NJPools.club Community

Okay, I'm the one who posted this originally and I'm FREAKING OUT. My blonde hair turned green after swimming yesterday, and now I'm noticing these weird blue stains on my vinyl liner. We installed the Pool Frog mineral system last month because the pool store said it would be gentler than chlorine. Has anyone else had this happen? I'm worried I've ruined my pool AND my hair!

First, take a deep breath. I'm new to meditation but this is exactly when it helps. Panic won't fix the stains. From what I've researched, mineral systems often use copper as an algaecide. When copper oxidizes or interacts with other chemicals, it can cause blue/green staining. The green hair is classic copper reaction too. Have you tested your water chemistry recently? High pH or alkalinity can make this worse.

I had something similar happen last season! Not with Pool Frog specifically, but with another mineral system. The blue stains on my liner were stubborn but treatable. Here's what worked for me: 1. **Immediate action**: Stop using the mineral system 2. **Test everything** - pH, alkalinity, copper levels 3. **For the liner stains**: Vitamin C tablets crushed and rubbed on the stains (ascorbic acid treatment) 4. **For your hair**: Clarifying shampoo with EDTA or swimmer's shampoo specifically for metal removal It's like hitting the wall at mile 20 - feels catastrophic but you can recover with the right strategy.

Ugh, mineral systems strike again! I'm all about natural solutions in the gym and life, but these systems can be tricky. The copper is probably leaching out and causing both issues. **For prevention going forward**: - Consider switching to a saltwater system (more natural than traditional chlorine) - Always maintain proper pH (7.4-7.6) - Use a metal sequestrant regularly if you keep the mineral system **Right now**: - Get a professional water test that includes metals - Don't use any more mineral cartridges - That vitamin C trick Cathy mentioned actually works surprisingly well for stains

Thank you all! I'm breathing slightly better now. @SlideStar47 - you're right about the panic. @BubbleBuddy - going to try the vitamin C today. My husband is picking up some test strips on his way home. Question: Should I drain some water? The stains are mostly along the waterline and in the shallow end.

Don't drain yet! That could make stains worse if they're copper-based. The stains might become permanent if the liner dries with them. Keep everything wet while you treat it. Focus sequence: 1. Water test (especially pH and metals) 2. Adjust pH if needed 3. Apply vitamin C to test spot 4. Consider professional stain remover if vitamin C doesn't work Remember: This is fixable. Many pool owners have been through similar.

Agree with Bob - no draining! Also, check if your Pool Frog system has a setting adjustment. Some models let you control mineral output. Might be set too high. For your hair immediately: Mix 1 part baking soda with 3 parts shampoo and leave on for 5 minutes before rinsing. The baking soda helps break down the copper bonds. Did this when I got green hair from a friend's poorly maintained pool last summer.

Update us on the vitamin C test! If it works, you can use ascorbic acid powder (available at pool stores) for larger areas. It's like interval training - start small, see how your pool responds, then scale up. Also, document everything with photos before and after. If the system is new, the manufacturer or installer might help with costs. This shouldn't happen with proper installation and maintenance.