Bad Scaling On Tile Grout and Surfaces

mmcwhorter

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Jul 13, 2015
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Huntingtown, MD
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When we removed the cover this year, we had bad thick scaling on the grout lines, and some of the tiles' surface area was frosty..... a thin layer of scaling. Normally, this does not happen till summer. In the past, I have easily removed the scaling on the grout lines using a single-edge razor....But I am not able to remove the thin scaling. Looks like it needs to be polished. Can someone recommend a cleaner or solvent that will remove the frosted scaling over the blue tile area (look to the far right in the picture for that). The worst tile surface scaling appears to be directly under the waterfall spillway area. Thanks
 

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Thanks, a lot here to read and absorb...by the way, my CH when closing was around 450 and 325 when opening...... lots of snow/rain and drain over winter....I usually close with the pH around 7.2, and when I open it's off the chart high, purple.
I admit, I used Cal-Hypo 73% when closing. I usually SLAM before closing, then add Poly-Quat 60 twice during the winter season.
 
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It’s powerful stuff so use with caution and follow the directions on the label. I use it with double gloves - thin nitrile on my hands and then covered with the thicker rubberized kitchen gloves. I also wear eye protection.

One trick you can do is all a very thin layer and then place plastic seran wrap on the area and let it sit. The plastic wrap helps keep the gel on the tile when working on vertical surfaces. Let it sit for 5 mins or so, scrub with a stiff nylon brush and then rinse.
 
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HEAVY DEPOSIT REMOVAL.
Lower water level to below the deposit line on the tile, but not below the bottom of the tile. Chip or scrape off thick or heavy nodules of calcium carbonate. Squeeze a line of SR3 just above the water line and allow it to sheet down over the remaining deposits. Use a small stiff bristle plastic brush to agitate and dissolve the deposits. Very thick deposits and neglected tiles will also contain oils, lotions, bio-growths and other residues that may require repeated applications. Attack only a few feet of tile at a time. Always rinse liberally with a hose or pool water before moving on to the next section.

LIGHT DEPOSITS / REGULAR MAINTENANCE.
Apply a small amount of SR3 directly onto tiles at or above the waterline. Spread with a stiff bristle plastic brush. Done monthly will instantly dissolve all buildup in seconds, keeping tiles looking fantastic! Do a 3-5 foot section and then move on. Liberally rinse tiles with hose or pool water before proceeding to next section.

DURING AN ACIDWASH.
May be used in a drained pool before an acidwash on areas stained with heavy scale or bio-growths. Start at the bottom of the stain and work towards the top to avoid clean streaks. Keep a hose running in one hand to continuously rinse the other surfaces below the tile you are cleaning. SR3 will not etch, stain, or discolor plaster and pebble finishes unless it is allowed to remain on the unintended surface. Try a small test area to gain the "feel". A normal light acidwash will erase any partial cleaning streaks caused by SR3.

"Can I use SR3 on any type of tile?"
SR3 is safe to use on all types of tile created specifically for use in swimming pools. These include glazed, unglazed and natural. Where most scale removers will start to de-glaze the tile surface in 30 seconds, SR3 will not harm the glaze or tile finish when used as directed. SR3 is not intended for use on cut marble, plaster, gunite or pebble tech pools as it could stain or have adverse effects. Also avoid contact with decking and metals.

"What makes SR3 safer than competing products?"
SR3 is based on a single acid based formula that contains a non-phosphate detergent. That makes it less toxic and less harmful than other brands that contain multiple acids. However, anytime you are dealing with acid based products, carefully read and follow all instructions before use.

"Will SR3 add phosphates to pool water?"
No. SR3, like all Continental Research pool products, is free of algae feeding phosphates.

"Can I use SR3 on my vinyl liner?"
No. SR3 contains acid which may harm or damage vinyl. We recommend using LC3 Liner Cleaner and Stain Remover for use on vinyl liners.

"How much SR3 will I need?"
For heavy scale build-up, a full size pool may require 1+ bottles of SR3. For medium to light scale 1/2 bottle or less should do the trick. Common results have shown that most pools will require less SR3 to complete a job than that of the leading competing brands. Which saves you money.

"How long does it take to de-scale a pool using SR3?"
For full size pools with heavy build-up, expect approximately 2 minutes per yard*. Medium scale should easily be removed in 60 seconds per yard. Light scale can be removed almost immediately upon contact. Conditions vary based on degree of scale build-up as well as the amount of baked on oils and algae.

"Is SR3 a gel?"
No. Though SR3 may appear "gel-like" due to its clinging properties, it is technically considered a thickened liquid.

"Will SR3 effect pool water chemistry?"
Yes. SR3 will slightly effect the pH balance in your pool.

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https://www.3xchemistry.com/sr3scaleremover.php


 

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