It’s common to notice calcium buildup on the pool surface if you don’t clean the tiles and change the pool water regularly.
Calcium deposits can slowly corrode all your metal fittings and leave stains on the pool walls and pool tiles. As a result, the calcium scale on the pool surfaces will cause your pool to lose its aesthetic appeal.
But you don’t have to worry. We have curated this guide with everything you need to know to stop calcium buildup in your pool.
What Are The Causes Of Calcium Deposits?
Excess calcium buildup in the pool is directly related to using many chemicals for the pool cleaning process. No wonder most pool owners usually stress a lot about maintaining a balance of chemicals to keep the pool hygienic yet free from any damage.
If the pH levels of the pool are off, or if the total alkalinity is too high or low, you’ll probably wind up fighting algae, murky water, and calcium scaling. And while chemical imbalance is one of the main causes of calcium deposits, several other factors play quite an essential role in causing calcium buildups.
For instance, let’s talk about fluctuations in temperature. If the pool water temperature is too high, the water will evaporate, leaving a crusty calcium scale on the pool surface.
There are two types of calcium scales: calcium silicate and calcium carbonate. Calcium carbonate is flaky and white and is relatively easy to clean. On the contrary, calcium silicate is grey, and removing calcium silicate scaling is quite tricky.
You can pour a few drops of muriatic acid on the deposits to determine the type of calcium scaling. Muriatic acid will cause calcium carbonate scales to produce foam, but calcium silicate won’t.
How To Stop Calcium BuildUp In Swimming Pools?
The answer to this question is maintaining a chemical balance — meaning the calcium content in the pool should neither be too much nor too less. If the calcium levels are high in pool water, it might lead to cloudy water and calcium scaling.
At the same time, even low calcium levels in the pool are a problem. It will mess with the alkalinity level of the pool and corrode the metal fittings, which will then have to be replaced. This is especially common in vinyl and fibreglass pools.
Furthermore, always maintain the pH level of the pool — it should be somewhere between 7.2 and 7.6. And the alkalinity level should be in the range of 80 to 120 ppm.
As you know, water evaporation caused due to high temperatures is a major cause of calcium scaling. So, it’s a good idea to install an auto pool cover to reduce evaporation. Even reverse osmosis treatment can help prevent calcium build-up on pool surfaces.
Of course, regular cleaning and maintenance are equally crucial in preventing calcium scales from forming on the floors and tiles of the pool.
What Should The Ideal Level Of Calcium Be In The Pool Water?
Like water’s pH and alkalinity levels, you can easily maintain the calcium levels in pool water. The calcium content in the pool water should be in the range of 100-400 parts per million (ppm).
In case of high calcium hardness, pump out some pool water and replace it with tap water. And if the calcium hardness level is too low, try adding a bit of calcium chloride to increase the calcium content immediately.
How To Remove Calcium Carbonate Scaling And Calcium Silicate Scaling?
If there’s too much calcium buildup in the pool, you might want to add some sequestering agent. It acts as a chemical agent to remove water’s highly contaminating chemicals and calcium content. In addition, it removes all the major stains from the pool’s surface.
Cleaning pool tile calcium deposits do not necessitate using several instruments or equipment. You can use a pumice stone, stain eraser or scale remover to remove calcium carbonate deposits.
However, the pumice stone should be moist before usage and mainly used to remove calcium silicate in concrete pools. It’s also important to note that calcium silicate takes longer to remove and will require a lot of elbow grease from your end.
You must apply the chemical to the stained surface if you use a stain remover to remove calcium scale deposits.
It’s better to call for professional assistance if you own a vinyl or fibreglass pool. And our team at The Pool Co. specialises in handling all aspects of a pool, be it construction, council approvals or cleaning. We will ensure the safe elimination of calcium build-up from your pool surface and restore the pool to its pristine condition.
Preventing Calcium BuildUp In Your Pool
When it comes to calcium deposit, prevention is better than cure! Conduct regular maintenance checks and use proper cleaning tools to keep those stubborn calcium nodules away. Likewise, always maintain the pool water’s pH and alkalinity levels.
Avoid using calcium-containing shocks; use a clarifier to assist your filter in removing calcium from your pool.
Don’t allow calcium build-up to keep you from enjoying your summer. After all, the only reason you might have built a pool in your yard is so that you can enjoy it with your friends and loved ones.
The last issue you would want is to experience unsightly calcium scaling and not use the pool for weeks due to excessive accumulation.
Yes, maintaining a pool is difficult. But if you follow all of these guidelines, you’ll have a relaxing and carefree summer lazing around in your pool.
