My Aquabot Supreme robotic pool cleaner’s pump motor leaked about a cup of light weight oil (possibly mineral or other light weight hydrocarbon oil). Now I have a distinctive, iridescent oil slick on the water surface of my 12000 gal fiberglass pool. The water feels oily or greasy.
Can you recommend a product or method for getting rid of the slick?
(I’m aware of tennis balls, but looking for something more effective.)
We are sorry to hear about that. The spa ScumBugs have more surface area than tennis balls, so they are a good option. Run the pump and try to focus as much towards the skimmer as possible to (hopefully) catch as much in a contained area as possible. You may be able to scoop out a large percentage of it from the skimmer.
If it gets past the skimmer, DE or Cartridge filters can capture oil as well, but be sure to use a good filter cleaner to remove the oil from the grids or cartridge or it will eventually migrate back in the pool.
I like to use Bon Ami cleanser to clean the water line of sunscreen and other sticky gunk that gets stuck there. Use a minimal amount of the cleanser on a sponge, and be sure to clean the skimmer as much as you can to be sure it is all gone. Check the skimmer weir door as well; you may need to replace the weir float if it absorbs the oil.
Good advice. Thanks for your help!