Bettyboop Posted May 12, 2013 Report Share Posted May 12, 2013 I just bought this house in Dec. 2012. The previous owner had left the gunite pool uncovered for two, if not three, years. In April 2012, the pool was practically empty and looked like it was in decent condition. By the time December rolled around, it was filled to the brim with black water. Fast forward through winter and now spring. In an effort to keep the Mosquitos at bay, I had it drained to acid wash it. Well, I am told it's a minute away from concrete and couldn't withstand an acid wash. The problem is the bottom of the pool is completely black. There were almost two feet of leaves covering the bottom when we drained it. I don't know what the black stains are - black algae, tannins, metal reaction (there's a lot of iron in the water here). Someone suggested painting the pool with an epoxy paint, but if it's algae, wouldn't that be a bad idea? HELP! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
chem geek Posted May 12, 2013 Report Share Posted May 12, 2013 Remove the debris, then shock with chlorine appropriate to the low water volume and use a rough brush (assuming the pool is plaster and not vinyl). The chlorine will oxidize any tannin stains and will kill black algae if you scrape off the heads. You shouldn't need to paint it over and that usually doesn't work out well. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Bettyboop Posted May 12, 2013 Author Report Share Posted May 12, 2013 Is there somewhere I can post/send a photo? Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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