How To Get Iron Out Of Pool Water?

Dealing with iron in your pool water is a real headache. If not treated properly, iron contamination will cause tons of problems for your pool. So, how to get iron out of pool water? 

This article will dive into practical steps to help you kick iron out of your pool water. If you are struggling with iron problems or want to prevent them in the future, check it out! 

What Causes Iron Contamination In Pool Water?

There are multiple reasons for iron contamination in pool water. Whatever the cause is, you will suffer from the affected water in terms of comfort and safety. 

Sources Of Iron In Pool Water

Iron contamination in pool water may come from several sources:

• Natural water sources: Iron is widespread in natural water sources, like lakes, rivers, and groundwater. If the pool gets water from these sources, it will struggle with iron.
• Tap water: Some pools have tap water containing dissolved iron. 
• Corroded equipment: Old pool equipment, like fittings and pipes, can corrode over time. The corrosion releases iron into the pool. 
• Oxidation process: When you add oxidizers like chlorine to the pool, they will oxidize the iron. 

Impact Of High Iron Levels On Pool Water Quality

High iron levels in pool water cause staining of pool equipment and surface. Your pool will look dirty, but it’s not just a cosmetic problem. 

Iron promotes the growth of bacteria like E.coli. This bacteria doesn’t cause diseases. Yet, it combines with iron to form slime and rust. If you bathe in the affected pool, your skin will dry out and experience dryness or itching.

What Are The Signs That Your Pool Is Contaminated With Iron?

You can confirm that your pool is contaminated with iron based on the following signs: 

• Discoloration: If there is iron in the pool water, it will turn brown or rusty red. The discoloration also occurs on your towels, swimsuits, and any fabric that contacts the water. Your hair may even become blonde or green due to the high iron level. 
• Stains on pool surfaces: Iron accumulation stains the pool and may damage pool equipment, such as heaters, filters, and pumps. 
• Cloudy water: Iron also makes your pool water have a cloudy look because the oxidized iron can’t dissolve in the water. As a result, it will precipitate out. 

Check The Amount Of Iron In The Swimming Pool Water

After confirming the iron contamination signs, check the pool water’s iron content. Here is something you need to do at this step. 

Importance Of Regular Water Testing

The signs of iron contamination discussed in the previous section are quite easy to notice. Even so, iron may not be the exact cause. That’s why you should test the water.  

Iron levels as low as 0.2 parts per million (PPM) are enough to cause clouding and staining. You just need to perform the test on a water sample to see if your pool water has too much iron. 

How To Test For Iron In Pool Water

There are two primary testing methods: 

• Using pool test kits: You can check iron levels in your pool water at home with pool test kits. They have test strips that change color based on the iron concentration. 
• Professional water testing services: If you want advanced equipment and techniques to accurately measure the iron levels in your pool water, consider these services. 

How To Get Iron Out Of Pool Water?

There are three main ways to remove iron from the pool water: apply chemicals, use a filtration system, and do it naturally. 

Chemical Method To Get Iron Out Of Pool Water

The chemical method converts, binds, or filters out the iron. You can choose one from the three solutions below:

Using Pool Shock To Oxidize Iron 

Follow these steps to use pool shock to oxidize iron from pool water:

• Choose the right type of pool shock for your pool type. 
• Follow the guidelines on the shock product label. 
• Distribute the shock evenly around the pool. 
• Run the pump for about six to eight hours. 
• As the shock destroys contaminants in the water, you must scrub the pool to loosen those stuck to the walls. 

Applying Sequestering Agents 

Sequestering agents bind with iron particles to prevent discoloring or staining the pool’s surface. Here is a step-by-step process for applying the agents to the pool:

• Select a sequestering agent for your pool and its filter. 
• Follow the guidelines. 
• Turn off your pool’s filtration system. 
• Add the agent to the water. 
• Run the pump so the agent can circulate. 
• Wait for one to two days for the agent to work. 
• Clean the filter. 

Using Flocculants To Remove Iron Particles

Flocculants make iron particles clump together. When they become large enough, you can remove them easily. Here are some steps to follow:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for dilution.
• Pour the solution around the pool’s perimeter. 
• Run the pump for several hours for the solution to work. 
• Turn on the pump to filter out the dissolved particles. 
• Remove the remaining clumps from the pool bottom with a vacuum.

  

Use A Filtration System To Remove Iron From Pool Water

A filtration system can effectively remove iron from pool water. Sand, cartridge, and iron-specific filters all work. 

