Brown or red-brown
Recurring rust, iron, or corrosion-linked spots usually need source-water or metal treatment, not acid first.
Color/source
Color, source, and first move
Use the matrix to match the stain color and refill history to the safest next step.
White or chalky
Hard crust and rough white buildup point toward scale or tile-line cleanup before deeper stain work.
Gray, tan, or smeary
Organic staining and residue should be sorted before any aggressive treatment order starts.
Surface-safe correction
Use the stain atlas and compatibility matrix before acid-washing or brushing across mixed finishes.
Stains, Metals, and Discoloration
Not every stain is algae, and not every discoloration should be hit with chlorine or acid.
Use this when
- Not every stain is algae, and not every discoloration should be hit with chlorine or acid.
You'll need
- Free Chlorine
- pH
- Calcium Hardness
Stop and escalate if
- Do not acid wash simply because a stain is visible.
ZUERST TUN
Classify the stain as organics, scale, or metals before choosing a treatment.
Nicht tun
- ✕Do not acid wash as a first response
- ✕Do not SLAM metal staining as if it were algae
Bereithalten
Free Chlorine / pH / Calcium Hardness
0%0/14 done
1
Classify the symptom first
The first question is whether you are looking at scale, organics, or dissolved metals depositing on the finish.
2
Rule out organics and scale
Organic staining and scale can mimic metals, but the treatment order is different.
3
Use targeted treatment order
Once you are confident it is metals, treatment should be staged carefully.
4
Protect the surface
Surface type changes how aggressive you can be.
Warnings
- Do not acid wash simply because a stain is visible.
5
Escalate when the source is unclear
A stain that keeps returning usually means the source is still active.
Ressourcen (2)
Photo-Driven Stain Identification Helper
Use the photo helper when you want a visual first-pass before choosing a stain treatment.
Source water and refill water
Use the source-water guide when the stain keeps returning after refills or top-offs.
Educational guidance only. Verify labels, manuals, local code, and site conditions before acting. Stop for electrical, gas, structural, drain, drowning, injury, emergency, or chemical-mixing risk.