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Thread: Removing Metal stains

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    Default Removing Metal stains

    I ordered stain remover on line assuming it was ascorbic acid, but it is oxyalic acid instead. (I also ordered ascorbic acid from the supplier in mbar's sticky). Can I use this and do I follow the same procedure as ascorbic acid?

    Thanks for your help

    Marty

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    waterbear is offline Lifetime Member Sniggle Mechanic waterbear 4 stars waterbear 4 stars waterbear 4 stars waterbear 4 stars
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    Default Re: Removing Metal stains

    yes
    However, ascorbic acid is toxic so be careful. FYI, you can also use citric acid.
    Retired pool store and commercial pool maintenance guy.

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    Default Re: Removing Metal stains

    Thanks for the reply. I assume you mean oxalic acid, not ascorbic acid ?

    Marty

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    Default Re: Removing Metal stains

    Yeah, ascorbic acid is Vitamin-C
    Carl

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    Default Re: Removing Metal stains

    Quote Originally Posted by MartyW View Post
    Thanks for the reply. I assume you mean oxalic acid, not ascorbic acid ?

    Marty
    yep, blonde momemt! (I refuse to say senior moment!)
    All three will remove some, but not all metal stains (some copper stains are just about impossible to remove).
    Ascorbic acid is the safests but the most expensive and it's price has gone up a lot lately. Oxalic acid is the least expenisce and is found in some commercial products such as United Chemical's Pool Stain Treat but is it very toxic and somewhat corrosive. Citric acid is just slightly more expensive than oxalic acid and is much more benign but still more irritating than ascorbic acid but not considered a poison.
    Last edited by waterbear; 07-31-2009 at 10:17 PM.
    Retired pool store and commercial pool maintenance guy.

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    Default Re: Removing Metal stains

    Should I be backwashing my DE filter during this process? Is there a way to eliminate the metals other than a complete water change?

    Thanks, Marty

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    Default Re: Removing Metal stains

    Quote Originally Posted by MartyW View Post
    Should I be backwashing my DE filter during this process?
    Only if your filter pressure rises too high.

    Quote Originally Posted by MartyW View Post
    Is there a way to eliminate the metals other than a complete water change?
    Basically, no, assuming there are no metals in the fill water. If you REALLY know what you are doing you can sometimes get them to 'stain out' on the filter media and then change out the media (DE in your case) but it's tricky at best for someone who really understands the chemistry involved and NOT something to try if you don't.

    Quote Originally Posted by MartyW View Post
    Thanks, Marty
    Welcome!
    Retired pool store and commercial pool maintenance guy.

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