Pool Stain Related To Healthcare System?

[sandraca]

We are using a Healthcare Pool System and this year have been having streaks of dark stains on the fiberglass surfaces. When we treat with PH- it takes out the stains but they return again. I'm wondering if this is from the ions in the water from the Healthcare system. We have been chlorinating with bleach but our water is very high in ph so we have trouble keeping any measurable chlorine levels. I hope someone is able to shed some light on this problem. We don't have any problems with algae though!

Thanks, Sandra

[waterbear]

You are using a copper silver ionizer in a fiberglass pool. This is a sure recipe for metal stains in the pool for several reasons:

1) fiberglass pools are the most prone to metal staining

2) copper stains at levels high enough to have algaestatic action.

3) Silver stains. Period.

The website for this product is SO FULL OF MISINFORMATION that I don't know where to start but I will select one point. They equate cyanuric acid (stabilzier) used in ALL outdoor fresh and salt chlorine pools with cyanide. FWIW, Cyanuric acid is actually less toxic than table salt, baking soda, or aspirin! In fact, it is used as a non protein nitrogen additive in cattle feed! They are going on a similar sounding name to instill fear to sell their product! It is also much less toxic than the copper and silver this system puts in the water. Copper and silver are registered with the EPA as pesticides, cyanuric acid is not!

IF you want to stop the staining (and the possiblity of green hair from copper) then stop using the system. That is the best advice I can give you.

The reason you cannot keep chlorine in the water is that you have no stabiliizer and you are using an unstabillized chlorine source.

High pH is a function of your Total Alkalinity.

Perhaps if you post a full set of test results (including copper levels) we can give you a bit more guidance.