Sand Filters And Iron Removal 

Sand can suspend iron particles in pool water. They trap sinkable and floatable particles through absorption. 

You need to pump water into a sandy bed, causing it to spin around. Then, pump the filtered water out to rinse the trapped particles away with the water. 

Cartridge Filters And Iron Removal

These filters can remove iron and organic materials like tannins and algae. Just connect the filter to the garden hose when adding new water, especially if the source is well water. This approach helps introduce more metals. 

Installing Iron-Specific Filters

Iron-specific filters, as their name implies, aim to trap and filter iron particles from the pool water. So, attach them to the pool’s filtration system to ensure continuous removal of the particles.

Use Natural Methods To Remove Iron From Pool Water

Some people don’t like to work with sensitive chemicals or set up a complicated filtration system. If you are among them, consider using the following two natural methods:

Adding Vitamin C To Neutralize Iron 

Vitamin C can neutralize iron in pool water thanks to its ascorbic acid composition. Ascorbic acid helps dissolve iron staining. Then, phosphonic acid and some other sequestrants will bind to the dissolved iron. As a result, the iron won’t redeposit as stains. 

When using this method, please note that the phosphonic acid can’t remain in the water for a long time. Hence, you need to keep introducing it to the pool for the best outcome. 

Using Baking Soda For Minor Iron Issues 

Baking soda isn’t a straightforward method to remove iron from pool water. Yet, it aims to maintain the overall health of the water. Here is how to apply baking soda to the pool properly:

• Measure the alkalinity and pH levels of the water.
• Determine the amount of baking soda needed to adjust that measured level. 
• Sprinkle the baking soda across the surface of the pool.

  

Measures To Prevent Iron Contamination In Swimming Pool Water 

Iron accumulation in pool water is common. Even though you know how to remove it, it would be best to prevent the disaster from happening. 

Regular Pool Maintenance Practices

Regular pool maintenance is essential. You need to test and balance pool chemicals and clean your pool regularly. 

• Frequent testing and balancing pool chemicals: You can reduce metal corrosion with frequent testing. It would be perfect to maintain the pH level of your pool water between 7.2 and 7.6. This way, you will easily balance pool chemicals, preventing iron introduction. 
• Cleaning pool surfaces and equipment: The pumps, filters, and heaters in your swimming pool must be clean. Regular cleaning helps remove debris that may contain particles on these pieces of equipment. This practice ensures a clean and healthy swimming environment. 

Using Metal Control Products

Metal control products aim to prevent metals like iron from causing discoloration and staining in pool water. They work by binding with metal ions to keep them in a soluble state. Hence, they can prevent the ions from oxidizing and depositing on pool surfaces. 

Using metal control products is a straightforward and quick way to deal with iron contamination. However, you need to be careful when handling the products due to their chemical compositions. So, if you decide to use them, follow these preventative application tips:

• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions and dosage strictly because each product has specific guidelines for application. 
• Calculate the correct dosage based on your pool size. 
• Monitor metal levels in the pool water to adjust treatment as needed and prevent metal-related issues. 
• Store metal control products in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.

  

Addressing Source Water Quality

Source water may contain iron. By addressing source water quality, you can reduce the amount of chemicals needed to balance pH. Moreover, when treating the water before it enters the pool, you can extend the lifespan of your equipment and reduce maintenance costs. 

Using A Pre-Filter For Pool Fill Water

To ensure source water quality, install a pre-filter at the point where you fill your pool. This step helps remove contaminants, including iron. The filters capture particles to ensure cleaner water. 

You can also use a water softener. It works by exchanging minerals with sodium ions. Then, you can prevent them from oxidizing. 

Testing And Treating Source Water

Before filling your pool, test the source water, especially if it comes from places with high mineral content. If the water contains too much iron, treat it first.

Conclusion 

So, how to get iron out of pool water? You can use chemicals, filtration systems, and natural methods to deal with this problem. Regular testing is equally important.

Hopefully, you find this article helpful. Now, enjoy the benefits of a well-maintained pool without worrying about iron contamination!  

FAQs 

Can I swim in a pool with iron?

No. Iron contamination will cause dirty water, resulting in skin itching or dryness. Your clothes may also suffer from aesthetic issues. 

Does chlorine get rid of iron?

Yes. Chlorine can cleanse harmful particles. Besides, it causes oxidation that helps isolate iron particles from the water. 

Will baking soda remove iron from pool water?

No. Baking soda can adjust alkalinity and pH levels in the pool water. However, it doesn’t have any chemical properties to get rust or iron from the water. Even so, you can still use baking soda to maintain water balance.