Reddish-brown stains typically come from iron in the pool. Sometimes, the pool liner will also be stained yellow. These rusty patches on the liner can come from metal parts, like handrails or ladders, but they can also be caused by corroded iron pipes or well water.
Vinyl pool stains can be removed with acidic stain removal products like Stain Free, or A+ Stain Remover, or Jack's Magic Blue Stuff for vinyl liners. If the stain is on your vinyl pool steps, try Jack's Magic Step Stuff.
Mineral and metal stains: Too much copper, iron, calcium, or salts can all result in pool staining or marks. Too much copper usually results in blue-green staining, while iron results in red, yellow, or brown stains. Calcium and salts can result in white deposits.
The most common cause of staining and discoloration of your liner below the water line is secretions by micro-organisms. As these micro-organisms feed, they secrete dyes, which can be one of many colors that stain the vinyl.
Fading or Staining
Another sign of UV and chemical damage is when your vinyl liner starts to fade or show stains. In fact, this sign typically comes before the cracks and rips. This fading means that the liner is becoming brittle and will eventually be sensitive to tearing.
All of those factors can be grouped under the heading of chemical attack, however the leading cause is simply over chlorinating. Just as excessive use of bleach will fade your clothes, over chlorinating of your pool water will greatly accelerate the fading of your liner.
Typically, some last from 5 to 10 years and others that are in ideal settings and properly taken care of may just very well last over 15 years. Since you've made the investment, ensuring that you make the best of your investment will include properly caring for that vinyl liner.
A high concentration of chlorine will attack the liner, bleach it, cause it to “alligator”, and make the vinyl deteriorate rapidly. Therefore, you must never allow chlorine to come into contact with the liner before it has been fully dissolved and thoroughly dispersed in the water.
The average inground pool liner will last 5–9 years. The average above-ground pool liner will last 6–10 years. Liner warranties may last 25 to 30 years, but they're extremely prorated.
Iron water in the pool: causes
Such water is colorless, its color changes only after the addition of chlorine, which is used as standard for disinfection or as a result of iron oxidation by air. Then brown water appears in the pool, which looks dirty. The iron water in the pool can also be yellow.
Organic pool stains are not usually hard to get rid of, but over time, they sink down and begin to decay on your pool's floor. If the stains are brown-black, and can be found on the sides of the pool as well, it would indicate a metal issue – most often iron or copper buildup.
Chemical Stains
Corrosive pool chemicals laying directly on your pool surface can cause bleaching. Chemicals such as chlorine tablets, calcium increaser and pool shock can also fade a liner and lead to puckering.
Yes, we have successfully used a magic eraser to clean the scum line on a vinyl liner and on fiberglass steps. Always test on your pool in an out of the way area first to make sure your liner will hold up okay.
Key Chemicals
They are the most likely culprits for damaging your pool liner: Chlorine - High chlorine levels will degrade your pool liner faster. Always dissolve chlorine in a bucket first and then add it to your pool to prevent the granules from coming into direct contact with the vinyl.
White vinegar, baking soda, or organic dish soap are great alternatives and can help you tackle most mildew and stains with less health and environmental impact. They're also cheaper than many of the other pool cleaners you can buy. Pro tip: Be careful when using any cleaner to avoid bleaching or fading your liner.
A bleach and water solution or baking soda is a good way to clean pool liners. There are also a number of other designated cleaners used just for pools.
Perhaps the most common forms are calcium deposits (usually caused by incorrect pH balance) and body/sun tan oils. A reaction between modern sun creams and copper in the pool water can cause yellow staining on the liner material above the water line.
Watch out for these tell-tale warning signs that your fiberglass, gunite, or vinyl pool is leaking: There are puddles, damp spots, or pools of standing water near the swimming pool — even though it hasn't rained recently. Test the water in the puddle to see if it contains chlorine.
Unfortunately, sun rays can naturally wear down a vinyl pool liner.
Shocking your pool is a fairly simple process. Before you begin, uncover your pool, skim the pool, vacuum the sediment, and brush the walls, floor, and coves. Before adding shock, you'll want to protect yourself with the appropriate gear; which includes protective goggles, gloves, and work clothes.