What does an "oil" look to swimming pool water mean?

Question

Just moved into a house that has an in ground pool. The water looks very clear, but there is and oil looking appearance on the water. Have only had people in the water once 3 days ago, (noone had sunscreen on) Can anyone tell me what the oil look may mean? Or how to get rid of it.

Answer 1

An oily look on the surface can come from many different sources.  Body lotion/bath oils on the swimmers skin, hair products (gels, haispray etc.)

In most cases, your pool filter should be able to handle these with no problem.  Make sure that your water chemicals are appropriately balanced (take a water sample to your pool center, and they can run a thorough test)

Another poster suggested draining the pool  and starting new.  That is a very drastic step, and it will take some time to get the chemicals appropriately balanced when you do this.  If you wanted to remove all of the particulate in the pool, you could tru hydro-flocing the pool.  Floc is a chemical that is heavier than water and bonds to dirt and particulate that is suspended in the water, and drops it on the bottom of the pool.  Cleanup after flocing can be a bit of a pain as it will require that you vaccume the pool several times backwashing the filter frequently, but the results will be crystal clear water.

Answer 2

Best thing to do is take a sample of your pool water to your local pool supply store and have them check it. They should be able to tell you what it is and what to do about it.

Answer 3

welll...............clean it cumpleetly

Answer 4

The oil is coming from someones body.

No need to drain.

It could be lotion from an after bath lotion.

Answer 5

You might have to clean the pool and add chemicals, but the other more expensive option is to have the pool drained, cleaned, refilled and new chemicals added. That may be your best option... if you just moved there, you may want to do that anyway because you don't know how well the previous residents took care of the pool.

Answer 6

it can come from many sources including plants...a company called natural chemistry makes an enzyme for this

Answer 7

If your pool is vinyl DO NOT drain it. It will ruin the liner (make it shrink) It could be just the oils from people skin. There is a product called scum balls that you toss into your pool and it absorbs oil (body and suntan lotions, etc) you replace them everry 2-3 weeks. (look on ebay)

Also, check your pool water chem balance.

This is a great site here http://www.troublefreepools.com

Very helpful and knowledgeable people here.