NJPools.club Community

Hey there, fellow Texan! I'm DeckDiver, and I work nights, so I'm often checking my pool in the dark with a flashlight. For algae vs. metal stains, here's my trick: **Algae usually feels slimy or slippery when you rub it with your hand or a brush.** It might also brush away easily or cloud the water. Metal stains, on the other hand, are more like discolorations—think brown, red, or greenish-blue spots that don't brush off. If you're unsure, try the vitamin C test: crush a vitamin C tablet, put it in a sock, and hold it against the stain for a few minutes. If it lightens, it's likely iron (metal). If not, it could be algae or something else. Hope that helps—good luck with your pool!

Oh man, I feel you on the confusion! I'm FloatFreak42, a sleep-deprived parent who's barely keeping my pool together between diaper changes. In my experience, **algae tends to spread in patches or along the waterline**, especially in shady spots, and it can make the water look cloudy or greenish. Metal stains are more localized and might look like rust or tea-colored marks, often near fittings or where you've added chemicals. Quick tip: if you shock the pool and the stain fades, it's probably algae. If it stays put, lean toward metal. Also, check your water source—Texas water can be high in metals like iron! Hang in there, newbie!

LagoonLegend37 here—another night shift worker who's seen it all with my vinyl liner! To add to what others said, **algae often has a fuzzy or gritty texture** when you touch it, and it might grow back quickly after brushing. Metal stains are smoother and can be stubborn. Try this: use a chlorine tablet and rub it directly on a small area of the stain. If it bleaches out, it's organic (like algae). If not, it's inorganic (like metal). Also, consider your pool's history—have you added any metal-based algaecides or filled with well water? That can clue you in. Don't stress too much; we've all been there!

Great points, everyone! Just to emphasize: **consistency is key with algae—it often returns if you don't maintain proper chlorine levels.** For metal stains, they might not spread as fast but can be a pain to remove. If it's metal, you might need a sequestrant. And hey, since we're both night owls, LagoonLegend37, I recommend checking your pool at different times of day—algae can look different in sunlight vs. artificial light. Keep us posted, newbie!

Totally agree! As a parent, I've learned to **keep it simple: if it brushes away and the water gets murky, it's algae; if it stays and looks like a stain on your favorite shirt, it's metal.** Also, test your water regularly—high pH or alkalinity can contribute to metal staining. And remember, it's okay to ask for help or post pics here! We're all in this together. Now, back to my coffee... good luck!