Rubber Stone™ Pools Maintenance Guide

Updated BE0219 / BR0319

Maintaining Your Rubber Stone Porous Pool Surface

Rubber Stone™ and other porous pool, deck, and spray park overlays are top-quality investments. To maximize their longevity and performance, follow these standard maintenance practices:

1. Clean, sanitize, maintain, and replace filters regularly.
   This step is essential and helps prevent many problems before they start.
2. Clean and sanitize the pool, deck, and equipment regularly.
   Includes cleaning brushes, nets, furniture, and toys. Vacuum the bottom at least weekly.
3. Ensure your pumps maintain proper circulation and turnover.
   Poor circulation leads to black algae and chemical imbalances.
4. Maintain proper water chemistry.
   • Total Alkalinity: 100–120 ppm
   • pH: 7.4–7.6
   • Calcium Hardness: 200–275 ppm
   • Chloramine: < 0.2 ppm
   • Free Chlorine: 1.5–3 ppm
   • Copper: < 1 ppm
   • Cyanuric Acid: 30–50 ppm
   • TDS: 250–1500 ppm
   Test water 3x/week during use, 1x/week minimum. Use a clarifier, enzyme digester, and sequestering agent as needed.
5. Add chemicals with caution.
   Always wear PPE, read labels carefully, and never mix chemicals. Follow manufacturer’s instructions.
6. Add an algaecide weekly.
   Use copper-based algaecide under proper conditions. Do not apply after shocking the pool.
7. Shock oxidize or super chlorinate regularly.
   Do this every 1–2 weeks and after heavy use or rainfall. Always shock at night and test before resuming use.
8. Scrub the pool weekly.
   Scoop, vacuum, and sanitize equipment after each use.
9. Keep a maintenance record.
10. For chlorine and mineral deposits, consult Appendix A.

Full pool maintenance guide online

Appendix A: General Care & Routine Maintenance

Rubber Stone surfaces are durable, but proper care is essential. Follow these tips:

1. Keep loose debris off the surface.
   Sand, dirt, and stones can reduce drainage and cause surface wear. Sweep or scrub regularly.
2. Remove bird droppings or other excrement promptly.
   Use Bon Ami™, Borax™, or STPP. Disinfect with hydrogen peroxide (2 minutes), then vinegar (2 minutes). Double rinse with clean water.
3. Remove stains promptly:
   • Chlorine: Use Sierra Stone & Rubber Stone Chlorine Cleaner.
   • Calcium/mineral deposits: Use Sierra Stone & Rubber Stone Calcium Remover. Handle with care.
   • Blood: Hydrogen peroxide + vinegar, double rinse.
   • Chewing gum: Freeze with dry ice, chip off. Do not use HOT SPOT steam.
   • Grass stains: Orange oil cleaner, scrub and rinse.
   • Scuff marks: Bon Ami™, Borax™, or STPP, rinse.
   • Tar, crayon, lipstick, tree sap, oil, grease: Orange oil cleaner, Goop™, or Formula 407™ + Bon Ami™, Borax™, or STPP.
4. Clean up spills promptly.
   Especially bodily fluids, gasoline, soda, etc. Disinfect with hydrogen peroxide and vinegar (separately).
5. Remove organic contaminants promptly.
   Use hydrogen peroxide (5 minutes) and vinegar. Double rinse.

Follow-Up Care

• Do not mix hydrogen peroxide and vinegar—apply separately.
• Pressure washing (max 1500 PSI) may be used with care.
• Inspect and repair cracks or tears to prevent injury.
• Recoat surfaces every 5 years with Rubber Stone Binding Agent (more often in high-traffic areas).
• Short-term ambering after recoating will reverse within 30–60 days depending on UV exposure.

Need assistance? Contact your nearest Rubber Stone Dealer or Headquarters for help or to learn about antimicrobial coatings.