Intex type pool filled with manganese & iron

[JustLeigh]

Thanks for the reply PoolDoc - I appreciate that you took the time. I knew there would be no 'quick fix' for our problem or even a fix at all. We didn't do enough research prior to purchasing a pool. I thought you bought a pool, set it up, fired some water and chemicals into it and used it... I'm slowly and painfully learning the hard way! My husband is basking in the glory of constantly reminding me that ... " I told you so dear!" However, it is what it is and I will follow through or die trying!

I'm leaning towards options "B" and "D". I don't give up easily. I am determined to keep what water I already have in the pool, as clear as possible... for this summer anyways. I will continue to keep the chlorine level at optimum and continue to use my 'white towel, filter, sock" contraption when I notice the water starting to turn. I thought perhaps there was a chemical out there that could somewhat 'speed up' the removal process. Maybe, in time, before the summer is over, I will have succeeded in removing all discoloration manually and I will be this forums' first success story. I will let you know! Next summer I will make sure that I do not 'top off' the pool with our well water. Afterall, we learn from our mistakes.

Again, thanks for your time.

Leigh

[PoolDoc]

"B" is what I'd do, most likely.

Be aware that there's a fair chance you'll end up with permanent stains. Also, if you care about a swimsuit, do NOT wear it in that pool. Metal stains are very hard to remove from swimwear, without damaging the fabric. (Especially, Lycra.)

Also, research would not necessarily have helped you; only PoolForum and maybe TroubleFreePool would have given you correct information. The vast majority of swimming pool sites are focused on selling their chemicals, not on solving your problem. Even then, the 'method' I would have given you is unproven. The Intex pools are showing up in a lot of places with bad water (from a pool point of view), 'where pools have never gone before'!

But long as your pH is between 7.0 and 7.8, and your chlorine is in range (see Best Guess chart for the appropriate range), the pool is safe to swim in. And when it is hot enough, people's tolerance for discolored water goes right up.

One key point: you also need to know your stabilizer level: without that, you're not going to have the information you need. You may be able to get reasonable results from a pool store, but if not you will have to get a test kit . . . and strips really aren't accurate enough, when it comes to CYA.

Finally, I wouldn't rule out using well water. On small pools, you will have enough splash out, so that you will NEED to be able to 'top off' without hiring a water truck. So, use this summer to learn how to manage your pool . . . and make plans to do better next spring.