Iron Stains

[kelemvor]

Are there ascorbic acid tablets you can use to spot treat small stains? I've got 3 on the bottom of my pool that are probably a bit smaller. I've been putting off treating the pool because dropping the chlorine to 0 and dealing with ascorbic treatment seems like a HUGE project that I didn't think was worth it for a few small spots.

Thanks for posting the thread, anyway... guess it's time to get my google on.

[Phillbo]

What type of vitamin tables should I use?

Good to see you as well! This is the Go To site for any pool questions

[aylad]

Vitamin C tablets.....

Janet

[Phillbo]

Do I set the tablet on the stain and let it dissolve or use it to scrub the stain?

[aylad]

My understanding (I've never done it personally) is that you rub it on the stain.

Janet

[waterbear]

All you have to do is put a small handfull of vitamin c tablets from the drugstore in an old cotton sweatsock and hold it on the stained area. It should removed the stain in a minute or less. If it doesn't then you will have to try other stain removal methods. Next thing to try would be a 'spot acid wash' which can be done relatively safely with dry acid or more effetively with muriatic. The dry acid method is to put a handful of dry acid in a sock and hold it on the stained area for up to 30 minutes until the stain is gone. Your pool pole is handy for holding the sock of acid in place. The method of using muriatic acid (which I don't recommend because it does have some danger) is to get a PVC pipe long enough to reach the stain on the bottom and hold it on the stain and CAREFULLY pour some acid down the pipe to deliver concentrated acid to the stain. Do this with the pump OFF so the water moves as little as possible.
Jandy has a Stain Remover that attaches to a pool pole to do this same thing in a safer mannor for about $60. It can also be used with liquid chlorine to help remove organic stains.