Dealing with Calcium Scaling in Your Swimming Pool

Calcium scaling is a white or greyish stain that forms on the sides of pools. While it doesn't pose much of a health hazard, it can be ugly to look at and can cause structural problems to the pool. This article will help identify the exact type of calcium problem and how to best deal with it if the pool has calcium scaling.

Types of calcium scaling

There are two main types of calcium that cause scaling. Calcium carbonate is a whitish stain that forms due to higher than average pH levels. It's usually chalky and flaky and relatively easy to clean off the pool's sides.

On the other hand, calcium silicate causes a greyish stain scale that can be particularly difficult to manage. It's caused primarily due to high pH and alkalinity levels.

A pool owner can tell the difference between the two types by pouring a small amount of muriatic acid on the stain. The acid will react with calcium carbonate and create foam, but it won't have a visible effect on the silicate scaling.

Cleaning calcium carbonate

Thankfully, calcium carbonate is relatively easy to remove. The most commonly used methods are pumice stones, brushes, weak acids (such as vinegar), or stain removers. Smaller stains can be removed with a small amount of acid and a brush (even a toothbrush will work) or a pumice stone to scrub away the scaling (while using proper hand protection). For larger stains, muriatic acid will do much better, but it requires much stricter handling and good face and body protection.

Of course, a pool owner won't want to use pumice or brushes with a vinyl or fiberglass pool, as they can damage the pool's lining. For those types of pools, it's better to use stain cleaners that won't damage it.

Cleaning calcium silicate

Unfortunately, silicate scaling on pool sides means there are more pressing issues at hand. The only reliable way to remove silicate stains is with a pumice stone and plenty of scrubbing and, even then, it might not remove the scaling away entirely.

Furthermore, calcium silicate takes much longer to form than calcium carbonate. Its presence usually means there are calcium deposits in filters and pipes that will also need to be taken care of to ensure proper pool function. Contact a local pool service provider to get professional help for a pool when it has a calcium silicate scaling.

Prevention

To prevent future calcium scaling, control the water's pH and alkalinity. Regular water testing and treatments might be the only long-term solutions to remaining scaling-free. Additionally, avoid shocking a pool with calcium products. Pool clarifiers can help to clump the calcium in the water and allow for easier filtering. Also, regularly brushing and vacuuming the pool will remove loose calcium and prevent it from staining the pool sides.

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.