What are the solutions for pool rust?
It is not rare to find rust stains in a pool. Fortunately, these stains are not necessarily serious and can be treated rapidly. So, how do you remove rust stains? What should you do if your pool water turns brown?
How does rust appear in a pool?
Rust is created by the contact of water with metallic elements. It is a serious problem that can eventually damage equipment. In particular, rust may attack the pool liner and, in the most severe cases, the water may change colour and turn brown.
In general, rust is caused by a metallic object that has accidentally fallen into the pool or an element of pool equipment, such as a skimmer part. However, brown or reddish stains are not necessarily the sign of rust – they may also be caused by the development of algae in the pool.
In any case, you must be aware of the cause of the problem in order to apply an effective treatment.
How do you remove rust stains from a pool?
Several solutions are available to eliminate traces of rust from your pool. Of course, if the rust is caused by a metallic object, you must first find it and remove it from the pool.
The magic eraser
A magic eraser is a white sponge that is specially designed to clean pool shells. They are generally used to clean the waterline, but they are also very effective on rust stains.
Pool rust remover
Rust removers are available, some of which are very practical for underwater stains, which can be more complicated to treat due to their position. Like with a magic eraser, you will have to rub the stain to remove it.
Rust removal products are generally sold with a cloth to imbibe with the product. Be sure to handle these chemical products with care and carefully follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
Anti-limescale agents
If you do not wish to purchase a special product, you can simply use an anti-limescale product, which will also act against rust. Allow the product to act for a few minutes before rubbing and then rinse. However, this solution is not suitable for underwater stains.
If the stain is near the surface, you can take advantage of passive winterising to clean it after lowering the water level. If the rust stain is deeper, a rust remover will be more suitable.
Diluted hydrochloric acid
Diluted hydrochloric acid can be very effective to get rid of rust stains. Unfortunately, this is rarely a good solution because this product can only be used in an empty pool. Therefore, it can only be used in a pool that can be emptied without damaging the structure, or during renovation.
Metal sequestering agent
This product acts in case of an overload of iron, manganese or copper in the water. It is a fast-acting one-off treatment. After dilution, it is poured into the pool to neutralise the metallic ions present in the water. It can be used to solve a rust problem or as a preventive treatment against the appearance of stains.
Rust in pool water
There are two possible explanations for brown pool water:
– You have a rust problem that has not been treated rapidly or which has been caused by the presence of metal in the water.
– It is not a problem of rust at all, but brown algae have developed in the pool.
How do you clean water that contains rust?
Rusty water in a pool is not a good sign. A rust stain on the liner may be quite easy to remove, but it is not a good idea to wait for the water to change colour. You will not be able to use your pool until the problem is solved.
To eliminate the rust, you will have to clean the pool entirely, treat the water with a metal sequestering agent, and filter it thoroughly. In this type of extreme situation, you may decide to call in a professional pool service to help you recover your water.
Rust or brown algae?
Brownish water may be caused by rust. It is also possible that your pool has been invaded by algae. Indeed, not all algae is green but can also be brown or red and may be confused with rust.
If your pool is invaded by red or brown algae, you will have to brush the sides to dislodge them. You can then carry out a chlorine shock treatment, followed by a suitable algaecide for this type of algae that you add directly into the pool. You can complete the treatment with a long period of filtration until the water becomes clear again.
A shell pool or a concrete pool: should you treat rust differently?
Whether you own a shell pool or a concrete pool, the procedure to remove rust stains is quite similar: you will have to rub the stain with either a cloth or a magic eraser to remove it. In any case, you will have to be careful not to damage the pool. Check that the products and equipment you want to use are compatible with the pool liner, gelcoat and, of course, the other maintenance treatments that you usually add to your water.
How do you avoidrust stains in your pool?
Proper pool maintenance is always important to keep pool water clean and clear. It also prevents the development of rust stains.
Faulty filtration
If the problem is not solved, it is possibly due to the filtration system. Carefully check that no parts are damaged or broken. If everything appears to be in order, wait a few hours after brushing the pool sides to allow all the sediment to settle to the bottom of the pool before filtering.
Monitor the pH and the quantity of chlorine in the water
The pH of your pool water must be between 7.0 and 7.2. It is important to check it periodically with test strips. Indeed, a pH imbalance can create numerous problems, such as the development of algae or rust. Acidic water, with a pH below 7, may cause the precipitation of metals.
Chlorine is also an important element to monitor to ensure the quality of your water. It should be between 1.5 and 2 mg per litre of water. Its disinfecting action will limit the risk of rust.
Pool maintenance and equipment
Regular pool maintenance is necessary from all points of view, including for the prevention of rust. By removing debris, brushing the walls and vacuum cleaning the pool bottom, you will prevent metallic objects or particles from remaining too long in the water and creating rust in the pool.
Pay attention to the products you use
Some pool maintenance products may contain significant quantities of copper. This is often the case of algaecides. It is therefore important, in addition to choosing products that are compatible with your liner, to look at the composition of the products you use. If you want to add an algaecide to your pool that risks creating rust, you can combine it with a metal sequestering agent as a preventive treatment.
Check the equipment
The equipment you use for the maintenance of your pool may contain metal parts. It is therefore quite possible that the rust in your pool originates from skimmer or nozzle parts. By regularly checking the condition of all your equipment, you will prevent the appearance of rust.
The pH and chlorine levels are also important: pH that is too high or an excessive quantity of chlorine can cause the equipment to corrode, and notably damage the copper piping of the hydraulic system.
Cover the pool
Remember to cover your pool well when you are not using it to prevent a piece of metal from falling into the water. You can use a simple tarpaulin or install a more efficient cover that will also secure your pool. A pool shutter or an enclosure are two very good solutions to cover your pool.
A little vigilance may also help you avoid unpleasant surprises. Cover the pool for the entire duration of any nearby works, especially if metal parts are present. Also, immediately recover any object, like a piece of jewellery, that falls into the pool when bathing.
Rust stains will be more or less difficult to remove from the pool depending on their location. Deep stains may require you to use a certain amount of resourcefulness and use, for example, a pole and specific products. In any case, you will have to be careful not to damage the liner by rubbing the stain and carry out rigorous maintenance to prevent the development of rust.
