Examples of Calcium Carbonate Scaling
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Calcium Carbonate Scaling
The common approach is to use chemical treatments to dissolve calcium carbonate deposits, but one or all of the following treatments may need to be used to address this issue:.
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Consider adding a chemical sequestrant to the pool water. This helps prevent the formation of new deposits and may even reduce existing ones.
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Lower Calcium Hardness: Partially drain and refill the pool water to reduce calcium hardness.
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Manual Removal: Scrub the scaling using a pumice stone or a stain eraser tool.
Chemical Treatment:
Establish the water chemistry and, if possible, the water chemistry history of the pool.
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The parameters to consider are pH and T.A. (total alkalinity), as they are the most important in proceeding with
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a treatment. Aim for a pH target of 7.0 and total alkalinity (T.A.) below 100 ppm but not less than 60 ppm. If
The severity of scaling warrants it, consider an acid bath with the existing water at a rate of 10 litres of undiluted
acid per 50,000 litres. Note that this will significantly lower both pH and T.A. levels and should be used only
briefly, from 24 to a maximum of 48 hours, to soften the deposits. Afterwards, strive to achieve less aggressive
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pH and T.A. levels.
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The calcium hardness level should be established to provide a base point, recorded, and referenced after treatment has been performed.
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To soften the scaling, products like Lo-Chlor Stain and Scale Attack Parts 1 & 2 have proved effective in softening and subsequently removing light to moderate scale.
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Heavy scaling may require multiple treatments and more aggressively low pH levels for prolonged periods of time—weeks, possibly months.
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Manual Removal: Scrub the scaling using a pumice stone, stain eraser sticks, or metal algae brush to help loosen the softened scale.
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Testing of calcium hardness needs to be performed at this stage to establish that the calcium level has increased from the baseline established before the treatment started.This will indicate the removal of calcium from the surface and the success or failure of the treatment.
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A sequestering agent like Lo-Chlor Stain & Scale Defense, Lo-Chlor Aquaguard, or Riversands CalStop is used to retain the removed calcium in solution.
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Filtration should be addressed at this time, and a regular filer-clean schedule of every 2 days should be in place at least a week after treatment.
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If a cartridge filter is being used, the condition and effectiveness of the filter need to be assessed, and a replacement may need to be considered.
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If a sand filter is in use, you should consider using Lo-Chlor Filter Aid & Metal Remover.Partially draining and refilling the pool water to reduce calcium hardness may be required at extreme levels of calcium hardness.
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Re-balance the pool, continue to monitor calcium hardness levels, and continue removal protocols until it reaches between 180 ppm and 250 ppm.
* Use a pumice stone or a tile brush to gently remove the scaling from pool walls, tiles, and other surfaces.
Be cautious not to damage the pool finish while scrubbing.