So, how to remove the calcium scale from your pool?
Calcium Scale: Well, in this post, I would be walking you through some of the best ways to remove calcium scales from your pool.
Needless to say, all the methods that we would be discussing are beginners’ friendly and less time-consuming.
So, without any further ado, let’s begin…
Frankly speaking, even before you start removing the calcium scale, you need to do some homework on your end in order to achieve an optimum result.
For example, having some information about where the scale has started to form and how difficult is it to remove would do the trick for you.
Anyways, if you’re new to the pool domain, and knew nothing about it, then also, you don’t have to worry at all, as we would be discussing everything from scratch.
Does it make sense?
Our center of discussion would be to remove the scale in the easiest possible way.
How To Remove Calcium Scale From Your Pool | The Beginner’s Guide
Moving further, I would be discussing the nuts and bolts of how to remove calcium scale from your pool.
Moreover, our core team has put loads and loads of effort into bundling the information in one place so that you can reap maximum benefits from it.
Still, you can reach out to us in case of any doubt or query via the contact form, and our core team would be more than happy to assist you.
Primary Ways to Remove Calcium Scale
There are primarily three ways to remove calcium scale, and all of these steps can give you mind-boggling results if expedited correctly.
So, you might be wondering, who am I, right?
Well, I’m a consultant and have been helping individuals as well as corporates for over a decade now, so I might be the RIGHT person to guide you to achieve an optimum result.
Cutting long-story-short, let’s have a quick look at removing calcium scaling.
Try Muriatic Acid
Definitely, muriatic acid is one of the most effective ways to deal with scaling problems, but as we all know, muriatic is a strong acid so you need to handle it with care.
Try Vinegar
Another affordable way to remove calcium scaling could be the use of white vinegar along with a scrub brush.
Trust me, I myself have tried this idiosyncratic method quite a few times and found it very useful.
Frankly speaking, the method works fine with tiles.
Try Pumice Stone
To be honest, it is a newbie-friendly method that works well with the calcium scale on your plaster.
It might consume some of your time but is definitely, a highly effective method when it comes to removing calcium scaling.
Many of the newbies, find the calcium scale harmless, but that isn’t the case at all.
At times, it has been found that the scaling in the pool has led to severe damage.
So, the best thing that you can do, is to get rid of calcium scaling at the earliest.
Things You Need To Have Handy Before Getting Started…
Well, below is the list of things that you need to have handy before getting started.
- Pool chemical test kit
- Pool brush
- Surface cleaner or calcium scale remover
- Putty knife
- Hand-held brush
What do you mean by calcium scale?
Calcium scale aka limescale is a sort of white chalky substance mostly found on machinery used for water operation.
Even the calcium build-up on your tile and plaster might be the result of hard water in your areas.
However, when the scaling starts, it is really difficult to diagnose it until it has become bigger in shape and size.
In the initial days, scaling looks like white foam around the waterline.
Moreover, if you’re not taking adequate measures against these white foam-like substances then over a period of time, it would become as hard as a rock, and if NOT treated on time, then it might become difficult to remove scaling.
Not only that, but also it can clog your swimming pool filter, and even coat your pipes resulting in underperformance of the water machinery.
Erosion is yet another problem that comes with calcium scaling.
Materials like your pool tiles, fiberglass, ladders, liner, and grout would get eroded if scaling isn’t handled correctly.
In short, calcium scaling can result in a series of problems if not handled correctly.
Type of Calcium Scale
Well, there are mainly two types of calcium scales that I would be talking about in a while.
Calcium Carbonate
The chemical formula of calcium carbonate is CaCO3 which is one of the most common types of scaling that you’ll come across.
The pH level of your pool water can greatly influence calcium carbonate scaling.
A higher pH level for a longer duration of time can enhance the scaling by driving calcium carbonate out of the solution.
Calcium Silicate
It’s a bit different in look and feels in comparison to calcium carbonate.
Moreover, it’s more grayish-white than calcium carbonate.
Compared to calcium carbonate, the removal of calcium silicate might take more effort and time.
Again, the cause of calcium silicate scaling formation might be due to very high pH.
How does calcium scale get in your pool?
As a pool owner, you might be inquisitive about knowing the exact reason behind the formation and accumulation of calcium scale in your pool, right?
The three important parameters that are responsible for the scaling either directly or indirectly are high pH, high alkalinity, and high calcium hardness levels.
So, as a preventive measure, my recommendation would be to test the calcium hardness level in your pool whenever you’re expediting the testing of other pool chemicals to be on the safer side.
The best thing would be that you do the testing by yourself with the help of an effective testing kit.
And, in case, you’re not willing to test on your own then my suggestion would be to take the sample pool water to the local store and get it tested.
Whatever approach you choose, your intention should be to get correct readings and then act accordingly.
The high pH level causes the calcium present in your pool water to acquire a solid structure and gets deposited on the pool surface.
And, trust me, if you’ll ignore scaling in the initial days, then it might cause pain in your butt, so be careful, and act at the earliest.
As discussed earlier also, calcium scaling becomes predominant around the water line if left untreated.
Scaling can also be the result of the evaporation of your pool water in hot and humid climatic conditions.
Tips For Preventing Calcium Scaling
It’s an old proverb, “Prevention is better than cure”, and I believe and follow it from the core of my heart.
Isn’t it going to prevent scaling rather than running behind the solution to get rid of it?
Let’s have a quick look at some of the things that you can do to prevent the occurrence of scaling.
- Test your pool chemical chemistry, and if needed lower the pH and the alkalinity
- Remember, the pH should fall in the range of 7.2 and 7.4, and the alkalinity should fall in the range of 80 and 90 parts per million
- Moving further, you can take the help of a pool clarifier to clump the calcium film together, then vacuum them away or let your filter take care of them whichever works great for you
- To tackle a high level of calcium hardness in your pool water, you can also avoid shock with added calcium like calcium hypochlorite
- Brushing your pool on a regular basis can help you to prevent calcium build-up
- Lastly, vacuum your pool every time you brush it to pick up the loose calcium, and thus, prevent its build-up
How to remove the calcium scale?
Well, if you’re following the aforementioned preventive measures then chances are rare of the rarest that you’ll have to struggle with a calcium scaling problem.
But, if you’re struggling with calcium scaling then stay with us as we would be discussing some highly effective ways to deal with it in a hassle-free manner.
Once the calcium scaling is formed, you don’t have many options but to remove it.
Frankly speaking, I’ve found some great results with muriatic acid/dry acid when it comes to removing calcium scaling.
However, you need to be very careful when using muriatic acid as it is a very strong acid.
Also, try to keep the acid out of the reach of elders, kids, and pets.
And, while you’re applying muriatic acid make sure that your body is fully covered with clothes, and you’re wearing goggles, a face mask, and gloves.
Failing to do so might lead to damage or burning of the skin.
But, you don’t need to always use muriatic acid.
In fact, for mild scaling, you can also try using a vinegar-water solution and a scrub brush.
Moreover, if you’re dealing with a ceramic tile pool, then it’s a good idea to use a gentler solution like the aforementioned one, before trying acid washing.
In short, keep the acid washing as the last option.
Calcium Scale On Tile
Well, in order to remove scaly buildup on the tile pool, first and foremost, you need to lower your pool water level in order to work in a hassle-free manner with various things around the waterline.
Lowering the pool water level wouldn’t consume much of your time, all you need to do is to siphon a tangible amount of water with the help of a garden hose.
In the next step, figure out the areas that have mild calcium buildup and try to remove them with white vinegar and a scrub brush.
All you need to do is to spray the vinegar onto the area and leave the area as it is for at least 30 seconds and then scrub it with a brush for achieving an optimum result.
If the methods work for your pool then apply them to the rest of the areas.
And, if NOT, then the only feasible option that you’ve is an acid wash.
So, if you’ve decided that you want to go for an acid wash, then use a 5-gallon bucket and mix acid and water in a 1:3 ratio.
The resulting solution will start to bubble and emit not-so-friendly fumes.
So, now it’s high time, that you use the solution on the calcium buildups.
Try to apply a very small quantity first, and as per the requirement further increase the amount.
Once the acid solution is poured onto the calcium buildup, the next thing that you need to do is to scrub the surface with the help of whatever tool works best for you, that is, brush, putty knife, pumice stone, or even PoolStone.
On the other hand, if you have got a scarcity of time, then I would recommend you should take the help of professional service available in your area.
Or, you can even contact local pool stores, and ask them to do the needful for you.
Calcium Scale On Plaster
Frankly speaking, one of the best ways to remove calcium scale on plaster is the use of pumice stone, in an effective and correct way.
As a beginner, many of you, might not be aware of the fact that calcium is usually formed in raised crystals on the surface.
Moreover, if you’re facing trouble in removing the calcium scale with the stone, then the best thing that you can do is to try an acid wash.
The good thing about plaster is that it wouldn’t get damaged easily so you can even use a wire bristled brush for tough and hard deposits.
It’s A Wrap
First and foremost, I would like to thank you for being with us till the end.
I hope you would’ve got a satisfactory answer to your question, how to remove the calcium scale from your pool?
Moreover, I along with my team have tried to the best of our capabilities to come up with this comprehensive guide on removing calcium scaling from your pool.
And, in case, you want to appreciate or recognize our effort then please rate us on a scale of 1 to 5 with the latter being the best.
Coming back to the topic, calcium buildup isn’t something that you can’t deal with on your own.
All you need to do is to stay on top of it and expedite the regular cleaning process.
At the same time, my advice to the newbies would be to start with vinegar and if needed then only opt for an acid wash.
Needless to say, acid wash is the ultimate solution that we’ve right now to deal with calcium scaling.
Moreover, if you’ve decided to use muriatic acid then cover your body fully with clothes, and don’t forget to wear hand gloves, face masks, and goggles so that an unprecedented situation can be dealt with effectively.
Last but not least, share this piece of information with the ones who are in need of it.
After all, sharing is caring, isn’t it?
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