Episode Details

Metal stains are one of the fastest ways a pool can look “dirty” even when the water is balanced and clear. The tricky part is that metals like copper and iron can hide in plain sight as dissolved ions, then suddenly oxidize and plate onto plaster, steps, and fittings. That’s why we wanted a straight, practical conversation on pool metal removal that goes beyond quick fixes and old myths. 

We’re joined by Joe Loreno, CEO and president of Puretic Products, the company behind Culator. Joe breaks down the chemistry in simple terms: why most pool filters cannot catch dissolved metals, how sequestering agents work (and what they can’t do), and how a polymer-based approach can physically bind metal ions so you can remove them from the pool without draining. We also cover real-world sources of metals, from fill water and equipment to runoff from landscaping and nearby metal roofs or gutters. 

If you’ve ever debated whether a stain is organic or inorganic, you’ll love the field-friendly diagnostics: the vitamin C tablet test, what stain colors can suggest, and why metal testing can be confusing when a stain has already plated out or when a test only measures “free” metals. We also walk through a clear three-step workflow using ascorbic acid, citric acid, a strong sequestering agent, and the Culator 4.0, including how long it can take based on turnovers and why temporary cloudiness can be normal. 

If this helps you troubleshoot a stubborn stain, subscribe for more pool industry deep dives, share the episode with a pool pro who’s battling metals, and leave a review so more people can find the show.

We talk with Joe Loreno of Puretic Products about where pool metals come from, how they turn into stains, and how to tell a metal stain from an organic stain without guessing. We lay out a practical no-drain workflow that lifts stains off the surface, protects the water while chlorine comes back, and then physically removes copper and iron from circulation.  

• Joe’s chemistry background and why Culator exists  
• How the Culator polymer binds metal ions without dissolving  
• Differences between Culator 1.0 in the skimmer and 4.0 in the pump basket  
• Why dissolved metals do not backwash out of DE, sand, or cartridge filters  
• Common metal sources from fill water, equipment, plaster, chemicals, and runoff  
• How to use a vitamin C tablet to confirm metal staining  
• Why stain color helps but cannot fully identify the metal  
• The testing gap between free metal readings and total metal load  
• Three-step process: reduce stains, sequester ions, remove metals through circulation  
• How long removal can take based on pump size and daily turnovers  
• Why temporary cloudiness happens and why it clears as chlorine is restored  

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