Manganese Pool Water Problems

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Avoiding Staining and Discoloration every time new water is added!!!

Manganese and other heavy metals can be present. in the water supply, especially when well water is used.  If there is a possibility that new water additions will contain sediments, dissolved metals or contaminants, you should consider using a pre-filter.  It is better to avoid a problem, than to try and treat it, after the water has been added to the pool.  The products below can remove sediments, metals such as iron, copper and manganese and contaminates such as sulfur.  The MetalTrap Filter, available in 3 sizes, attaches to the garden hose and removes dissolved iron, copper and manganese.  The MetalTrap 1-Micron Filter removes ultra-fine contaminants, including sulfur.  The MetalTrap Dual-Cartridge Filter, available in 3 sizes, attaches to a garden hose and removes dissolved heavy metals and sediments.  One cartridge is washable and reusable and the other is replaceable.

MetalTrap Filters - 3 sizes 1-Micron Pre-Filter - 2 sizes Dual-Cartridge MetalTrap Filters Product and Ordering Information Product and Ordering Information Product and Ordering Information

If you have a pool or spa water testing need, we should have the product.  ► Scroll down to read through some Question & Answer information. ◄

Removing Stains and Discoloring Metals, from the pool water!!!

Look for the presence of purple, brown or black stains, as these can indicate manganese and other heavy metals.  The added presence, of copper or iron. can add different discoloration possibilities.  Even if there is no obvious staining, the presence of heavy metals will cause water discoloration and possible staining, after chlorine or bromine are added or the pH is raised.  Depending upon the severity of the problem, the products below can help you eliminate or avoid problems.  The Stain Reversal Kit contains everything needed to remove the metal stains, eliminate the heavy metals and help prevent a recurrence, of the problem. The Stain Remover removes iron copper and manganese stains. Pool Refresh-Total Trap helps eliminate heavy metals and phosphates, by filtering or vacuuming them out of the pool water.

Stain Reversal Kit, for Pools and Spas Removes Metal Stains Removes Dissolved Metals & Phosphates Product and Ordering Information Product and Ordering Information Product and Ordering Information

If you have a pool or spa water testing need, we should have the product.  ► Scroll down to read through some Question & Answer information. ◄

Optimizing the water chemistry and improving pool water clarity!!!

Test the water chemistry and adjust the pH, total alkalinity, calcium hardness and cyanuric acid, as might be necessary.  A ColorQ, All-Digital Tester can perform all of the common pool water tests and eliminates the color-matching and guesswork.  Some tester models, such as the #2067 ColorQ PRO 9-Plus, perform all of the common pool water tests, plus copper and iron.   Reliable water testing will help get the pool swimming-ready.  Better Circulation helps make everything work more effectively. The Circulator is a return jet replacement fitting, that improves filtration, eliminates dead zones that promote algae growth, improves sanitizer distribution and improves chemical dispersion.  A simple Manganese Test Kit can help you monitor the level and determine the course of treatment.

ColorQ All-Digital Water Testers The Pool Circulator Boosts Circulation Manganese Test Kit Product and Ordering Information Product and Ordering Information Product and Ordering Information

If you have a pool or spa water testing need, we should have the product.  ► Scroll down to read through some Question & Answer information. ◄

How to treat manganese problems in swimming pools?

Manganese is one of the more troubling swimming pool mineral problems. This is especially true, if the water is sourced from a private well. Manganese shows up as a brown-black stain or discoloration and, thankfully, is not common in most areas. Purple stains or even crystal-clear purple water can occur, due to the presence of manganese. Corrosion of stainless steel (contains manganese) can lead to purple discolorations. In most cases the pool discoloration problem, is associated with the oxidation of the heavy metals, that are present in the water. Manganese can be treated with Mineral Treatment products (chelating agent). Higher than normal dosages should be used because of the likelihood that other minerals are present, but not necessarily detected. Stain avoidance treatment should be used, whenever a water analysis indicates even a trace amount of manganese is present. An alternative method of dealing with known manganese and heavy metal problems is to use the METALTRAP Filter, which can physically remove the metals, as the pool water is being added. If sediments are present in the source water, a METALTRAP Dual-Cartridge Filter will remove both the precipitated metals, as well as the dissolves metallic ions, greatly reducing the likelihood of staining and discoloration.  Manganese problems can treated with Pool Refresh, a 2-part product that will help you filter and vacuum the manganese and other heavy metals out of the pool.  If problems arise, refer to the Pool Problems Page, as a source of problem-solving information, broken down into various categories.  Scroll down the page and click on the linked keywords, catch phrases or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or product.

