Pool Surface Problems - Minerals

Minerals in the water can lead to discoloration and staining. They are always present in the source water used to fill the pool or replace lost water; however, not all minerals are problematic. If your source water is known to contain metals, add a maintenance dose of a SUN Scale & Metal Control II several hours prior to filling or replacing water. Always try adding makeup water by placing the garden hose in the skimmer in order to give the filter an opportunity to remove any suspended minerals. Water discoloration or staining that occurs immediately upon addition of either SUN® pH Plus or ® may be the result of an under-treated or undetected iron, copper or manganese problem. Water testing is important for detection and treatment of mineral and mineral-associated problems so bring a water sample to your professional SUN® dealer for complete analysis.

Copper:

• Acidic conditions can lead to corrosion of copper pipes or heaters
• "Green hair" can be caused by copper from natural sources or corrosion of copper pipes and heaters
• Copper imparts an undesirable blue-green color to pool water

Iron:

• Can cause amber to rusty-brown discolorations of the water and/or underwater surfaces
• Even iron levels as low as 0.1 ppm can cause problems
• Iron is readily oxidized by chlorine, bromine and oxygen in water and may settle to the bottom as an insoluble form

Manganese:

• Can cause purple to brown-black discolorations of the water and/or underwater surfaces
• Rarely present, except at very low levels, in municipally supplied water