Swimming pools are highly prone to metal deposits and stains due to the presence of heavy metals in the water. Different metals like iron, copper, and silver can cause the pool equipment and water to turn green, rusty brown, purple, or even black, at times.
If you’re experiencing a similar situation in your pool, it might be time for you to use a metal remover. In this guide, we’ll discuss 3 methods to test for metals in pool water and then, check out an easy method to use metal out in a pool.
How to Test for Metals in Pool Water?
You can use the following methods to test for metals in pool water:
- Pool Test Kit
- Vitamin C Tablets
- The Color Test
Metal Testing Kits
Most pool test kits are not made for metal testing, therefore, you’ll have to purchase the ones specifically made for metal testing like the LaMotte Test Strip Kit. But even metal test kits only test for copper and iron so we’re afraid this may not be your ideal option.
Vitamin C Tablets
Apart from testing kits, you can use Vitamin C tablets to test for metals in your pool water. Here’s how you can use them:
- Rub the tablet over the stained spots in your pool. Alternatively, you can crush the tablet and sprinkle the powder over the stains.
- Notice if the stains lighten or disappear.
If the stains are caused by metals, they will disappear upon contact with ascorbic acid, otherwise, it might just be algae.
The Color Test
The color test is another method of identifying the presence of metals in your pool. Metals impart different colors to pool water and deposit as stains in various colors.
This is what the common metals look like in pool water:
| Metal | Suspended in Water | Stain |
| Copper | Bright Green | Teal |
| Iron | Brown Tea | Rusty Red/Brown |
| Manganese & Magnesium | Purple | |
| Silver | Black Streaks or Discoloration |
How to Remove Metals from The Pool?
There are several ways to get rid of the metal deposits or stains in your pool. Following are the 3 foolproof methods to remove metals from a pool:
- Using a Metal Out (Metal Remover)
- Using Ascorbic Acid
- Using a Metal Sequester
Previously when metal removers were not a thing, ascorbic acid (Vitamin C) was widely used to remove metal stains from the pool. Even with the introduction of metal outs, ascorbic acid is a popular choice for removing metallic deposits from a pool. Metal sequesters, on the other hand, are a less popular option due to their slightly different mode of action.
With that said, let’s move on and find out how you can use a metal out in your pool. Alternatively, we’ll also discuss how ascorbic acid can be used to remove metal stains from the pool.
How Do You Use a Metal Remover in a Pool?
Metal outs are the best choice for removing metals and metal stains from a pool. They can remove heavy metals from the pool including copper, iron, manganese, silver, etc.
Here’s how you can use a metal remover in your pool:
Buy a Metal Out
Purchase an effective metal remover like Pro Team Spa Metal Magic.
Clean the Pool Filter
Start by rinsing and cleaning your pool filter.
Balance the pH and Alkalinity
Next, balance the pH and alkalinity of your pool, as and if required. [pH between 7.2-7.6 and alkalinity 100-120 ppm]
Add Metal Remover to the Pool
Add 2 to 3 ounces of metal remover for every 100 gallons of water or as directed on the label. Keep the circulation system running.
Let it Circulate
Allow the water to circulate for 2 to 4 hours and the metal out to do its job. And enjoy a clean hot tub!
Spa Metal Magic helps to remove copper, iron, manganese, etc. It also serves to prevent scale buildup around jets and other equipment. To maintain the water quality and prevent future buildups, use 1oz product for every 100 gallons of water each week.
How to Use Ascorbic Acid to Remove Metals from a Pool?
Using Ascorbic Acid or other Vitamin C products (like Stain Free) can help you efficiently remove metal stains from your pool. Just follow the steps below to get a cleaner, stain-free pool using Ascorbic Acid.
Reduce the Free Chlorine Level
Use a neutralizing chemical to bring down the free chlorine level to 0 ppm. Alternatively, you can partially drain and refill your pool to lower the chlorine level. Meanwhile, use an ammonia-free algaecide to prevent the pool water from becoming cloudy.
Maintain the pH
Maintain the pH level of your pool water at 7.2 because higher pH levels will require a lot of ascorbic acid for stain removal.
Start Circulation
Turn on the filter of the pool on circulation.
Add Ascorbic Acid
Now add ascorbic acid to the pool. For every 10,000 gallons, 1 pound of ascorbic acid is recommended. Stains will start disappearing within 30 to 40 minutes.
Allow 24-hour Circulation
Let the Ascorbic Acid circulate for 24 hours before you restore the standard parameters of your pool water.
Can you Swim After Putting Metal Out in a Pool?
No, it is not safe to swim immediately after putting metal out in a pool. Any metal remover is a chemical product, after all. It can cause irritation on your skin, eye redness, rashes, etc. Therefore, it is advised not to swim for 2 to 4 hours after putting metal out in a pool.
Other helpful pool chemistry guides:
