I had my IG pool installed in the Spring of 2013. After about a month of use, we noticed calcium deposits on the slide and notified the pool builder. The first response was "calcium happens". The calcium buildup got worse within a 2nd month of use and I notified the pool builder. He did not come out to see the situation himself, but sent his subcontractor "rock guys" out to fix the problem.
Attempt 1 included the rock guys chiseling a path for water the leave the ledge more quickly. If failed. Attempt 2 about a month later, the rock guys added some unsightly mortar/brown coat on top of some of the rocks, presumably to keep the water on top of the rocks and not seep below the rock. Attempts 3 & 4 the PB sent out his service technician to pour acid down the slide to remove the calcium. It removed much of the calcium, but also took off the slippery clear cost and about 1/4-inch off the slide surface brown coat.
My theory is this: the grotto area was constructed with gunnite. Later rock was applied to the top of the concrete and along the grotto face. I believe there are voids between the rock and concrete which allows large volumes of water to get trapped or collect between the rocks and concrete surface. This water then leaks out through hairline cracks over many hrs/days and deposits calcium on the slide surface. I think the solution is to remove the rock and any grout. Reinstall the rocks with proper grout (reduced efflorescent) and fill every void with grout. Redo slide surface completely.
This is really frustrating as the pool design, installation, equipment, etc... is all good. Just this one item is really really bad
Have any of you guys seen something like this before? Not just small spots of calcium or slight haze.
Attempt 1 included the rock guys chiseling a path for water the leave the ledge more quickly. If failed. Attempt 2 about a month later, the rock guys added some unsightly mortar/brown coat on top of some of the rocks, presumably to keep the water on top of the rocks and not seep below the rock. Attempts 3 & 4 the PB sent out his service technician to pour acid down the slide to remove the calcium. It removed much of the calcium, but also took off the slippery clear cost and about 1/4-inch off the slide surface brown coat.
My theory is this: the grotto area was constructed with gunnite. Later rock was applied to the top of the concrete and along the grotto face. I believe there are voids between the rock and concrete which allows large volumes of water to get trapped or collect between the rocks and concrete surface. This water then leaks out through hairline cracks over many hrs/days and deposits calcium on the slide surface. I think the solution is to remove the rock and any grout. Reinstall the rocks with proper grout (reduced efflorescent) and fill every void with grout. Redo slide surface completely.
This is really frustrating as the pool design, installation, equipment, etc... is all good. Just this one item is really really bad
Have any of you guys seen something like this before? Not just small spots of calcium or slight haze.
