pool stains explained:types, causes, and how we remove them

Pool Stains Explained: Types, Causes, and How We Remove Them

Nothing frustrates pool owners more than seeing ugly stains on the pool floor, walls, or steps. Whether you have a concrete, plaster, or vinyl pool, stains can make sparkling water look neglected and dirty. At Sparkling Pools Service & Repair, we help Miami Lakes homeowners identify, treat, and prevent stains so your pool always looks its best.

In this article, we explain the most common types of pool stains, what causes them, and how we professionally remove them for good.

▢ Types of Pool Stains

✔️ Metal Stains
Metal stains often appear as green, brown, black, or reddish discoloration on pool surfaces. Common culprits include copper, iron, or manganese from source water, corroding pool equipment, or metal parts.

⚠️ How to identify: Rub the stain with a Vitamin C tablet. If it lightens or disappears, it’s likely a metal stain.

✔️ Organic Stains
Organic stains usually come from leaves, berries, algae, or other plant matter left sitting on the pool surface. These often appear as brown, green, or tan patches.

⚠️ How to identify: Organic stains often fade slowly when brushed or exposed to chlorine shock treatments.

✔️ Rust Stains
Rust stains can form from nails, metal shavings, or other objects that have dropped into the pool and sat undetected. They often appear as small, reddish-brown spots.

✔️ Calcium or Scale Deposits
White or gray chalky patches can develop on plaster or tile surfaces. Hard water and high calcium levels contribute to scale buildup.

✔️ Tile Line Stains
A brown or greasy line around your pool waterline often comes from sunscreen oils, cosmetics, and debris. Regular brushing can help, but sometimes professional cleaning is needed to remove stubborn buildup.

▢ How We Remove Pool Stains

At Sparkling Pools Service & Repair, we offer safe and effective stain removal methods based on your specific situation:

• Stain Identification: We perform tests to determine if your stain is metal, organic, or mineral-based.
• Spot Treatments: We apply specialty stain removers designed for your pool’s surface type.
• Ascorbic Acid Treatments: Perfect for metal stains, this treatment helps lift discoloration without damaging the pool finish.
• Acid Washing: For stubborn stains on plaster, we carefully perform acid washes to remove buildup and restore brightness.
• Water Chemistry Balancing: We help you adjust pH, calcium, and metal levels to prevent future staining.

Every stain is different, and using the wrong product can worsen the problem. That’s why it’s important to let professionals handle stain removal.

▢ How to Prevent Pool Stains

Keep your pool looking new with these simple steps:

• Test and balance water chemistry weekly
• Keep metals out by using sequestrants if your source water contains copper or iron
• Brush walls and floor regularly to prevent organic buildup
• Remove leaves and debris quickly
• Check pool equipment for rust or corrosion

Regular maintenance goes a long way in keeping your pool stain-free—and saves you money in the long run.

▢ Tired of Ugly Pool Stains?

Don’t let stains ruin your pool’s beauty. At Sparkling Pools Service & Repair, we specialize in professional stain diagnosis and removal for pools throughout Miami Lakes and surrounding areas.

Call us at 305-823-5438 or request service online to schedule your stain evaluation today.

Let’s keep your pool looking sparkling clean all year long!