Have you been noticing rust stains in your pool? If so, you may be wondering what causes rust spots in pools. More often than not, rust spots are caused by nails or pins that settle at the surface, or by old water pipes that are used to add water. However, recurring rust spots are usually caused by rebar wires that's touching the plaster.
Plaster pools rust more easily than vinyl-based ones as the material is more porous to stains. Moreover, plaster degrades over time, and maintenance consists of removing the top layer to expose a fresh, new surface underneath. Vinyl pools are less likely to rust or stain, but the material also ages over time and is subject to chemical degradation. In a few years, the surface will also stain and fade. Below are a few different methods to try removing rust spots with.
What Causes Rust Spots in Pools - How to Remove Rust Stains
Pipe Stain Removal
Place a PVC pipe vertically over the stain with half of it over the water's surface. Then, pour in your acid rust remover, i.e., ascorbic acid, dry acid or muriatic and hold the pipe's position for about a minute. Slowly move the pipe in a circular motion, gradually increasing the circle until it spreads out and over the stain.
Sock Method
Get an old sock and add granular acid material such as dry acid or ascorbic acid inside. Tie a knot on top, then affix the sock on a pool pole. Apply to the rust stain and wait for around 5 to 15 minutes, alternating between brushing and wiping the surface with the sock. Make sure to wear protective gear, such as gloves, goggles and long-sleeved clothing to protect yourself from the corrosive acid. The sock method can also produce reverse stains, which can be prevented by checking the color of the stain continuously.
Vitamin C
Vitamin C is a mild acid that works well against slight rust spots in your pool. Take a tablet and rub it over the stain surface. For larger spots, put a dozen or so in a ziplock bag, grind them to powder and apply over the location. Follow it up with vigorous brushing for about 5 to 10 minutes, or until the stain is removed.
In Conclusion
So, what causes rust spots in pools? Rust stains are caused by metal objects that settle for a long time on a pool surface. In vinyl pools, rebar tie wires touching the surface are also common reasons for unsightly spots. The pipe that carries water to the pool can also deposit rust compounds and iron, increasing the chances of rust forming in your pool. You can use the methods provided in this article to remove any stubborn rust spots in your pool.
