How to Identify and Remove Pool Stains

Understanding Different Types of Pool Stains

Before you can determine how to remove pool stains, the first step is to identify what kind of stains you have.

Organic Stains

Leaves, branches, and other debris can stain if left in your pool. For example, leaves can release tannins that discolor the area beneath them. Algae can also discolor surfaces.

Metal Stains

Metals like iron, copper, and manganese can leave stains. The possible sources for these have a wide range, including everything from corroding equipment and metal objects left in the water to dissolved minerals in fill water and certain pool products.

Mineral Scale

Scale isn’t a stain; it’s a buildup of mineral deposits. It usually looks hard, crusty, or flaky. Calcium carbonate is the most common form, caused by water imbalances including pH, calcium hardness, alkalinity, and temperature.

Unfortunately, it’s often difficult to pinpoint the cause of the stain, which can be a combination of several factors. With our proven, exclusive stain treatment program, we can help you to not only determine the cause but treat it effectively. The experts at your local Pinch A Penny can then help you prevent the stain from returning.

Rust Stain

Iron Stain

Cobalt Stain

Copper Scale

Oxidized Copper Stain

Stain Removal Step-by-Step Guide

There are three steps to successful stain identification using our Suncoast product line. Follow these steps and you should have no problem identifying your stains. If you do not follow these instructions, the treatment will most likely not work, so please read carefully. If you have any questions after you have read this article, or to purchase a Suncoast Stain IDentification Test Kit, please visit your local Pinch A Penny store.

*Note: pool water must be above 65℉ before starting any stain treatment program.

Step 1

Balance Your Pool Water for Stain Removal

Visit your local Pinch A Penny store for free water analysis so you can properly balance your pool water. Although your pool water balance may be “perfect” for day-to-day conditions, it will probably need an adjustment for successful stain removal. Balance the pool to the following parameters before moving on to STEP 2.

Free Available Chlorine	3.0 ppm or below
Total Available Chlorine	3.0 ppm or below
pH	7.4 or below
Total Alkalinity	80 ppm or below
Calcium Hardness	400 ppm or below
Cyanuric Acid (stabilizer)	70 ppm or below
TDS (Total Dissolved Solids)*	1200 ppm or below

*For salt chlorinated pools, 4700 ppm or below

Step 2

Use a Suncoast Stain ID Kit from Pinch A Penny

This step uses a test spot to determine which chemicals will best remove your organic or inorganic stains. An organic stain can usually be removed by the addition of chlorine over the spot(s). If it doesn’t, it’s probably an inorganic stain, and you should use the Suncoast Stain IDentification Kit.

This kit contains “try me” sizes for several common pool stain remover chemicals. Steps, swim-outs, and the shallow end of the pool are the best areas to do your test. Remove any pool cleaner before you begin and read all instructions.

For yellow, brown, or reddish-brown stains (generally iron), try the Suncoast Iron & Cobalt Stain Remover first.
For blue or blue-green stains (generally copper), try the Suncoast Stop Stains first.
For gray or black stains (generally oxidized copper), try the O2 Safe Shock first.

Follow the steps below for each spot test to identify an effective pool stain cleaner for your particular stain type. Once you find the right treatment, visit your local Pinch A Penny for full treatment instructions specific to your pool’s finish.

Suncoast Iron & Cobalt Remover

Make sure the pool is balanced according to Step 1.
Turn the pool pump off and let the water stand for 30 minutes.
Pour 2 oz. of Suncoast Super Metal Control or muriatic acid over a small stained area.
Sprinkle approximately 1⁄2 bag of Suncoast Iron & Cobalt over the same area. Wait 2-3 minutes. If the color changes to a red or burgundy, lower the pH and/or Alkalinity to the recommended level. If the discoloration fades or disappears, contact your local Pinch A Penny store for “Procedure A” stain removal instructions for your pool’s finish.
If no apparent change occurs, or if red or burgundy color did not disappear, proceed to Suncoast Stop Stains Test in another spot.

Suncoast Stop Stains

Make sure the pool is balanced according to Step 1.
Turn the pool pump off and let the water stand for 30 minutes.
Sprinkle approximately 1⁄2 bag of Suncoast Stop Stains over a small stained area. Let it sit for a few seconds, then brush away. Observe the reaction. Removal or fading of the stain should occur as the Suncoast Stop Stains migrates toward deeper water. If removal or fading occurs, contact your local Pinch A Penny store for “Procedure B”.
If no apparent change occurs, add approximately 1⁄2 bag of Suncoast Iron & Cobalt over the same area. Wait 2-3 minutes. If removal or fading occurs, contact your local Pinch A Penny store for “Procedure C” stain removal instructions. If some staining remains after treatment, a follow-up with “Procedure A” might be necessary.
If no apparent change occurs, proceed to O2 Safe Shock in another spot.

Note: Suncoast Stop Stains is an acidic product and can damage pool finishes if left standing for any length of time.

Suncoast O2 Safe Shock

Make sure the pool is balanced according to Step 1.
Turn the pool pump off and let the water stand for 30 minutes.
Sprinkle approximately 1⁄2 bag of O2 Safe Shock over a small stained area. Wait 2-3 minutes. If a yellow or reddish color occurs, it is an indication that the stain is copper.
Sprinkle approximately 1⁄2 bag of Suncoast Stop Stains over the same area. Let sit for only a few seconds, then brush away. Observe the reaction. Removal or fading of the stain should occur as the Suncoast Stop Stains migrates toward deeper water. If removal or fading occurs, contact your local Pinch A Penny store for “Procedure D” stain removal instructions for your pool finish.

Step 3

Test Your Water at Pinch A Penny

Once you have identified the stain using the Suncoast Stain IDentification Kit, visit your local Pinch A Penny store with a water sample from your pool. Inform the store associate which chemical and procedure got the best result. The store will perform a new water test analysis, and our computerized test program will give you a detailed printout and product recommendations tailored to your pool’s stains, water, and finish.

Preventing Future Pool Stains

Your local Pinch A Penny will also recommend a maintenance program to help prevent your stains from coming back. In general, you can help keep your pool looking its best by following these stain-prevention tips:

Keep Water Balanced: Maintaining proper pH and alkalinity prevents dissolved metals from oxidizing and forming deposits that stain pool surfaces.
Clear Organic Debris Quickly: Skimming and brushing regularly prevents leaves from bleeding tannin stains into plaster or vinyl.
Use Sequestering Agents / Stain Inhibitors: Periodically adding a dose of a metal-control chemical helps keep dissolved minerals in water from adhering to walls.
Regular Water & Metal Testing: Pinch A Penny locations offer free 7-point water testing to catch high metal concentrations before they turn into visible surface stains.

Trust the Experts at Pinch A Penny

Swimming pool stains are a fact of life. However, by following these instructions, you might be able to eliminate them. Over 50 years of expertise has given us the knowledge to handle any pool stain situation. Whether your pool is in-ground or above ground, our swimming pool stain remover products are specifically formulated to identify and treat a variety of stains, no matter the cause. For more information, download a copy of our complete Pool Care Guide.

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