Common Signs of Calcium Scaling in Pools
Calcium scaling is a common issue most pool owners encounter at one point or another.
Calcium scaling is a common issue most pool owners encounter at one point or another. It impacts the pool’s aesthetic beauty and can even leave permanent stains on the walls and other surfaces. Calcium scaling can result in maintenance headaches and even leave the swimming pool unsanitary and unfit for a swim.
Causes of calcium scaling in pools
The formation of a calcium scale on a pool happens when the pool water has more dissolved calcium than it can hold. The ideal range of calcium hardness in a swimming pool is 200 to 400 ppm. Scaling can occur if the calcium hardness goes above this range.
Calcium scaling in pools is also a result of improper water chemistry. Scaling can occur due to high or low alkalinity and off-balance pH levels. Another cause of scaling in pools is water temperature. The pool water needs to have the right balance to prevent calcium scaling.
Signs of calcium scaling in pools
An early sign of calcium scaling in pools is cloudy water. Pool owners should consider treating the pool at this stage to prevent more severe issues.
An indicator is a build-up of unsightly white or grayish-white chalky along the pool’s waterline. Calcium scaling coats the pool tiles and lining, making them look faded and the pool appear unsightly.
Another sign of calcium scaling in pools is experiencing scratches, discomfort, or snagged swimsuits when standing or hanging around the pool’s edge.
Rust stains on pool surfaces, pinhole leaks in pool equipment, and corroded metal fittings are other warning signs of calcium scaling in pools.
Types of calcium scaling
Calcium carbonate and calcium silicate are the two common types of pool scaling. Calcium carbonate has a white and flaky appearance and is easier to remove. Calcium silicate is more solid and has a white-gray appearance. Calcium silicate takes longer to form and does not come off easily.
A few drops of muriatic acid on the scaling can reveal which scaling is in the pool. There will be no reaction if there is calcium silicate, but if it is calcium carbonate, it will react with the acid, resulting in foaming and fizzing.
How to remove calcium scaling
As mentioned, it is easy to remove calcium carbonate from the pool. Use a stain eraser, pumice stone, or scale remover, or add an acid wash to the pool to lower pH levels. Removing calcium silicate scaling requires a lot of effort. It is best to seek assistance from a professional pool cleaning company. They use highly effective chemicals to dissolve scaling.
Ways to prevent calcium scaling
Here are a few tips to protect the pool tiles from calcium scaling:
Use a testing kit to test alkalinity and calcium hardness regularly.
Monitor the pool’s pH levels.
Consider a reverse osmosis water treatment.
Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation.
Resolve scaling issues
Calcium scaling is a problem that is inconvenient and leads to pool damage. Fortunately, the issue is easier to tackle if identified and fixed early. Routine inspections and maintenance by a local pool professional ensure that the swimming pool remains in the best shape and can help avoid common problems like calcium scaling.
Pool Tile Cleaning Vegas offers pool tile cleaning, calcium removal, acid washing, pool draining, and media blasting services, in Las Vegas and Henderson. Call us at (702)605-6936.
