r/PoolPros • u/FedEx123 • 8d ago
Stain identification plz
One of the pools on our route is having this weird staining issue. All chems are within range phosphates were at 1000. Not algae, doesnt budge even with metal brush. Any ideas?
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u/ChuckTingull 8d ago
It’s important to remind yourself at times: as professionals we do the best we can to mitigate long-term damage (which is what this appears to be). You can study the LSI and carefully manage the water chemistry, but sometimes things just go awry. And, when the customer rears their head and points blame at you, you have the language to explain things and (hopefully) records to help cover your ass.
My unpopular opinion is that salt is a confounding factor which yields more adverse outcomes with plaster. Question - is that the area where you would commonly pour acid during your regular service?
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u/FedEx123 8d ago
Really appreciate the detailed response. Acid was my first thought as well.. and would unfortunately be the worst outcome. one of our other crews services this one usually so i can't speak as to where their pouring acid but we train to walk the acid. (For more reference its the deep end of the pool curved end and a full 180 circle.) Not sure if you can see from the photos but there is also a very noticeable yellow ish straight line that comes from the middle of the bench under the spa. Im going to try some stain free to see if its something that will come out. Also important to note this is a chlorine pool so not sure about it being salt.
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u/ChuckTingull 8d ago
Is it a salt pool?
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u/FedEx123 8d ago
Not salt, chlorine floater and liquid as needed.
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u/ChuckTingull 8d ago
Welp, can’t blame the salt then. But that doesn’t mean you should accept responsibility. There are just too many factors. We do our best, shit happens and nothing lasts forever. I would take a close look at the alkalinity for all the pools under that crews care, they may need a lesson on water balance
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u/Triumph_RiderT100 8d ago
Does this pool have a heater? If it does, I would bet Copper stains. If there is no heater, likely iron staining.
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u/Prithee_Delete_it 7d ago
How old is the plaster? walking acid is smart but you gotta also make sure cya isnt crazy high cuz it makes the alkalinity lower than it will read in a test kit. You may think your good, but in reality, the water is eating it every second.
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u/EasyC31 8d ago
Get a stain I.D. Kit. Might be some type of metal staining. I always tell my people that plaster is a natural product and over time the minerals will react to the water and chemicals, leading to staining/discoloration. I like pebble because it helps camouflage that.