Naked Pool Systems: The Complete Perth Guide

Thinking about a Naked Freshwater Pool System? This honest guide covers everything Perth pool owners need to know—from how these systems actually work to the maintenance reality and common problems we see in Western Australia.

🔴 Is It a Stain or Algae? The #1 Naked Pool Misdiagnosis

If you have a discolouration on your pool walls or floor that won't brush off, you're almost certainly looking at a copper stain—not algae. This is the most common mistake Naked pool owners make, and treating it like algae makes things worse.

Typical copper staining in a Naked pool. Notice the blue-green discolouration that won't brush off—this is NOT algae.

How to Tell the Difference

Copper Staining	Algae Growth
Blue-green, teal, or turquoise discolouration	Green, slimy coating
Cannot be brushed off	Can be brushed (leaves residue in water)
Often appears in streaks or patches	Typically starts in corners or shaded areas
Surface feels smooth	Surface feels slippery/slimy
Water remains clear	Water often cloudy or green

The Vitamin C Test

Crush a Vitamin C tablet and rub it on the stain. If it lightens or disappears within 30 seconds, it's a metal stain (copper or iron), not algae.

Why Did My Pool Stain?

Copper staining in Naked pools happens when:

• pH rises above 7.4: This is the #1 cause. When pH climbs, copper ions "plate out" onto your pool surface
• Copper levels exceed 0.5 ppm: The ioniser may be set too high for your pool size
• Shock treatment added: Adding calcium hypochlorite (granular chlorine) can oxidise dissolved copper, causing rapid staining
• Inconsistent acid dosing: Missing even one week of pH management can be enough

How to Fix Copper Staining

1. Turn off the ioniser immediately
2. Test copper levels—if above 0.5 ppm, partial drain and refill may be needed
3. Lower pH to 7.0-7.2 using muriatic acid
4. Apply a citric acid-based stain remover (like Jack's Magic or similar)—these lift copper back into solution
5. Use a metal sequestrant to keep the copper suspended
6. Consider partial water replacement to physically remove copper from the pool
7. DO NOT add chlorine shock until staining is resolved—this makes it worse

Important: If copper stains are left untreated for more than 1-2 years, the copper can be absorbed into the pool surface, making complete removal extremely difficult or impossible.

How Does the Naked System Actually Work?

The Naked Freshwater System uses copper and silver ionisation to sanitise your pool. Here's what's really happening:

• A digital control unit sends low-voltage current through copper and silver electrodes
• This releases microscopic copper and silver ions into the water
• Copper ions act as an algaecide (prevents algae growth)
• Silver ions work as a bactericide (kills bacteria)
• You still need a small amount of chlorine (0.2-0.5 ppm) as an oxidiser to burn off organic matter

Common Naked Pool Problems We See in Perth

1. Copper Staining (Most Common)

Symptoms: Blue-green discolouration that won't brush off

Cause: pH too high, copper levels too high, or shock chlorine added

Prevention: Keep pH between 7.0-7.4 (lower than typical pools), test copper weekly, use liquid chlorine only

Treatment: See detailed guide above

2. "CHECK IONISER RODS" Alert

What it means: The system isn't detecting proper ion production

Common causes:

• TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) too low—should be 800-1200 ppm
• Insufficient water flow through the ioniser cell
• Variable speed pump running too slow
• Worn ioniser rods (typically last 3-4 years)
• New pool startup—TDS needs time to build up

Solution: Check pump speed, ensure adequate flow, test TDS levels, inspect rods for wear

3. Green Hair on Swimmers

Cause: Copper levels too high—oxidised copper binds to hair proteins

Solution: Immediately test and lower copper levels below 0.4 ppm. Swimmers can use clarifying shampoo or tomato juice rinse to remove green tinge from hair.

