CASE STUDYPool stain removal in Birtinya: clearing copper stains without draining
Black marks on pool walls can leave homeowners wondering whether their pool needs an acid wash or resurfacing. That was the situation Dan faced at his home in Birtinya on the Sunshine Coast, where repeated treatments had failed to clear worsening stains.
Clarity Pool Services identified copper staining and treated the pool without draining it, avoiding the acid wash or resurfacing Dan had been told might be necessary.
LOCATION
Birtinya
Copper stain treatment
SERVICEAbout six weeks
TIMEFRAMENo draining required
OUTCOMEThe Problem
Dan’s pool was 11 years old when black marks began appearing across the walls and parts of the floor. He had the water tested at several local pool shops and tried the recommended treatments, but the stains continued to get worse. He had been told the pool might need an acid wash or even resurfacing.
When Matt inspected the pool, he identified copper plating as the cause. Excess copper from a copper-based algaecide, combined with unbalanced pool water, had left a blue-green and black film on the pool surfaces and plastic fittings. The treatments aimed at algae had not resolved the staining.
What we did: treated the copper staining using the existing pool water
Matt developed a treatment plan that used the existing pool water, avoiding the need to drain and refill the pool.
We carefully adjusted the water chemistry to bring the copper deposits back into solution. The treatment included a sequestrant, a product used to manage metals in pool water, alongside ongoing filtration and filter changes. Once the staining had cleared, we rebalanced the pool water.
This approach addressed the cause of the marks and restored the pool without an empty-pool acid wash or resurfacing.
In his Google review, Dan reported that the black marks began clearing within two weeks. After about six weeks, the pool was completely clear of the marks.
The pool was back in action, with the existing water retained and no resurfacing required. Following the treatment, Dan chose Clarity Pool Services for a monthly service and check, describing it as great value and a source of peace of mind.
The Result
BEFORE
AFTERWhat Dan said
⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ Google review — Daniel Cashin, 28 December 2022
My pool was 11 years old and had started getting black marks all over the walls and some on the bottom. I tested the water at several local pool shops and tried many different treatments that were recommended, but the stains were getting worse. We were told we needed to acid wash or maybe resurface the pool to fix the issue.
As a last resort I called Clarity Pool Services and Matt was able to call around and test the water and provide professional advice. He identified the issue was not algae (which was what we had been treating) and began treating the water. Within 2 weeks the black marks began to clear up and after about 6 weeks the pool was completely clear of the black marks.
We now use Matt for a monthly service and check, and we find it is great value and gives us peace of mind.
Project details
Location: Birtinya, Sunshine Coast
Property type: Residential property
Pool age: Approximately 11 years
Problem: Black copper staining on the pool walls and floor
Cause identified: Copper deposits associated with copper based algaecide and unbalanced water
Treatment: Water chemistry adjustment, metal sequestrant, ongoing filtration and filter changes
Result: Marks completely cleared in approximately six weeks
Ongoing service: Monthly pool servicing
Completed: December 2022
Services Used
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Regular Pool Servicing
Keep your pool clean, balanced and running properly with regular servicing tailored to your pool, equipment and surroundings.
Need help with pool stains in Birtinya?
If black marks on your pool walls keep returning or treatments are not working, contact Clarity Pool Services for an assessment. We can investigate the cause and recommend a treatment approach for your pool.
Dan’s pool was successfully treated without draining, acid washing or resurfacing. An assessment will help establish which approach is suitable for yours.