Quote Originally Posted by PoolDoc View Post
From what we've seen over the years, it comes from oiled sunbathers OR from swimmers using lotions PRIOR to swimming to avoid dry skin. Like pee, swimmer oils are easier to manage OUT fo the water than in it.

One simple solution is to have a few microfiber towels on the deck for using in wiping off excess lotion, sunscreen, etc. BEFORE entering the pool.

Sams Club has them for cheap; so does Amazon: AmazonBasics Microfiber Cleaning Cloth (Pack of 24)
I decided to go with PigMat #551 (there's also a white version as well) which is great because it is completely hydrophobic but sucks up oil (I've used them to catch oil spills during oil changes and they are awesome for that)..

This particular Exxon Valdez slick was contractor-induced. I wish I had known before hand as I would have been more prepared. But, I totally agree about the likliest source being bather-induced. My brother and sister-in-law visited back in May and I swear that my SIL went through ten tubes of SPF-10,000 (the stuff was thicker than asphalt tar) all of which ended up on the surface of my pool. I was seriously considering throwing kitty litter in the water to absorb all that gunk Suffice it to say, my CC's were high and I finally had to shock chlorinate the pool to clear it all out.

Next year, if she shows up, she's getting blasted with my 3100psi power washer if she steps within 10ft of my pool