4. Cloudy Water

Common causes:

• Insufficient oxidiser (chlorine too low)
• Filter needs cleaning/backwash
• pH out of range
• High phosphate levels

Solution: Check chlorine is at 0.2-0.5 ppm, backwash filter, balance pH, consider phosphate remover

5. Algae Growth (Despite Having a Naked System)

Why it happens:

• Copper levels too low (below 0.2 ppm)
• pH too high (reduces ion effectiveness)
• Chlorine completely depleted
• Ioniser not running adequate hours

Solution: Check ioniser output settings, verify pump run time (8-10 hours minimum in Perth summer), balance chemistry

6. Black or Dark Staining

Cause: Silver deposits or copper oxide formation (cupric oxide—CuO)

What happens: If you add calcium hypochlorite shock to water with elevated copper, a chemical reaction can create black cupric oxide stains

Prevention: Never use granular calcium-based shock with a Naked system—use liquid sodium hypochlorite (liquid chlorine) or non-chlorine shock only

Treatment: Can sometimes be reversed with aluminium sulfate applied directly to fresh stains, but often requires professional treatment

7. Purple/Reddish Staining (Copper-Cyanurate)

Cause: High stabiliser (cyanuric acid) combined with copper creates purple crystals

Prevention: Do NOT use stabiliser —Naked pools don't need stabiliser since chlorine demand is low, and adding it would actually work against the system's design.

Treatment: Very difficult to remove—may require acid washing or surface refinishing in severe cases

Maintenance Requirements: The Reality

Daily Tasks

• Check oxidiser (chlorine) levels—maintain 0.2-0.5 ppm
• Monitor pH—critical for Naked pools (ideal: 7.0-7.4)
• Visual inspection of water clarity
• Verify ioniser display shows normal operation

Weekly Tasks

• Test copper levels (ideal: 0.2-0.4 ppm, never exceed 0.5 ppm)
• Complete water chemistry test (pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness)
• Adjust ioniser output if needed
• Clean skimmer baskets, check filter pressure
• Add acid as required (or ensure auto-doser is functioning)

Monthly Tasks

• Professional water test recommended
• Clean electrodes if calcium buildup visible
• Test phosphate levels
• Inspect electrode wear
• Check/maintain pH dosing system

Annual Tasks

• Replace ioniser electrodes ($300-$500)—typically every 3-4 years
• Service ioniser control unit
• Replace pH doser squeeze tube if applicable
• Professional system inspection

Why pH Control is Critical

With a Naked system, pH management isn't optional—it's essential. Here's why:

• pH above 7.4 causes copper to precipitate out of solution and stain your pool
• pH below 6.8 causes excessive electrode wear and can damage pool equipment
• The "sweet spot" of 7.0-7.4 is narrower than traditional pools (7.2-7.6)

Our recommendation: Install an automated acid dosing system (like the NKD-pH Controller) if you have a Naked pool. Manual pH management is one of the leading causes of staining issues.

Water Chemistry Targets for Naked Pools

Advantages of a Naked System

• Reduced chlorine usage: 80-90% less chlorine needed
• Softer water feel: Less harsh on skin, eyes, and hair
• No chlorine smell: Minimal chloramine formation
• Swimwear protection: Less fading and deterioration of bathers
• Residual protection: Ions remain active even when pump is off
• Clear water: Copper provides natural clarification
• Great for sensitive skin: Ideal for eczema, psoriasis sufferers

Disadvantages to Consider

• High initial cost: $2,500-$4,000+ for system and installation
• Complex chemistry: Requires precise balance and regular testing
• Staining risk: Copper can permanently stain if chemistry lapses
• Not chlorine-free: Still requires oxidiser
• Electrode replacement: $300-$500 every 3-4 years
• Learning curve: Expect 3-6 months to understand your system
• Professional service often needed: Many owners require monthly visits

Is a Naked System Right for You?

Consider a Naked System If:

• You or family members have chlorine sensitivities
• You're committed to regular, detailed water testing
• You understand it requires MORE maintenance, not less
• You're willing to invest in automated pH control
• You have budget for professional support when needed

Avoid a Naked System If:

• You want a low-maintenance pool
• You travel frequently or have a holiday home
• You expect a completely chlorine-free pool
• You're on a tight budget
• You don't like testing water chemistry

Need Help with Your Naked Pool?

Whether you're dealing with staining issues, considering a conversion, or need regular maintenance support, Poolwise Padbury can help. We service Naked pools across Perth's northern suburbs and understand the unique requirements of freshwater systems.

Services we offer:

• Naked pool troubleshooting and repairs
• Stain identification and treatment
• Water chemistry balancing
• System installation and conversions
• Electrode replacement
• Ongoing maintenance programs

Book a Service or call us to discuss your Naked pool needs.

This guide provides general information about Naked Freshwater Pool Systems. Individual pool requirements may vary based on size, usage, location, and water source. Always test your specific water chemistry before making adjustments.