We somehow raised the pool’s ph level too high and the stains appeared. So we used ascorbic acid to remove the stains, then some sort of Jack’s Magic. The stains started going away, then reappeared. Then we started using our ferri tabs and they are not removing the stains. The water is starting to turn green, but it’s not from algae. Maybe it is from stains dissolving, since they are now turning yellowish/brown. Are we using FerriTabs correctly? Or what should we do differently to get rid of the staining? [amazon_link asins=’B00AO8OB4E’ template=’ProductCarousel’ store=’asthpogu-20′ marketplace=’US’ link_id=’890d15c3-4acb-40de-a8c4-b2cc4042b97d’]
*** To use FerriTabs with existing stains on the surface of the pool or stains on the pool steps, the first step is always to use the ascorbic acid (Natural Chemistry’s Stain Free is a good one), and then the ferritabs.
Here’s the issue we’ve found, when customers use Jack’s Magic or any other metal remover, it binds with the metals or iron in a way that doesn’t let the FerriTabs work. Most other metal removers won’t claim to remove iron from the water. They do say it will remove stains/prevent other issues but we don’t actually know how each of the other products works.
We do know and can say with certainty that FerriTabs will remove iron from the water. We know this because once the FerriTabs are used and working, when you clean the filter or backwash (a sand filter) or deFilter, you can clearly see the water coming out of the backwash is orange or brown. The FerriTabs are able to lock iron molecules together, and make them large enough to be trapped by the filter, and then remove from the water. In all of our years in the business, and the pool guy Al’s 35+ years, FerriTabs are the only product that we know that does this as effectively as it does.
If another metal sequesterent/metal out/metal remover/metal product is used first, we can’t predict if FerriTabs will work or not. We can say trying them will not harm or hurt anything, however, the other product might make them less effective, but it’s always worth a try. If you do try, just don’t judge the FerriTabs, unless you have used them exactly according to the instructions. (if you do this and they don’t work, email or call and we’ll be happy to help you solve why they didn’t!)
To begin treatment after using another product here is what to do:
- use ascorbic acid, remove the stain
- Lower the ph and alkalinity (80 alkalinity and 7.4 ph)
- Add the ferritabs. 1 Tablet per 3,000 gallons – if your pool is large, use three tablets, circulate the water (filter) for 24 hours. Backwash/Clean the filter, reset, add 2-3 more tablets and repeat. Likely after 48 hours and cleaning the filter, the iron will be much less or completely removed. Repeat this process until you are satisfied with the results.
- This process will allow the filter to capture the iron and remove it from the water – and prevent stains from reappearing. It is safe to use in the pool, with swimmers, and should not harm your pool heater or other components.
- FYI any trace metals in the water will deposit on surfaces of the pool when the ph and alkalinity go high.
- For added benefits: Ffllow this entire process up with some seaklear water clarifier in a week and the pool should be “reset” with the metal issue taken care of.
Happy Swimming!
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