Glass tile with white buildup - Calcium or Efflorescence

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travelfeedsthesoul

travelfeedsthesoul

Gold Supporter
Jan 21, 2021
240
Sugar Land, TX
Pool Size
17500
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Liquid Chlorine
Hi all,

I've recently noticed white buildup on our pool glass tile. It's mostly on vertical areas or around the spa rolled edge area, generally where water isn't in contact with the tile. There is a little white haze as well around some of the waterline tile around the pool.

Do you guys know if this is calcium buildup or efflorescence? Also, what's the difference between those two, aren't they both still some sort of calcium?

Finally and more importantly, how can I safely remove this stuff? I bought Bio Dex 300 but have read that a 1:4 MA/water mixture might work too. Should I try one first before the other?

I'm also concerned about the safety of these chemicals so in addition to the long sleeves, chemical gloves and swim goggles (eye protection), how would I apply the chemical on the vertical tiles? Does a spray bottle work or should I just use a sponge? Would the sponge just disintegrate with the acids?

I keep all pool chemistry tracked with PoolMath and the TF-100 and Taylor K-1000 test kits.

FC: 6
PH: 7.8
TA: 80
CH: 325
CYA: 40
CSI: 0.18

Any recommendations on how to proceed with removing the white buildup?

Thanks!
Neil
 

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I see no signs of efflorescence in your pics. Efflorescence comes out from grout lines and stone, not directly on tile.

I don't see anything on the tiles in the pics. They look fine on my screen and you may see things with your eyes that the pics don't render well.

Try...

Melting Waterline Scale away... using Bar Keepers Friend as a paste.

After several failed attempts to clean my waterline with a pumice stone as well as acid, I found a succesful method using Bar Keepers Friend. This requires lowering your waterline a few inches. I used Bar Keepers Friend and water to make small batches of paste. I slathered the paste on about...
www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

Waterline Scale Removal - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com

Efflorescence - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com www.troublefreepool.com
 
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That is just a bit of calcium scale from evaporation.

When the water gets on the tile and evaporates it leaves the calcium on the surface.
 
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I called around and someone who removes this type of buildup by blasting it said it was efflorescence from the gunite used behind the tiles, or something like that. I didn't fully understand it but he said it was too little for me paying what he'd charge to come out to fix it. He said trying removing it with Bio Dex 300 or MA mixture and if it doesn't work and gets worse over a couple of more years, I could call them to come out to fix it then. He also said this would stop occurring after some time but could be another year or two. Not sure why.

Even if the Bio Dex 300 or MA works, I'm not sure what to do to prevent this from happening again.
 
travelfeedsthesoul said:
I'm not sure what to do to prevent this from happening again.
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Nothing you can do to prevent it. It is a byproduct of pool water chemistry.

While you think those areas don't get wet somehow pool water is splashing on it.
 
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I have similar build up on my water line tile under my spa spillover and just off to side of where my spillover ends on the water line tile. I use a acid:water mix 1:4 and spray it on. It removes it instantly. I struggled at first to get it off because i wasn't spraying much of the solution and trying to scrub it off which didn't work. Started spraying it heavier and it dissolves away, no issues.
 
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Mbb04 said:
I have similar build up on my water line tile under my spa spillover and just off to side of where my spillover ends on the water line tile. I use a acid:water mix 1:4 and spray it on. It removes it instantly. I struggled at first to get it off because i wasn't spraying much of the solution and trying to scrub it off which didn't work. Started spraying it heavier and it dissolves away, no issues.
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Thanks for the tip. Anything specific safety instructions I should follow while attempting this, or the basic safety gear like gloves, goggles, etc.?
 
travelfeedsthesoul said:
Thanks for the tip. Anything specific safety instructions I should follow while attempting this, or the basic safety gear like gloves, goggles, etc.?
Click to expand...
I wear safety glasses and gloves anytime I’m handling the acid. When you go to mix it in a sprayer be careful. I spilled some on my concrete and couldn’t imagine getting it on my foot accidentally. It hisses like it’s eating thru the concrete. Safety glasses and gloves when I’m spraying the acid/wAter mix
 
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Mbb04 said:
I spilled some on my concrete and couldn’t imagine getting it on my foot accidentally. It hisses like it’s eating thru the concrete.
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MA does not hiss when it lands on your foot since your foot does not contain the calcium that causes the hiss.

Take all the safety precautions that make you comfortable. But if you get MA on your skin, just dunk it in the pool to wash it off. Your skim is a strong barrier to MA. BTDT.
 
I too wear the gloves and safety goggles. My swim goggles are my safety goggles...they seem to be better at sealing the eyes. Aside from the strength of the material on the swim goggles compared to chemical safety glasses, is there anything wrong with using swim goggles when handling MA?

I get really low to the pool water when pouring the Acid so the risk of spilling a lot is very low, I'm primarily concerned with protecting my eyes from the MA vapors.
 
I have been struggling with the same for a couple of years...have tried the 1:4 MA...does not work...will go away for some time but always comes back after a few hours...it is just getting worse over time...
 

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ajw22 said:
MA does not hiss when it lands on your foot since your foot does not contain the calcium that causes the hiss.

Take all the safety precautions that make you comfortable. But if you get MA on your skin, just dunk it in the pool to wash it off. Your skim is a strong barrier to MA. BTDT.
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Ahh good to know. My worry was more about my eyes than anything
 
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