APCO Pools Specialties, Inc.

Removing Stains From Pools and Pool Liners

Stains on pool liners are more than just unsightly; they can damage the liners themselves, and create unhealthy pool water. But cleaning up stains is a comparatively simple process. Here’s a quick tutorial.

Determine the source of the stain. Depending on what’s causing it, the stain may be simple to remove. Or it may be more difficult. If the stain is a greenish or brownish color, the source is probably something organic like leaves or algae. If the stain is reddish brown and surrounding a metal object like a ladder, there’s a good bet it’s from rust, and will be a bit more difficult to remove (as well as to keep from coming back).

Various metals can concentrate in your pool as well, leaving unique stains. Copper stains are green or blue-green; manganese can cause brown, black or purple stains; and more rust-colored stains can be caused by iron. Metal stains may be harder to remove than organic stains.

Don’t drain your pool. You may be able to eliminate organic stains with a pool shock treatment and a stiff brush. You might also be able to use an enzyme treatment, which can remove the stain with little to no scrubbing.

Drain your pool. If your have a stubborn stain, you may need to use a bleach-water solution to remove the stain on your pool liner. If your pool is full, such a solution would be useless. So you might need to drain your pool in order to properly attack the stain.

Remove your pool liner. For stubborn stains, you may need to remove your pool liner entirely. But don’t worry; pool liners aren’t as difficult to remove as you think. Simply follow the instructions, and keep all the hooks, clips and other attachments. Once it’s removed, spread it out in a sunny area of your yard, making sure there are no rocks or branches around to puncture it. Pool liners tend to be sturdy, but it’s best not to take any chances.

Clean up the stain. A solution of one part bleach to two parts water should eliminate most stains. Give the stain a thorough soak in this solution, scrubbing if necessary. But be patient; you may need to repeat this process several times, or soak the stain for as long as an hour before scrubbing.

When the stain has been completely removed, hose off your pool liner to remove all the bleach. Then allow it to dry in the sun for at least 3 hours.

Reinstall the pool liner. Read your manufacturer’s instructions in order to replace your pool liner.