Do you know what's in your water?  If you're having problems, with stains and discoloration, due to the presence of metals, you should be testing for iron, copper and manganese, to better understand the extent and cause of the problem.  This helps select the best treatment option.  Understanding the nature of the problem, should be step one.  For information about our full selection of testing options, visit our Test Equipment Store.  For information about treatment options, visit our Stain Treatments Store.
 

There are many causes of stains and discolorations, which can appear in a variety of colors. The color can sometimes point to a cause and solution.  Water Testing can help verify the cause of the problem.
Stain or Discoloration Color	Cause and Treatment
Green or Brown	Most likely, these are organic, in nature, and are due to algae and/or tannins, leaching from many common varieties of tree leaves.  This is more likely to happen, if the sanitizer (oxidizer) levels are low and/or if there is poor circulation, across the pool floor.  Superchlorination and improving circulation, are the best course of action.
Dark Blue, Green or Black	Dark blue, green or black colors or mixtures are likely caused by copper. High calcium hardness levels tend to cause the stains to darker, in appearance.  The source could be corrosion of the copper heat exchanger, natural sources, over use of copper algaecides, ionizer or mineralizers.  This type of problem requires proper chemical treatment, such as provided by the MetalTrap Stain Reversal Kit.  If present in the source water, a MetalTrap Dual-Cartridge Filter can be connected to the garden hose, used to add new water.  This will help prevent the addition of more metals, with each new water addition.
Green, Brown, Tea-Colored or Rusty-Red	Green, Brown, Tea-Colored or Rusty-Red colors are usually indicative of an iron problem.  The most likely source is the water being used to fill the pool.  This is especially true, when well water is used.  While the use of a MetalTrap Stain Reversal Kit will help solve the problem, a MetalTrap Dual-Cartridge Filter should be attached to the garden hose, in order to avoid future recurrences.
Brown, Black or Purple	Brown, Black or Purple colors are usually an indication of manganese being present.  This most often occurs, when well water is being used.  A test of the source water should confirm the presence of manganese.  While the use of a MetalTrap Stain Reversal Kit will help solve the problem, a MetalTrap Dual-Cartridge Filter should be attached to the garden hose, in order to avoid future recurrences.
Red or Blue	Red or Blue Stains can be associated, with the presence of berries or vegetation.    This is more likely to happen, if the sanitizer (oxidizer) levels are low and/or if there is poor circulation, across the pool floor.  Superchlorination and improving circulation, are the best course of action.

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► Manganese Stains?

I plan on filling a 16,000 gallon vinyl pool with water from my private well. I know that there is a low level of manganese in the water. How should I treat the water after I fill the pool up? I hope that you will be able to offer some advise. Sincere thanks.

Don C., Westhampton, NY, 7/14/2013

Fortunately, you know that there is manganese in the water. It would have been helpful to know how much. Testing for Iron and/or Manganese is very important is planning a successful treatment. Having lived on Long Island, I know what a problem manganese can be on the south shore. Those brown-black stains and discoloration are not great to look at. In addition to having manganese, it is likely that the water has iron and other minerals. Manganese is frequently associated with a purple discoloration or stain. The incidence of manganese problems, is for the most part, limited to well water or corrosion of stainless steel. Both iron and manganese can be treated along similar lines. The use of the METALTRAP Filter can help remove manganese and other heavy metals as the water is being fed into the pool. This will help prevent discoloration and/or staining, that might follow upon the addition of chlorine and other chemicals. Thereafter, use the METALTRAP Filter, when adding all new water. This preventative maintenance could spare you a lot of grief and the risk of unsightly staining. Good luck and enjoy the season.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 7/14/2013

How to deal with Manganese stains and problems. These products remove metals and avoid future, recurrent problems. Don't just treat stains . . . eliminate them and prevent their return!!!
Metals Stain Removal Kit	Liquid Metal Chelating Agent	Metals Stain Remover	Eliminates Metals and Phosphates
Dual-Cartridge Filter System	5-Micron Single Cartridge Filter System	Filters for Heavy Metals Removal	1-Micron Pre-Filters
Visit The Metals and Staining Treatment Store for complete information.

► Manganese or Magnesium?

I am confused about manganese and magnesium. What's the difference?

