What Causes Pool Scaling And How To Prevent It?

Having a swimming pool is a great way to enjoy the summer weather. However, they can require a lot of maintenance to keep them clean and functioning properly. One issue that can arise is pool scaling. It occurs when mineral deposits build up on the pool’s surface, which can make the pool look dirty and cause problems with filtration and circulation.

This article will discuss what causes pool scaling and how to prevent it. Also, we will provide some tips on removing it if it occurs. Let’s get started.

What is Pool Scaling?

When water evaporates from your pool, it leaves minerals and other dissolved solids behind. As the concentration of these dissolved solids increases, the water becomes supersaturated and begins to precipitate out these minerals onto surfaces as a scale. This process is called pool scaling.

What Causes Pool Scaling?

Pool scaling is caused by a high concentration of minerals in the water. These minerals can come from many sources, including:

• Hard Water: It is water that has a high concentration of minerals, such as calcium and magnesium. It can quickly lead to scaling on surfaces in contact with the water.
• Soap Residue: If you use soap when you swim, it can leave behind a film that can contribute to scaling.
• Salt: Salt is added to pools to help keep them clean and free of bacteria. However, it can also contribute to pool scaling.
• Metallic Objects: Items made of metal, such as pool toys or furniture, can rust and release minerals into the water.
• Organics: Organic matter, such as leaves and twigs, can also contribute to pool scaling.

Other causes of pool scaling include:

• Using a calcium chloride-based swimming pool shock
• Adding too much alkalinity increaser (soda ash or sodium bicarbonate) to your pool
• Not properly circulating or filtering your pool water

How Do I Remove Scale Buildup From My Pool?

The first step is to determine the cause of the scale. If the pH is too high, this can cause calcium carbonate to precipitate out of the solution and form scale on surfaces in contact with the water. The best way to prevent scale is to maintain a proper pH balance in your pool.

If you already have scale buildup, you’ll need to take steps to remove it. Scaling can be removed manually with a brush or other tool or with chemical cleaners. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions when using any cleaner. Some steps can be:

1. Test and Balance Water

First, you’ll need to ensure that the pH of your pool water is balanced. You can test the pH yourself with a kit or have it done professionally. Once you know the current pH level, you can adjust it as needed to reach the ideal range of 7.4 to 7.6.

2. Use a Scale Inhibitor

If the pH is properly balanced and you’re still seeing scale buildup, you may need to use a scale inhibitor. These chemicals help prevent calcium carbonate from precipitating out of solution and forming scale on surface contact with the water. Also, make sure you use a high-quality pool filter to remove any dirt or debris causing the scale.

3. Use a Descaling Chemical

If you already have calcium buildup, you can use a chemical descaler to remove it. These products typically contain acids that dissolve the calcium carbonate scale. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully when using any cleaner, and always wear gloves and eye protection.

4. Use A Brush and Vacuum

For small areas of scale buildup, you can use a brush to scrub it away. You may need to rent a power washer or use a pool vacuum cleaner for larger areas.

5. Clean Surfaces Regularly

Even with a properly balanced pH and a scale inhibitor, you may still see some scaling on surfaces in contact with the pool water. To prevent this, be sure to clean these surfaces regularly. This will help remove any dirt or debris causing the scale. Also, ensure that the pH is properly balanced and that there are no other issues that could be causing the problem.

6. Use a High-Quality Pool Filter

Using a high-quality pool filter can also help prevent and remove calcium carbonate scaling by removing any dirt or debris causing the problem. Be sure to change the filter regularly to keep it working properly.

Does High pH Cause Scaling?

It is a common misconception that high pH levels in the water will cause scaling. Scaling is caused by dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, which build up on surfaces when the water evaporates. These minerals can form hard, chalky deposits that are difficult to remove.

While high pH levels can contribute to scale formation, it is not the primary cause. The scale can form even in waters with neutral or slightly acidic pH levels if there are high concentrations of dissolved minerals. The best way to prevent scaling is to use a water softener, which will remove these minerals from the water before they have a chance to deposit on surfaces.

Still, the pH of your water should be monitored and maintained at a safe level to prevent scaling and other problems, such as corrosion. If you are concerned about the pH of your water, contact a professional to have it tested.

What Are The Best Products for Pool Scaling?

If you have a pool, you know that keeping it clean can be a challenge. One of the most difficult things to keep under control is scaling. When the pH level is too high, it causes the water to become supersaturated with calcium carbonate. This calcium carbonate precipitates out of the water and onto surfaces in your pool, including the walls, floor, and swimming suits.

There are a few different products that you can use to help control scaling in your pool. They include:

1. Clorox Pool and Spa Scale

No products found.

If you are looking for a product that will protect your pool equipment and remove stains, then the Clorox Pool and Spa Scale is a perfect choice. This product is designed to scale back hard water deposits that can damage your pool over time. It also contains a special formula that helps remove tough stains quickly and easily.

