3 questions - Calcium buildup, chlorine use?

[Papabigface]

Hello again everybody. So as you may see from my post history this will be the first season with my new pool that was finished in October 2019. TFP has guided me in keeping the pool immaculate up to this point.

We have now started to use the pool with temps in the low 90s here in Southern California. I have 3 areas of concern:

First, my biggest concern is last night, I noticed what appears to be a large calcium build-up right under the waterfall from the spa to the pool. Is this normal? I thought my calcium hardness was ok? How do I deal with this? There is no calcium ring around the pool tile.

Second, I am seeing a huge increase in chlorine demand. Is this because there is now people using the pool? Is this the effects of the sun? Both? I am currently at 30 CYA, should I go up to help with FC loss?

Third, I’ve started to notice that the tiles around the perimeter of the pool are developing a slight haze. Any pointers on how to deal with this?

Sorry to throw so much in 1 post. Thanks in advance for any advice.

 

[mknauss]

You will see evaporite around the spa spillover and the tile above the waterline. Not much you can do about it. Your water is evaporating and leaving the calcium behind. Your CH is fine, but regardless, when the water evaporates, the calcium is left behind.

For the spa spillover, the best thing is to run it as little as possible. You only need to run it 30 minutes or so twice a day to keep it chlorinated. Do you have an automation system?

You will want to increase your CYA to 40 or 50 ppm now that summer is arriving. Adjust your FC into target range for that CYA.

 

[Papabigface]

So, just to be clear, this mound of calcium I have under the spill over seems to just be from excessive use? That would be a relief for sure.

 

[mknauss]

Show us a picture of the mound of calcium.

 

[Papabigface]

Tough to get pictures now because I’m not at home. Here’s what my daughter was able to get though... the “mound” is directly under the spillover about 6” wide.

I guess it’s worth noting that I’m currently running the spillover 2x a day at about 4 hours each time as the only mode I operate the pump in basically. I suppose I should convert over to pool circulation more and less spillover? I can get some more pictures this evening if this doesn’t suffice.

 

[duraleigh]

That picture is too close to really tell but that calcium may be coming from water coming from behind the stone work.

 

[Papabigface]

Ok, I’ll try to get better pictures this evening. I’m super nervous that I am dealing with some kind of leak in my new pool. Ughhh. I hope it’s just too much spillover use.

Would you all suggest I remove this with an diluted muriatic acid mix and scrubbing?

 

[mknauss]

That is how you will have to remove it. But get a few pictures first.

Do you have Easytouch/Screenlogic automation?

 

[Papabigface]

No, I’m currently set up with manual valves.

 

[Papabigface]

Here’s some more photos. Let me know if any different angles would help.

 

[mknauss]

When you run the spillover, does the water undercut the ledge and hit the wall where the build up is?

 

[Papabigface]

For the most part, no the water sheets over in a uniform way and goes directly into the pool. The area where the calcium is however is a wider section of lip and there is a bit of water that drips back to the wall there.

I guess the best thing would be to clean it, Dunn the spillover less and see if that’s my issue?

 

[mknauss]

If the water drips back to that spot, that is why you are getting the build up. Did they cut a notch in the underside of the sheet that the water flows off of? They should do that so you do not get it pulling back to the wall.

 

[Papabigface]

No there is no notch. I assume now that it’s all in place and construction has been finished for over 6 months now, we’re too late for that notch?

 

[mknauss]

Depends. A good pool builder would have been sure that it was there. It can still be done, just more difficult.

Have you sent the pictures of the scale build up to them?

 

[Papabigface]

Nope. They were a real pain to deal with honestly. For now I’ll clean it, and just be aware that it is a potential issue and I’ll keep an eye on it. Thanks so much for your help.