Ed. B., 8/14/2020

Magnesium chemistry is closely related to that of calcium. However, it is much more soluble in a swimming pool. It is not associated with any staining or colored pool water problems. Magnesium contributes to the TOTAL HARDNESS of the water and unless the water is very hard, there should not be a problem. Manganese is completely unrelated and is almost always the center of a staining and/or a colored pool water problem. Manganese is not common in municipal water supplies. However, in some areas, it can be present in well water. If manganese is suspected of being a potential problem, a water analysis will help determine the concentration. This is important in order to help assure proper treatment. In areas where the problem exists, dealers should test for manganese. Although manganese discoloration and stains can be treated with chemicals, such as a METALTRAP Stain Reversal Kit, which contains everything you need to remove the stain and eliminate the metals, for the pool water.  The physical removal of the manganese and other heavy metals, helps assure that staining and discoloration will nor recur. A METALTRAP Filter can be used to remove metals from all new water, being added to the pool, thereby avoiding another potential problem.  I hope that I have eliminated the confusion and been of assistance.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/14/2020


► Manganese Test Kit?

Hi, Alan, I have a pool service business on the east end of Long Island. There is a manganese problem in some areas of the south shore. Is there a simple test kit that I could use, in the field, to test for manganese. It just might help solve a lot of problems for me. Thanks.

Tommy C., Quogue, NY, 3/19/2011

There are compact and portable field manganese test kits that are suitable for your needs.  Your customers will appreciate all the aggravation that you're are helping them avoid.   If you know manganese is present before the pool is filled, you can use METALTRAP Filter or METALTRAP Dual-Cartridge Filter to remove the manganese and iron.  It should remove it all and can make a huge difference. The Dual-Cartridge Filter is preferred, if sediments are present.  Thereafter, it should be used to treat all new water, as it is being added. It simply attaches to the garden hose, being used to add the water. I hope that I have been helpful.  One more word of advise.  Add 1 dose of a true, phosphate-free chelating agent, such as Liquid MetalTrap, for each 0.5 PPM of manganese found.  This product works over a wide pH range and should help deal with other minerals that might, also, be present.  Have a good season.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/19/2011


► Keeps Coming Back?

My well water does contain a small amount of manganese. I add a metal treatment, on a regular basis, but the problem keeps returning. I have a salt chlorine generator and have never used a copper or silver algaecide. Is there a solution, as I feel that I am on a merry-go-round. Thank you.

Jeff B., Michigan, 7/30/2011

The high pH that results from the salt chlorine generator will make metal treatments, containing organic phosphonic acid, less effective. In addition, they degrade, over time, forming ortho-phosphate: which can add to algae woes and require phosphate removal. Every time you add water, you are adding manganese. If you used a METALTRAP Filter to treat all new water, you would keep the manganese out of the pool and that is as good as it gets. If sediments are present, a METALTRAP Dual-Cartridge Filter is preferred.  Adding Liquid METALTRAP will chelate any manganese and other heavy metals, present in the pool water. Unlike most other metal treatments it is phosphate-free and is unaffected by higher pH readings. If staining is present, it can be dealt with, using METALTRAP Stain Remover along with the liquid METALTRAP. I hope that this information helps clear up the problem.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster 7/31/2011


► Purple Pool Walls?

Gunite pool, pink algae year ago, used algaecide to get rid of it, and it worked until it got warm. Then blue-purple color was on the walls, step walls (not on the bottom) of the pool. When got cold, went away. Now with it warmer, it's back. Water testing shows Calcium 600 (that is after 2 1/2 pool drains) chlorine is high, rest ok. Minerals - no iron. Pool people thought needs to be washed. Lowered water 1/2 way, and used liquid chlorine on the steps. What ever the chlorine touched, that was purple in color, TURNED BLACK! The towel I used to put the chlorine on turned warm. It did come off when brushed & some elbow grease. Questions: what is going on, besides a chemical reaction of some type? Should a chlorine wash get rid of this? We are selling the house and need to have it fixed for new buyer. Thank you.
 
