Rust Stains in Pools - How to Fix

There are three reasons why you may see rust in your pool. It might be the start of Concrete Cancer.

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1. A metal object like a bottle cap or hairpin has fallen into the pool, left sitting in one spot, and started to rust.

 

This type of rust spot is superficial and only on the pool surface's top layer. These pool rust spots can often be treated with specialty pool chemicals like citric acid or complex stain removers available from most pool shops. Be sure to follow the directions carefully, as some chemicals require you to lower your chlorine levels before adding the stain remover for maximum effectiveness.

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2. The pool water has come into contact with the steelwork from a crack or a gap in the concrete shell, allowing treated water to come into contact with the steel reinforcing of the pool shell.

 

You will often notice this rust issue as a small spot gradually growing over time. You may have tried to remove the rust mark in the pool with pool chemicals, as mentioned in point 1 above, only to find the rust stain reappearing over time. With this type of rust stain, getting it repaired as soon as you discover it is far more critical. Failing to do so can lead to concrete cancer; the steel reinforcing will swell as it rusts and creates further cracks in the concrete, leading to more exposure to the pool water and more expense.

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3. Rust Plating -  this type of rust stain in pools occurs when too much metal is in the water, usually from heavy copper algaecide.

 

You will often see this happen around outlet jets within the pool and, most times, in saltwater pools. As the pool water passes through the filtration, the water flows over the salt water chlorinator cell and is sent back to the pool as chlorinated water. As the water from the jets is high in chlorine, when going back to the pool, if there are excess metals in the water, the metals will plate out on hard surfaces, looking like rust. This can be cleaned off with an acid wash; sometimes, a straight acid mix is needed to remove it. It is recommended never to try removing rust stains in pools with a straight acid mix unless you are confident that you will not damage your pool surface. It is better to leave this method to the professions.

 

 

Unlike other pool repair companies, Gold Coast Pool Repairs only uses unique concrete-based waterproof structural repair compounds and a concrete-based flexible waterproof membrane over the top of the base compound to ensure the most excellent rust prevention.

 

Note: We never use epoxy products as sometimes they do not adhere properly to the concrete shell, allowing water to pass through the patch and come into contact with the steelwork again after repairs.

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If you need assistance with rust spots in your pool or require an acid wash, we are happy to help you. Call 0428 566 306

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