It will help extend your pool’s life by keeping it clean and free of harmful buildup. Just apply it to the affected area and let it work its magic. In no time, you will have a sparkling clean pool ready for summer fun.

Pros

• Protects pool equipment from damage
• Extends the life of your pool
• Removes tough stains quickly and easily

Cons

• The product is somewhat pricey.

2. Spa Stain and Scale Control for Hot Tubs

No products found.

Aqua Doc’s Professional Grade spa scale, metal, and stain control product is the perfect way to keep your spa clean and free of unsightly buildup. The top-quality spa descaler works hard to remove metal of all types, including calcium, iron, copper, and other deposits that can cause stains.

The hard water softener for spas is the best defense against metal and scale buildup in your water. By reducing alkalinity levels and hardness, the hot tub chemicals can help prevent stains caused by high calcium levels. Get clear water with Aqua Doc’s hardness decreaser for spa, hot tub, or pool.

Pros

• Reduces hard water and prevents stains in your spa.
• 100% top quality and works on all types of metal.
• Reduces alkalinity levels to help prevent calcium stains.
• Removes all the tough stains with bromine and chlorine compatibility.
• Works efficiently and is easy to use.

Cons

• It may not be as effective on very hard water.

Also Read: Best Algaecide for Pools

FAQs

Why Do My Pool Walls Feel Like Sandpaper?

If your pool walls feel like sandpaper, it’s likely because of calcium scaling. Calcium scale is a white, flaky substance that can build up on pool surfaces. High pH levels in the water cause this scale. When pH levels rise above 7.6, calcium carbonate begins to precipitate out of the water and onto surfaces. This build-up can make pool surfaces feel rough and abrasive. Also, high pH levels can cause swimsuits to fade and chlorine to become less effective.

What Does Scaling In A Pool Look Like?

Scaling in a pool can look like a white, flaky substance on pool surfaces. High pH levels in the water cause this build-up. The water becomes supersaturated with calcium carbonate when pH levels are too high. This means that there is too much calcium carbonate in the water, and it starts to come out of the solution and form a scale on surfaces.

How Do I Fix High pH Levels?

The first step is to test your pool water and ensure that the pH levels are too high. You can do this with a simple pool test kit. Once you have confirmed that the pH levels are too high, you will need to adjust them. This can be done by adding pool scaling products to the pool water.

What Is The White Flaky Stuff In My Pool?

If you’ve ever looked closely at your pool, you may have noticed a white, flaky substance on the surface. This is called scale, and it’s one of the most common problems that pool owners face.

High pH levels in the water cause scale. The water becomes saturated with calcium carbonate when the pH level gets too high. This causes the calcium carbonate to precipitate out of the water and onto surfaces like pool walls and floors.

The good news is that scale can be prevented by keeping your pH levels in check. The best way to do this is to use a pH test kit to test your water regularly and add chemicals to maintain a healthy pH balance.

What Does Calcium Scale Look Like?

Calcium scale looks like a white, chalky substance that can build up on the pool surface and filter system. It is often difficult to remove and may require special chemicals or physical scrubbing. Also, high levels of calcium can make pool water feel slippery.

What Are the Consequences of Scaling?

Scaling can lead to several problems, including:

• Reduced efficiency of pool equipment
• Difficulties in maintaining proper pH levels
• Cloudy water
• Scale build-up on pool surfaces and in filters

How Can I Prevent Scaling?

There are a few things you can do to prevent scaling in your pool:

• Use a quality water test kit to check your pool water’s pH and alkalinity levels regularly. Adjust these levels as needed to keep them within the recommended range.
• Use a calcium hardness test kit to check the calcium hardness level of your pool water. Adjust this level as needed to keep it within the recommended range.
• Use a phosphate test kit to check the phosphate level of your pool water. Phosphates can promote the growth of algae and other unwanted organisms, so keeping them at low levels is important.
• Use a quality swimming pool cover to prevent evaporation and keep dirt and debris out of the water.
• Shock your pool regularly to help prevent scale build-up.

Conclusion

To sum it up, pool scaling is caused by several factors. Most often, it’s due to high pH levels in the water, which several things can cause, including using the wrong type of chemicals, not properly balancing the water, or simply allowing too much sunlight to hit the water. Other causes include hard water and calcium deposits.

The best way to prevent pool scaling is to maintain proper pH levels and clean your pool. Regular cleaning will help remove any buildup that might be causing the problem. If you notice scaling, you can try using a descaling solution to remove it. Just follow the directions carefully so that you don’t damage your pool or equipment.

We hope this article has helped you understand what causes pool scaling and how to prevent it. If you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us. We’re always happy to help.

Also Read: Best Pool Clarifier