Fiberglass pool badly stained

[hoogie]

Okay, here's an update. Happened to stop at a pool place today and they happened to have absorbic acid. Bought 10 lbs. I explained my dilemna to the pool guy there and he said to take 5 lbs, mix it in 5 gallons of water and use a mop and swab in onto the sides, bottom, steps, etc.. -- even though they are underwater. I did that, pain in the butt.

I also took an extra step and sprinkled the last 5 lbs down the walls and onto the stairs and benches. Threw in a half a bottle of stain-x for metal, put the filter on recirculate, closed the cover and let it run for about 7 hours. Chlorine was nil and ph was about 6.0 when I started.

Well, just opened the cover and it did NOTHING. Still brown as ever... I'm bummed. I'm seriously considering just draining it and spraying it with muriatic acid which I know takes the brown right off. Nasty stuff but it's turning into a money pit otherwise. Besides having brown walls, the water is cloudy and looks like crap and will probably take a bit of work and $$ to get it right after this. I'd seriously like to just start off fresh.

So who can offer advice about draining my 11x24 fiberglass pool safely? Manufacturer told me not to as it voids the warranty.

My yard is sloped so I know there's no standing water underneath it. Concrete deck all around so chance of cave in is minimal.

I may rent some trucks jacks for support, gas mask of some type and then just spray away, wipe clean and refill it. Shouldn't be empty for more than 24 hours. BTW, the pool is enclosed so no elements to worry about either.

Anyone have any other advice I should consider?

And again, thanks everyone for the well thought out responses. I knew this was going to be tough one.

Hoog

[mbar]

I really don't understand - if a vitamin C tablet worked, then the ascorbic acid should have worked. The low ph and no chlorine should have made this a snap. Are you sure it was ascorbic acid or oxcylic acid? I am really stumped. You can contact the pool company and ask them the best way to drain - they have to drain them when they have to fix cracks on the bottom. I have a friend who had to have this done, I will call her tomorrow and ask her how it was done. You must really be frustrated! I feel your pain. Keep the faith!!