LaMotte Pool & Spa Owner's Handbook - Manual (Page 20)

COLORED WATER
Colorless pool water is everyone’s goal, but there are those instances when
it is difficult to achieve. Colored water is an ugly nuisance and can result
in stained pool surfaces. The two main reasons for colored pool water are
oxidized metals and algae. A turbid green pool water condition is usually
attributed to algae. To gain a better understanding of algae treatment see
the section on algae.
Water color resulting from oxidized metals can come in an assortment
of colors, and is mostly translucent in its early stages. Green, red, brown,
and black are some of the more common colors produced by dissolved
metals. Green color is usually produced by either copper or iron. Red and
brown colors are generated by iron. Black/brown pool water is usually
caused by manganese.
Often these colored water conditions appear after a pool is initially filled
or after a shock treatment. If the fill water contains metals, it should
be treated with a sequestering agent and/or clarifier prior to chlorine
additions. A shock treatment can cause metals to oxidize, which allows
them to fall out of solution and become more visually apparent.
COLOR GREEN GREEN
RED/
BROWN BLACK
CAUSES Algae, if cloudy. Iron or copper
corrosion or in
water supply.
Iron corrosion or
in water supply. Manganese in
water supply.
TREATMENT 1. Brush. 1. Adjust pH & alkalinity to recommended ranges.
2. Shock treat
& brush.
2. Add sequestering agent & run filter.
3. Vacuum. 3. Two days later, shock treat the water.
4. Retest pH & alkalinity. Also test hardness levels
and if necessary, raise to 200 ppm minimum.
Notes:
Take a pool sample to a pool professional for dissolved metals testing
immediately after treatment and at least once a month.
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