4 Signs of Metals in Your Pool Without Test Strips

Orange or rust stains These indicate iron in the water. The stains typically appear on pool surfaces like walls and floors.

Blue-green stains This points to copper, often from algaecides or corroded plumbing. Check for teal-colored discoloration on surfaces.

Brown or black staining This suggests manganese. The stains are darker and more scattered than iron or copper marks.

Cloudy water that clears after shock If adding shock makes the water go from hazy to clear, metals like copper or iron are likely present. This visual clue confirms metal presence but not the exact concentration.