problem with metal staining your swimming pool, you’ll be happy to know that there is a solution. There are many products that will remove metals from your swimming pool water. You can use metal removing chemicals and compounds to make it easy to vacuum the metals from your pool. With excessive metals, this can take a couple of treatments, and require you to alter your chlorine levels. It may be easier for you to use a preventive measure like Aqua Stain Prevent to avoid issues resulting from metals.
Preventing metal buildup in your pool water
It is always ideal to prevent problems with your swimming pool before they develop. Finding the source of your metal contamination will allow you to prevent metal stains from recurring, and act before stains form on your liner.
If you know that your fill water contains metal, it can be a good idea to treat your pool to remove metals as soon as you’ve filled it. If you fill directly from your hose, you may need to stay vigilant and treat your water throughout the summer to prevent staining.
Sometimes, the source of metal contamination in the water is your pool equipment. If your heater has begun to break down, it can leach chemicals into your pool water. If other pool owners in the area are not facing a problem with metal issues, your own equipment is likely the problem. Unfortunately, metal contamination from equipment indicates that it is time to get updated parts or a new heater to prevent metal staining and other issues that stem from corrosion.
Enjoying a metal-free swimming pool
Metal contamination in your swimming pool can cause stains on your liner, and make your pool less attractive to swimmers. Metal stains look a lot like algae and dirt and have a serious impact on the appearance of your swimming pool. If you’ve noticed metal staining in your water, be sure to treat and clean as soon as possible to prevent stains from setting in. Then, you can learn the source of your contamination to prevent staining in the future.
How to Clean your Swimming Pool from Leaves
Having a leafy backyard can create unique challenges for swimming pool owners. Leaves and berries can easily drop into your pool, causing problems with debris, dirt and clarity. This can be especially difficult as autumn approaches and you get ready to close your swimming pool. This problem can be so frustrating that many people will avoid planting trees at all so it doesn’t add to their pool care needs.
With some planning and a regular cleaning schedule, you can overcome the challenge of having a leafy backyard area, and enjoy a sparkling clean pool this summer. Keep these tips in mind if you’re hoping to cultivate a garden oasis in your backyard.
Continue reading How to Clean your Swimming Pool from Leaves