Susan R., 5/2/2007

THIS IS DEFINITELY NOT AN ALGAE PROBLEM! IT IS DEFINITELY A MINERAL PROBLEM!. The action of the chlorine turning the discoloration from purplish to black is indicative of an oxidizing chemical reaction. A chlorine "wash" or shock treatment will probably be a waste of time and money. Purple color of the pool water and the colored staining can be indicative of manganese. It is not a common problem and most dealers do not test for it. If your water came from a private well, there is a greater likelihood that manganese could be involved. Another more likely possibility is copper. Copper in the presence of high levels of calcium hardness, which you do have, can cause dark or black stains, under certain conditions. Copper and cyanuric acid can produce purplish colors, as well.  When the pool people suggested a "wash", I suspect that they were referring to an acid wash. This type of treatment is periodically done on masonry pools to remove surface deposits and restore the look of the pool finish. It may be possible to remove the deposits by chemical treatment. Try this. Put 50 of the 500-mg vitamin C tablets in a white sock, shut off the filter and drop onto a stained area. Check after 15-30 minutes. If improvement is seen, this would be indicative that chemical treatment might work. A MetalTrap Stain Reversal Kit contains everything required, to remove the stains, eliminate the metals from the pool water and help prevent a recurrence.  Where did the copper come from? If you have a heater you may have subjected it to corrosion. Copper algaecide is another possibility. Refer to other related topics in the archives. I hope it works out for you.
 
Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/2/2007

Thank you Alan. Yours has been the first sensible response I have had. It does come off with the sock and vitamin C tablets. Took no brushing. We cannot bypass our filter. Can we lower the pH, then bring it back up and still have swimable water? Thank you again.

Susan R., 5/2/2007

The purpose of the bypass was to minimize corrosion. Clean the filter out before treatment and again afterwards, so as not to redissolve what you are trying to remove from the pool walls. Don't neglect to add the mineral treatment, at the end! Otherwise, you could get a recurrence. You can swim as soon as you restore the pH and the chlorine levels.  It seems that things will work out for you. Good luck with the sale of the house.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/2/2007


► Purple Problems?

Is their a way to get rid of manganese in our pool without turning everything purple and having to brush, vacuum, and clean the filters. We use chemicals from our local pool dealer and we keep having purple results from the metals out chemical. I have contacted the chemical company and they said that the only thing that would cause their product to react in purple would be manganese. The supposed pool Dr. from this area of the country, said that this is becoming an epidemic. (Manganese in pools) We have a steel manufacturing plant within 20 miles and a many refineries within 30 miles. Could this have something to do with our manganese problem?

Sandy P., 5/6/2014

Manganese does not come up often, as a problem, so I doubt it qualifies as a new epidemic. Still, if you have to deal with manganese, it is a real problem. The source is usually well water. A manganese test will confirm the present and concentration. I have seen concentrations so high, that it was suggested that water be trucked in. If you are using municipal drinking water, it is not likely to have a concentration over 0.5 PPM. It is treated on the same basis as iron.  It may take more chemicals and time and knowing the extent of the problem will help. I would add a dose for each 0.1 PPM of manganese, because of the purple reaction. The metal treatments will work better, if the pH is under 7.0 and there is no chlorine present. Wait 1-2 days, after treatment, before raising the pH and restoring the free chlorine level. Usually, if manganese is present, other metals are there, as well. Have the water tested for iron and copper and add extra doses, for each 0.5 PPM found. Not all brands are the same and some contain phosphates, which can lead to other problems. The combination of Liquid METALTRAP and METALTRAP Stain Remover can provide effective treatment. These products and liquid MetalTrap are bundled, as a money-saving METALTRAP Stain Reversal Kit.  Used with the METAL TRAP Filter, it can physically remove the metals from the pool water and can be to treat new water, being added to top off the pool. Stay away from bargain brands. Good luck and I hope that this information is helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/6/2014


► Lots Of Manganese?

I have a 97,000 litre pool with a salt chlorinator. Due to local drought conditions in Australia, I now have to use bore water to keep the pool levels for continued use. (My property is on the market). The bore water has Manganese concentration of 2.6 mg/l. The chlorine now produces a black and unsightly precipitate. Alan, is there a product that can be added to the pool water or skimmer box to cope with the manganese problem? What other advice can you give me regarding same? With thanks.
 
Chris B., 9/13/2007

That is about fifty times the concentration in marginally drinkable water. I would use POOL REFRESH to remove the manganese, by allowing it to be vacuumed and filtered out of the pool. Make sure you monitor the concentration, before and after treatment, as the level seems usually high.  A simple and effective way to reduce most minerals problems, resulting from the use of well water, is to use the METALTRAP Filter, or even better, when sediments are present, would be a METALTRAP Dual-Cartridge Filter.  This attaches to a garden hose and removes the manganese and other heavy metal mineral content, that would get into the pool. otherwise.  Use it when all new water is added, to help avoid future problems.  I hope that this information will prove helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/13/2007

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