How Do I Remove Oil from Pool Water?

Use an enzyme treatment to break down oils and organic contaminants. Our AquaDoc Weekly Enzyme Treatment is a great option.

What Causes Oil in Pool Water?

Understanding the common sources of oil buildup can help you manage and prevent it effectively:

• Sunscreen and Lotions: These products often leave behind oily residues, especially in warmer months when pool use is frequent.

• Body Oils and Sweat: Natural oils from swimmers can accumulate over time.

• Hair Products and Makeup: Hair gels, sprays, and makeup can introduce oil into the water.

• Food and Drink Spills: Accidental spills during pool parties can add grease to your pool.

• Environmental Factors: Pollen, dust, and debris may combine with oils to form a film on the water’s surface.

• Residual Cleaning Products: Using certain cleaning products may unintentionally leave oil-based residues in your pool.

• Pool Toys and Floats: These items may collect oils from swimmers over time.

How to Remove Oil from Pool Water

If you notice a greasy sheen on your pool’s surface, follow these steps to remove it effectively:

1. Use Oil-Absorbing Sponges:
   

• Specially designed oil-absorbing sponges can soak up oils directly from the pool’s surface.

• Place the sponge in the skimmer basket or let it float in the water.

2. Skim the Surface Regularly:
   

• Use a fine-mesh skimmer net to manually remove floating oils and debris.

• Skimming at least once a day can help manage oil buildup.

3. Shock Your Pool:
   

• Shocking your pool helps break down oils and organic matter.

• Follow product instructions to avoid over-shocking.

4. Add Enzyme Pool Cleaners:
   

• Enzyme-based products break down oils naturally, making them easier for the filter to remove.

• These cleaners are safe for swimmers and won’t affect your pool’s chemical balance.

5. Backwash or Clean the Filter:
   

• Oils can clog your filter, reducing its efficiency.

• Backwash sand and DE filters or clean cartridge filters to keep them working effectively.

6. Use a Pool Clarifier:
   

• Clarifiers help small oil particles clump together so they can be filtered out.

7. Increase Water Circulation:
   

• Poor circulation can allow oils to accumulate. Running your pump and filter more frequently can improve water movement and reduce oil buildup.

8. Vacuum the Pool:
   

• Use a manual or automatic pool vacuum to remove any oil residues that have settled on pool surfaces.

Preventing Oil Buildup in Your Pool

Taking proactive steps can reduce the amount of oil that gets into your pool:

• Encourage Pre-Swim Showers: Ask guests to rinse off before swimming to minimize oils and lotions entering the water.

• Limit Food and Drink Near the Pool: Keep snacks and beverages away from the water’s edge to prevent accidental spills.

• Use Oil-Absorbing Products: Adding sponges designed for pool use can trap oils before they spread.

• Clean Pool Toys and Accessories: Rinse floats, inflatables, and pool noodles regularly to remove oils that may stick to them.

• Maintain Balanced Water Chemistry: Keeping your pool’s pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels stable will help break down oils naturally.

• Control Sunscreen Use: Ask swimmers to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before swimming to reduce excess oil entering the water.

• Rinse Swimsuits After Use: Oils can cling to swimsuits, so rinsing them after swimming will prevent buildup.

How to Identify Oil in Pool Water

Oil buildup often shows clear signs that can help you address the issue quickly:

• Oily Film on the Water Surface: A greasy sheen often appears on the top of the water.

• Cloudy or Hazy Water: Oil can affect clarity, making the pool look dull or murky.

• Foamy Bubbles: Excess oils may cause bubbles or foam to form in the water.

• Unpleasant Odors: Accumulated oils can give your pool a foul, musty smell.

• Sticky Pool Walls: Oils may cling to pool walls, leaving a slippery residue.

How Often Should You Clean Oil from Your Pool?

• Weekly Skimming: Regular skimming helps control minor oil buildup.

• Monthly Filter Cleaning: Clean your filter at least once a month to prevent oil from clogging it.

• Add Enzymes as Needed: Enzyme cleaners can be added weekly or monthly depending on pool usage.

• Check Water Chemistry Weekly: Balanced chemicals break down oils more efficiently.

• Inspect Pool Walls and Steps Weekly: Residue buildup may occur on pool walls, so frequent wiping can reduce oil accumulation.

Best Pool Maintenance Practices to Reduce Oil

To maintain an oil-free pool, consider these additional tips:

• Monitor Pool Use: If your pool gets heavy use, increase cleaning efforts to prevent oil buildup.

• Check Skimmer Baskets Weekly: Ensuring baskets are clear of debris helps oils flow to the filter.

• Avoid Overuse of Lotions and Oils: Encourage swimmers to apply sunscreen at least 30 minutes before swimming to allow it to absorb into the skin.

• Install a Pool Cover: A cover helps reduce environmental debris and minimizes exposure to oils from nearby trees or plants.

• Clean Pool Surfaces Regularly: Brushing pool walls and steps will help remove oil buildup before it becomes noticeable.

By following these steps and staying consistent with your cleaning routine, you can effectively remove oil from your pool water and maintain a clean, inviting swimming environment for everyone to enjoy.