Ironite Fertilizer Stains

Ironite Fertilizer Stains

Ironite Before

This is what happen when Ironite, or other fertilizer, ends up in your pool.

Ironite Before
Ironite After

I get calls from homeowners and landscape companies asking if I can help. Yes I can, but if there aren’t too many and you get to them quickly enough you might be able to remove them yourself. I would advise you not to use those pumice sanding stick pole attachment tools. Pumice can and does scratch and gouge smooth finished pools such as plaster, Ultra-Poz and 3M. I use either 80 grit wet/dry sandpaper or a diamond polishing pad. The longer the fertilizer granule is on the surface of the plaster the harder it can be to remove the resulting stain. As you can see in the first picture, they may also cause a stain streak down the walls or cove of the pool. I think the best way is to do these is underwater. So if you can hold your breath a little bit and use a weight system to help you stay close to the bottom, give it a try.

Pebble type pool finishes are a bit more difficult, sandpaper and diamond pads won’t work because the surface is textured or rough. Wire brushes are not recommended either, they polish the stones and leave a very visible mark which doesn’t come up.

You could go buy one of these two tools in the picture below.

Jandy Stain Remover

On the left is the Jandy Stain Remover, it cost about $60 online, more at local retailers. On the right is an Arrowhead water bottle, it cost about $1 and comes with a cool drink of water. The Jandy device is a complicated mess that has to be connected to an acid bottle with the included long hose. I bought the one in this picture several years ago and have never used it. The water bottle is simple and elegant but may require you to get into the water. I fill mine with swimming pool acid and apply gently to the affected area underwater. Be careful, to much acid will effect your pool’s chemistry. The squirt “sports” nozzle is handy but not required :-)