White Stain at Water Line

[Stinkyfish]

Since I had to remove 42% of the water to get my CH level corrected I figured it would be a good time to remove the water line stain. I started out w/ a 4:1 mixture of muriatic acid and water in a sprayer. It would not remove it. 2:1 NOTHING. 100% NOTHING. I have tried using a brush and a scotchbrite pad. Still won't budge. I was thinking of trying CLR. Do you think it will contaminate the water? Any other ideas? I may have to go rent a jackhammer to get this stuff off.

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[JasonLion]

Try a Mr. Clean Magic Eraser, sometimes they will work when other things don't.

 

[Guest]

Often times all that will remove such a line from tilework is a pumice stone and a lot of elbow grease! If you go that route be sure to test the stone to make sure it doesn't scratch the tile and only removes the stain.

 

[duraleigh]

If muriatic won't work, I don't think CLR will have any affect. Based on your pool water history and the good pictures, I would have assumed that to be calcium deposits.....muriatic acid handles calcium very easily so something's up.

I'd still have to guess calcium so maybe something else is covering or coating the calcium so the muriatic can't get to it....like soap scum frequently covers mineral stains in a shower.

Perhaps, first try some Comet or Ajax to remove the scum and then muriatic to remove the white calcium deposits. You'll know if the muriatic is working.......it will foam or bubble instantly....usually 4:1 is about right.

If that doesn't work, I'm stumped.

I assume the tile is man made ceramic (is it porcelain?) and not a natural stone.

 

[Stinkyfish]

I found the answer for those stuborn stains:
Motorized Elbow Grease.

You should of seen the look on the wifes face when she came home and saw me in my waders standing in the pool grinding away on HER tile. I finished by cleaning all the tiles w/ biodegradable pool soap. They look great.

 

[Guest]

Like I said, sometimes it just takes an abrasive and some elbow grease. Kudos for thinking of motorizing it (and safely too!)

 

[ktdave]

Wow!

Nice work.

 

[The Mermaid Queen]

Very clever! Looks great now!

Did your wife like the outcome (after she revived from the shock?? )

 

[SeanB]

Nice work! Did you use a sand paper tip or grinding pad or something else?

 

[Stinkyfish]

Did your wife like the outcome (after she revived from the shock?? )
She's not complaining so I will take that as a compliment.
Nice work! Did you use a sand paper tip or grinding pad or something else?
I used a 3M Paint & Rust Stripper. Here's what is left of it: