Safely Dispose Of Unused Acid
Contact your local pool supply business or municipality to learn how to dispose of any unused muriatic acid. Do not simply throw it away or pour it down a drain.
Because muriatic acid is so much stronger than vinegar or the other cleaning agents mentioned above, it can remove calcium deposits that are much more advanced. That being said, with deposits that have been growing and hardening for a long time, sometimes not even muriatic acid is enough.
If thats your situation, you have two remaining options: a pumice stone and a lot of elbow grease, or pressure washing.
Since we already spent time on the intense nature of cleaning with muriatic acid, we will skip the pumice stone method to give you a break and talk about pressureor beadwashing.
How Do You Remove Limescale From Black Tiles
Mixing equal parts vinegar and baking soda together to form a paste supplies a mild abrasive. The acidic vinegar cuts through the scale while the abrasive baking soda scrubs the loosened deposits from the tile and grout surface. Smear the paste over the entire affected area and leave it to sit for five to 10 minutes.
How Do You Remove Hard Water Stains From Pool Tile
Scrub Away the Calcium Carbonate Scaling
Calcium carbonate is relatively easy to remove the stain. Spray the buildup with a calcium releaser to help soften scum and make scrubbing that much easier. Then use a pumice stone or nylon brush to wash away the rusty water stains from your pool installation & maintenance.
Read Also: Pristine Blue Start Up
Option : Tile Cleaning Products And Stain Erasers
Youll find cleaning products sold specifically for cleaning pool tile. To rid your tile of calcium buildup, look for stain erasers made from soft abrasives that remove the hard substance from your tile. For concrete pools, you can use a wet pumice stone on the wet tile for a similar effect. Other tile cleaning products are chemical-based and can dissolve calcium scale or buildup when applied directly to the dirty tile. Check your pool supply store for specialized products.
S To Eliminate Calcium From Your Swimming Pool
There are several ways to help eliminate the calcium from your swimming pool. However, there are three popular methods that most people use:
Vinegar
A natural cleaning agent helps to remove the early appearance of calcium on the swimming pool tile. Just get an old toothbrush or a hand brush, and a spray bottle with vinegar. Spray the solution on the affected area and brush it out. If you notice that the calcium doesnt go away, then it could be more serious.
Muriatic Acid
This harsh and dangerous cleaner is available at your local home improvement or pool supply store. You MUST NOT ENTER the swimming pool while using the product.
The chemical is a powerful one that penetrates nostrils, mouth and can affect your vision. It is vital to have goggles, rubber gloves, and a mask or a respirator if you are handling the cleaning yourself.
You Also Need These Materials:
- container of muriatic acid
Also Check: Vinyl Pool Repair Kit Lowe’s
Ways To Prevent Calcium Buildup In Pool
When calcium and other minerals have been dissolved in water, they tend to stick to the surfaces of your pool. This is because conditions are not met. As a result, the deposits end up creating an unpleasant effect on your skin or eyes. So it is very important that you do whatever is necessary to prevent this from happening. Here are some steps you can take:
Cover your swimming pool Try covering your pool when it is not in use. Covering your pool will keep out debris as well as sunlight which causes evaporation. The problem with this solution is that heat and moisture tend to build up underneath the covers. This might damage your pool or even cause it to leak.
Try cleaning your swimming pool more frequently Routinely give the surfaces of your pool a good scrub. Use nylon bristles to brush off any dirt particles or algae buildup. If you do this once a week there is little to no chance for calcium to buildup on your pool surface.
Install an ion generator These are pretty effective if you want to reduce the amount of chlorine needed in your pool. They break down calcium which settles on surfaces. It can cause problems like skin irritation or eye stinging however, even though they work well, ion generators are not a must-have item since theyre pretty expensive.
Removing Calcium Scale From Tile
Tile can be a bit tricky for calcium scale removal, as its a bit more delicate to work with.
Some people recommend scraping them with a putty knife or razor blade. Some will even use a hammer to chip away at the scale.
While these techniques do work, the possibility of damaging your expensive pool tiles using these methods is extremely high.
Its for this reason we recommend using a stain remover brush and chemical agent combination for pool tiles.
Recommended Reading: Clean Concrete Pool Deck
Pros And Cons Of Using A Pumice Stone
A pumice stone is a popular tool for pool cleaning and breaking down calcium deposits. Because pumice stones have a rough exterior, they are great for scrubbing through calcium silicate.
Additionally, pumice stones are inexpensive and easy to find. Although pumice stones are useful for cleaning pool tiles calcium deposits, there are some cons to using this pool tile cleaner.
Before using a pumice stone to clean tile surfaces, there are a couple of things to keep in mind. One aspect includes the length of time it takes to clean a surface.
Pumice stones wear out relatively quickly and are not the fastest method to remove limescale buildup. Also, pumice stones may damage tiles by scratching the surface.
Contact The Pool And Spa Professionals At Halogen Supply
If you need advice or help when looking into how to remove calcium from pool tiles, contact us at Halogen Supply today to speak with our support staff. As experts with an average of over 20 years experience in all things swimming pools, they can answer any of questions you might have about swimming pools or spas and their upkeep.
Read Also: Well Water Brown After Filling Pool
Cleaning Your Saltwater Pool
Covered saltwater pools need to be cleaned two to three times per week. It will need to be cleaned more if you leave your pool uncovered.You will also need to clean your pool lining monthly. As with any pool sanitation system regular upkeep is required to maintain both the life of your pool and salt chlorine generator. A pool in general is a commitment. However, weigh the costs and benefits of a saltwater pool system for your familys enjoyment.
Dont Miss: What Time Does Leslies Pool Supply Open
How To Clean Pool Tile With Vinegar
Baking soda, borax, dish soap, toothpaste and vinegar can all be used in pretty much the same way to clean calcium deposits, so you can use most of the information here related to vinegar and apply it to those cleaning agents as well.
What do you need to start cleaning?
- a cleaning brush
- vinegar
Once you have these items, you can start cleaning.
There are no special tricks. You either put the vinegar in the bottle and spray the solution onto the calcium deposits or simply pour it on from its own bottle, then use the brush to scrub the scale away. Thats it.
These types of cleaners tend to work quite well if you catch and deal with the problem early on and employ them fairly regularly to prevent build-up.
What if the deposits dont go away with a little scrubbing? Its time for a different plan.
Recommended Reading: Convert Chlorine Pool To Salt Water Cost
How To Defeat Calcium Scaling In Your Swimming Pool
Calcium scaling is an unsightly white to white-grey stain that forms on pool sides when a pools calcium levels and pH are imbalanced. Not to worry though, calcium scaling is an easy thing to prevent with regular water testing and balancing. In fact, how susceptible your pool is to calcium scaling is directly related to how porous your pool material is. For example, a concrete pool is the most porous, where as vinyl liner and fiberglass pools are the least.
Although it may be difficult to do, calcium scales can be removed and preventative steps can be taken to keep them from reforming. If your pool has a buildup of calcium scaling, heres how to identify what type of calcium youre dealing with, treat it and stop it from forming again.
Calcium From Cement In Coping Tiles
Calcium can seep out through the cement that binds the top coping tiles above the vertical waterline tiles. Without doubt this is the most common cause of calcium formation in swimming pools. In this case, the calcium formation comes from the chemical reaction within the cement. This type of calcium is called calcium hydroxide and is often produced during the hydration of cement. White cement is made with around 31% calcium and this can cause calcium scale in tiles to seep out of the joints and into the pool. This calcium will often start right under the coping tiles and run downward toward the water. This type of calcium is very hard and is often quite thick in places.
Also Check: How To Build A Inground Pool
Remove Efflorescence On Pool Tile And Stone:
Similar to calcium scale which comes from the pool water, efflorescence is calcium lime scale that comes from the grout between tiles or stones placed into a wall or water feature.
To remove tile scale on pools, first scrape off the heavy deposits with a small putty knife, then use a flower watering can to pour of Acid Magic or Instant Liquid Acid, full strength on the front lip of the coping, to run over the tile. Scrub the tile with a stiff brush if possible, then rinse off with a hose within 60 seconds. Repeat if needed, then raise the pool water pH and Alkalinity, now lower from the acid.
What causes this is moisture coming out from behind the tile or stone through the grout or mortar joints and bringing calcium with it. The same process that creates stalagmites.
Sometimes the moisture comes from the pool as shown below. Sealers can be used on the tile to provide an invisible barrier. For larger stone or brick walls above the water, preventing efflorescence may require sealing or redirecting the source of water behind the wall.
Dont Miss: How To Keep Calcium Off Pool Tile
Preventing Further Calcium Buildup
A great and easy way to prevent calcium buildup is by applying a calcium prohibitor or blockerto the pool tiles or glass. This protects your pool tiles and glass and helps maintain the longevity of your pool looking great longer.Another great way to prevent calcium buildup is by maintaining proper pH balance in your pool water. You should test the water regularly, and make sure that the pH level is between 7.4 and 7.6. Keeping the pH from going basic or alkaline will prevent calcium levels from getting too high which causes deposits and scaling.You may want to install a pool cover. This will prevent too much evaporation. As the water levels are reduced, calcium and other minerals become more concentrated.
You May Like: Automatic Vacuum For Intex Pools
Why Is There Calcium On My Tiles And Why Is It So Urgent To Remove It
To put simply, calcium is a mineral that has many important functions in our bodies and throughout nature. It is a normal part of life. Since calcium is in the water we drink, that also means it is in the water that fills your pool. As the water level in your pool rises and lowers, tiny water droplets containing calcium atoms will be left on the side of the tiles and lining. When the water evaporates, the calcium is left behind and sticks to the side of your pool.
1. Regular buildup from hard water
Calcium deposits are either uniform in distribution, like on the pool liner at water level, or they aggregate in certain spots. Perhaps you have a fountain that always runs off in a certain spot over time, an aggregate of calcium will form which spreads like wildfire, leaving you with a thick, dense deposit of calcium.
The calcium deposit will grow faster and faster as time goes on, leaving you to scramble to fix it before it becomes unmanageable.
2. Your pool is too alkaline
When your pools pH is too basic , this speeds up the scale release from the water and buildup occurs at a faster rate. Getting your pool to optimal pH can slow the process, but reverse it or eliminate it entirely.
Get The Most Out Of Your Swimming Pool
As you can see from the information above, calcium buildup in pool water is a bit of a nuisance, but it’s controllable. It would be nice if pool didn’t require any maintenance, but that’s not reality. Luckily, fixing calcium is fairly simple, but it never hurt to have the experts come in and help you if need be.
If you’re looking for pool products such asCAL BLOCKthat blocks calcium and hard scale from building up, don’t hesitate to contact us.LayorCareoffers an array of products that can help you keep your pool cleaning and operating properly.
We look forward to helping you soon!
Read Also: Best Chlorine For Intex Pools
What Is Calcium Hardness
Youve heard of hard water, right? You may live in an area where the municipal water is hard. Or you may even get your water from a well. Either way, it means your water supply has a high level of minerals, including calcium.
But wait, calciums a good thing, isnt it? It makes strong, healthy bones and teeth. Sure, thats true. But its not so good for your pool and all the expensive equipment you bought to keep it clean and healthy.
Over time, an out-of-whack calcium hardness level can do some real damage, which is why its so important to monitor and balance the calcium hardness in your pool.
What Causes Limescale Buildup
Before cleaning your pool surfaces free from calcium deposits, you need to understand what causes the white stains on your pool tile.
The most common cause of calcium buildup is from a high pH level or alkalinity, which causes calcium carbonate to separate from the pool water and leave an unwanted stain.
Another potential cause of limescale buildup is intense heat. High temperatures evaporate water quickly and are more likely to leave a calcium stain behind. Any pool surfaces that come in contact with water are at risk for calcium scaling.
Dont Miss: How To Deter Wasps From Pool
You May Like: Mandalay Bay Pool Area
Why You Need To Remove Calcium From Pool Tile
Sure, no one wants to swim in a crusty-looking pool. It just feels gross and icky. If that was the end of the problems that calcium deposits caused, it wouldnt be such a big deal. You could probably suffer through the summer, for example, and then have them cleaned off when youre not going to use the pool quite so much.
Unfortunately, that isnt wise.
Why?
Because calcium scale also does damage to your pool and pool equipment. That damage will only get worse until you have it removed.
Without pool tile cleaning, what can calcium deposits do to your pool?
How Do I Descale My Shower
Handheld shower heads:
10 2017 .
Don’t Miss: Target Pool Chlorine
Removing Calcium Deposits On Your Pool Tile:
Lower the water level to the bottom of your tiles and prepare your acid solution. Apply it with a thick sponge or brush. Using a wire brush or putty knife can assist you in removing the deposits. Rinse it off after 1 minute with water and then reapply if it is needed.
Using a pumice or pool stone can help to remove scale as well with a bit of elbow grease.
Hiring a bead blasting service to come and remove the scale. Many use magnesium sulfate, which is a less aggressive form of salt instead of using beads or sand.
Why Does Calcium Build Up In Salt Cells
HEAT The hotter the water, the more calcium tends to drop out of pool chemical solutions and mineralize into a deposit. Since the cell plates generate heat, they tend to build scale after many uses. This is also why calcium often builds around pool heaters. High pH pH is a by-product from the generator converting salt into chlorine .
Don’t Miss: In Ground Endless Pool Cost
Reduce Hardness In Pool Water
As with every other aspect of water chemistry, calcium hardness also needs to be in balance to protect your pool surface from calcium formation, stains, or corrosion. Unlike pH and chlorine, the calcium level in most pools does not vary greatly over the seasons, so testing every few months is normally enough. Importantly, high or low calcium hardness can cause white staining on pool surfaces, etching, or discolouration. Remember, the trick is to keep the calcium at the right level and to keep the water balanced. If everyone did this then there would be no calcium buildup in pool surfaces at all.
FAQ- Calcium Hardness
What level should my calcium be?
For pebble, quartz and glass bead pools the suggested calcium hardness is 200-250ppm. Suggested levels for fibreglass pools vary depending on the manufacturer?
Does high calcium cause calcium spots ?
As a rule, there is no link between calcium levels and calcium buildup in pool interiors. Calcium stains and spots are usually caused from poor water balance.
Do calcium Hardness reducers work ?
In our experience, calcium hardness reducers do reduce calcium levels in the short term. However, over time the calcium hardness returns to the old levels.
does calcium effect water quality ?
Calcium rich water is called hard water. This is because the calcium content is very high. Low calcium water is called soft water which feels much nicer to swim in.
How do I increase calcium hardness?
How do I reduce calcium hardness ?
