How to Get Rid of Pool Stains in South Florida

May 11

No one wants to dive into a stained or discolored pool. If you live in South Florida, chances are your pool is exposed to high heat, heavy rainfall, and lots of organic debris—all of which can lead to unsightly stains. At Orchid Pools, we specialize in diagnosing and removing pool stains for homeowners across Martin and Saint Lucie County. Here's what you need to know.

Step 1: Identify the Type of Pool Stain

Before you treat the stain, it’s important to identify the cause. Pool stains generally fall into two categories:

1. Organic Stains

These are caused by natural debris such as leaves, berries, algae, or insects. They’re usually green, brown, or blueish-purple in color.

2. Metal or Mineral Stains

These come from metals in the water—like copper, iron, or manganese—or corrosion from pool equipment. They often appear as rust-colored, black, or teal-blue stains.

Step 2: Perform a Simple Stain Test

You can do a quick DIY test to identify the stain type:

Vitamin C tablet test: Place a crushed vitamin C tablet on the stain. If it fades, it’s likely a metal stain.
Chlorine puck test: Hold a chlorine tablet on the stain. If it lightens, it’s probably an organic stain.

Still unsure? A professional pool technician from Orchid Pools can test and confirm it for you.

Step 3: Treat the Stain

For Organic Stains:

Shock the pool with chlorine
Brush the stained area thoroughly
Add an enzyme-based cleaner (optional)
Run the pool pump continuously for 24–48 hours

For Metal or Rust Stains:

Use a metal sequestrant or stain remover designed for your pool’s surface type
Lower chlorine levels before applying the treatment
Add ascorbic acid (vitamin C) for targeted treatment
Balance pH and alkalinity to prevent re-staining

Warning: Metal stains often return if you don’t address the source—like old pipes, well water, or copper-based algaecides.

Step 4: Prevent Future Pool Stains

Keeping your pool stain-free in Florida’s climate takes consistency. Here’s what we recommend:

Balance your water weekly (especially metal and pH levels)
Trim nearby trees to limit organic debris
Use a pool cover when not in use
Clean filters regularly
Avoid using copper-based algaecides or low-quality chlorine

Pool Stain Removal Services in Martin & Saint Lucie County

Stains can be stubborn and surface-specific—what works on a gunite pool might damage a fiberglass one. That’s why professional diagnosis and treatment are often the best path forward. At Orchid Pools, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners in Stuart, Jensen Beach, Port Saint Lucie, and Palm City restore their pools to pristine condition.

Ready to get rid of pool stains—for good?
Contact Orchid Pools today for expert pool stain removal and cleaning services in South Florida. We’ll get your water looking like new in no time.

Ryan Cleary