Pool and Spa Blog

Stains on swimming pools can be problematic.  Depending on what caused the stain can determine what product or combination of products you should be using to remove the stain.  Jack's Magic has come up with a simple 3 Step stain removal process for swimming pool stains.  Always read the instructions completely before beginning treatments and follow all directions on the bottle and never mix chemicals together.

 Step 1: Balance the pool to proper levels for stain removal 

Although your pool water balance may be "perfect" for day-to-day conditions, it will probably need adjustment for a successful stain removal process.  Balance the pool to the following parameters before proceeding to Step 2.

• Free Chlorine (FAC)     - 1-3 ppm
• Total Chlorine (TAC)     - 1-3 ppm
• pH                              -  7.2 to 7.4 or below
• Total Alkalinity             -  80 ppm or below
• Calcium Hardness        -  200-400 ppm
• Stabilizer (CYA)           -  Below 70 ppm *
• Dissolved Solids (TDS) - Below 1200 ppm (except salt systems) *
  

* If cyanuric acid and/or Total Dissolved Solids are higher than the recommended levels above, dilute them by draining water from the pool and adding fresh water  Be sure to check reading again.  Failure to do so may result in an ineffective stain removal

Step 2: Use a Jack's Magic Topical Kit

 A Jack's Magic Topical Stain Identification Test is a series of test spots to determine which Jack's Magic products are right for your stains.  Within seconds of applying these products, removal (or reaction) of the staining should occur.  Please make a note of which product(s) removed the stain and follow the instructions corresponding to the products(s).  Steps, swimouts, and the shallow end of the pool are the best areas to do topical tests, however, deeper areas will work if the water is not circulating. Read all instructions before you begin.

1.  Make sure the pool is balanced (Step 1)
2. Turn pool pump off and allow water to calm
3. Apply approximately 1/2 jar of Stain Solution #1 over the stained area.  Allow to sit for a few seconds then brush away. (Solution #1)
   
4. Apply approximately 1/2 jar of Stain Solution #2 over another stained area.  Allow to sit for a few seconds then brush away. (Solution #2)
   
5. Apply approximately 1/2 jar of O2 Safe Shock over a third stained area.  Allow to sit for a few seconds then brush away and follow with 1/3 jar of Stain Solution #2 and allow to sit for a few seconds then brush away (O2 Safe Shock & #2)
6. Apply approximately 1/3 jar of Stain Solution #2 over a fourth stained area.  Let sit for only a few seconds then brush away and follow with 1/2 jar of Stain Solution #1.  Allow to sit for a few seconds and brush away. (Iron Scale Treatment)
   
7. Determine with topical test most effectively removes your stains and follow the appropriate stain removal treatment using the instructions below
   

Step 3: The Treatments

Solution #1:

1.  Complete Step 1 and Step 2
2. Turn pool pump on and chlorinator off
3. Lower chlorine level to just below 1.0 ppm (Use Jack's Magic After Shock to accomplish this quickly).
4. Add 2 pounds of Stain Solution #1 per 12,000 gallons of water.  Broadcast over stained area.
5. Add 1 quart of The Pink Stuff per 10,000 gallons of water. NOTE: For salt systems or high TDS, substitute The Purple Stuff)
6. Circulate the pool for 24 hours.
7. Clean filter and slowly begin re-chlorination and re-balaning of Alkalinity (use sodium bicarbonate only).
8. DO NOT SHOCK for at least a week after treatment

Solution #2:  NOTE:  Stain Solution #2 is acidic and can cause damage to pool surfaces and finishes if left standing for any length of time.  Brush away within seconds of applying.

1.  Isolate heaters and/or heat pumps from circulation system.  If this is not possible, DO NOT treat the pool with Stain Solution #2.  Call Jack's Magic at 800-348-1656 for assistance.
2. Complete Step 1 and Step 2 above
3. Turn pool pump on.
4. Add 10 pounds of Jack's Magic Stain Solution #2 per 10,000 gallons of water.
5. Add 1/2 gallon of muriatic (pool)acid per 10,000 gallons of water
6. Add 1 quart of The Blue Stuff per 10,000 gallons of water. NOTE: For salt systems or high TDS, substitute The Purple Stuff)
7. Brush the pool to make sure chemicals are in solution.
8. Circulate pool for 48 hours.  After 48 hours, continue to circulate pool a minimum of 8-10 hours per day.
9. Once a week during treatment, clean filter, add chlorine as needed (do no shock) and raise The Blue Stuff level to 20 ppm. You can use a Sequest Test Kit to check this level.
10. After stains are removed (may take several weeks) slowly begin re-balancing of Alkalinity (use sodium bicarbonate only).

O2 Safe Shock & #2:

1.   Isolate heaters and/or heat pumps from circulation system.  If this is not possible, DO NOT treat the pool with Stain Solution #2.  Call Jack's Magic at 800-348-1656 for assistance.
2. Complete Step 1 and Step 2 above
3. Turn pool pump on.
4. Add 1/2 gallon of muriatic (pool) acid per 10,000 gallons of water.
5. Add 5 pounds of Jack's Magic O2 Safe Shock per 10,000 gallons of water.
6. Add 10 pounds of Stain Solution #2 per 10,000 gallons of water.
7. Add 1 quart of The Blue Stuff per 10,000 gallons of water. NOTE: For salt systems or high TDS, substitute The Purple Stuff)
8. Brush the pool to make sure chemicals are in solution.
9. Circulate pool for 48 hours.  After 48 hours, continue to circulate pool a minimum of 8-10 hours per day.
10. Once a week during treatment, clean filter, add chlorine as needed (do no shock) and raise The Blue Stuff level to 20 ppm. You can use a Sequest Test Kit to check this level.
11. After stains are removed (may take several weeks) slowly begin re-balancing of Alkalinity (use sodium bicarbonate only).

Iron Scale Treatment:

The Iron Scale Treatment is a 2-step process.  Make sure to follow the instructions completely, do not leave out any steps and be patient.  Don't get in a hurry. 

1. Follow steps 1 through 8 for the Solution #2 listed above
   
2. Circulate pool for 48 hours.
3. After 48 hours, perform another topical test with Stain Solution #1 (see Step 2 above). 
   
4. If the stains are removed with Stain Solution #1, proceed to Solution #1 listed above.
5. If the stains are still present, wait another 48 hours and repeat step 3 of this treatment

Tip 1: If you are having difficulty getting a Free Chlorine Reading after doing a Stain Solution #2 treatment, test the Total Chlorine.  Assume that this reading is the true Free Chlorine reading.  Stain Solution #2 often causes an error in the DPD#1 test, blocking out any reading you should be getting.  This reaction may last up to a month while Stain Solution #2 is still in the water

 Tip 2:  If you get no apparent reaction when doing topical tests, try using The Pink Stuff, The Blue Stuff or The Purple Stuff for six weeks and try the topical tests again

Tip 3: To prevent any future staining in a pool, use The Pink Stuff, The Blue Stuff or The Purple Stuff as a weekly preventative maintenance product.  Maintain levels of 10-12 ppm, which can be easily checked with the Jack's Magic Sequest Test Kit.

Tip 4: To maintain proper water balances, use an accurate and reliable test kit. Jack's Magic has found the single tablet method to be the most accurate and stable method of testing water.  We have specially formulated and buffered tablets for warmer climates where short reagent life is common.  With a Jack's Magic test kit you can rest assured you are getting accurate answers every time you test your water.

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