Getting scum out of your life
If you’ve noticed a grubby mark forming around the waterline of your pool — you’re not alone. That unsightly build-up is known as a scum line, and it’s one of the most common (and annoying) cosmetic issues pool owners deal with.
Left untreated, a scum line can discolour your pool surface, damage finishes, and trap bacteria. But the good news? It’s easy to fix — and even easier to prevent with a few simple habits.
What Causes a Pool Scum Line?
A scum line is formed when oils, body lotions, sunscreen, hair products, and airborne contaminants collect at the pool’s surface. As the water evaporates or gets disturbed by swimmers or wind, these residues cling to the walls right at the waterline.
Here in New Zealand, sunblock is often the biggest culprit — especially in summer when UV levels are high and pools are busy.
How to Remove a Scum Line
🧽 Manual Scrubbing: Use a soft pool brush or non-abrasive scum sponge to gently scrub the affected area. Avoid anything that might damage your pool finish, especially on fibreglass or vinyl.
🧼 Scum Line Cleaner: Poolcare stocks specialist scum line and tile cleaners designed to break down oils and grime without throwing off your water chemistry.
⚠️ Don’t drain your pool to clean the line – this can create more issues than it solves. Always try surface-level solutions first.
Prevention Tips
Want to stop the scum line from forming in the first place? Try these easy fixes:
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Use a scum sponge or “oil-absorbing duck” in your skimmer to collect oils before they reach the wall.
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Encourage swimmers to rinse off before using the pool.
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Run your filtration system daily, especially after heavy pool use.
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Keep your chemical balance in check — particularly pH and chlorine levels.
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Wipe down the waterline regularly, even if it looks clean.
When to Ask for Help
If you’re seeing a persistent scum line that won’t shift, it could be a sign of:
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Poor circulation or filtration
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Imbalanced water chemistry
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Old or saturated scum-absorbing devices
Bring in a water sample to Poolcare at 54A Hewletts Road, and we’ll test it for free. We’ll also recommend the right cleaner or pool valet service to get things back under control.
Final Word
Dealing with a scum line is one of those “little things” that can make a big difference to how your pool looks and feels. With the right approach, it’s easy to stay ahead of it — and we’re here to help every step of the way.
📍 Visit us at Poolcare, 54A Hewletts Road, Mt Maunganui
📞 Call (07) 575 8471
🌐 www.poolcareltd.nz
