Excessive scale build up on the metal plates...help!!!

[cainam]

I have an intex salt system. I am having to clean the metal plates every other day or the system doesn't produce chlorine at an effective rate. Any ideas on what is causing the plates to build scale so quickly and/or how I might remedy this issue?

Current water readings:
FC: 0.2 ppm
pH: 7.5
Calcium Hardness: 220 ppm
CYA: 60 ppm
Copper: 0.3 ppm
Iron: 0.23 ppm
Nitrate: 13 ppm
Salt: 3400 ppm

Any and all help is greatly appreciated!

 

[257WbyMag]

Welcome to TFP!

I don't see a TA in your test results. Do you have that result?

 

[cainam]

eep..sorry

TA: 65

 

[duraleigh]

/or how I might remedy this issue?

I don't know what is causing the excessive scale but the temporary and important remedy is to get chlorine in your pool using Clorox or you will soon have a green pool.

 

[linen]

Welcome to tfp, cainam

Nothing in your test results are suggesting you would have a scaling issue.

How/where did you get those test numbers? If from a pool store or strips, that could be part of the issue, since strips are often outright misleading and pool stores are notoriously inconsistent.

 

[cainam]

The numbers came from two pool stores. I had the water checked at two different stores and they matched.

Are there any other types of metals or minerals that were not on the check list that might cause the scale to form so rapidly?

I added clorox and the TC is now at 2.1 ppm to help sustain the pool.

 

[duraleigh]

I added clorox and the TC is now at 2.1 ppm to help sustain the pool.

Not enough Refer to the FC/CYA chart in Pool School and you will see you need to keep FC between 5-7ppm with CYA of 60.

 

[cainam]

Been doing some research and found a product called Scale Free by Natural Chemistry. Has anyone had any experience with this product? Thought I might give it a try, but I couldn't find any reviews.

 

[Johnl]

I live in an area with hard water. I have been using Beautec to help prevent scaling. So far, it has worked well.

http://www.mcgrayel.com/beautec.html

 

[257WbyMag]

How are you cleaning your metal plates?

ETA: Also, can you post pictures of the plates that have scale on them?

 

[cainam]

I use vinegar to clean them with. I just cleaned them today. I will probably be able to post pics in a couple days.

Thanks for the tip on Beautec. I'll check it out.

 

[cainam]

Here's the pics of the build up on the plates in the salt chlorinator.

[attachment=1:sx9ioo0d]salt generator.jpg[/attachment:sx9ioo0d]

[attachment=0:sx9ioo0d]salt generatora.jpg[/attachment:sx9ioo0d]

 

[linen]

You have a lot of build up in there. I would soak them for a another couple hours in vinegar and attempt to slosh the vinegar around in there a few times.

If that doesn't work, then try 4 parts water, 1 part Muriatic acid. Soak for a few minutes. You should see some action on the calcium deposits.

 

[cainam]

I get them clean no problem, but the plates will be covered in build-up again in 2-3 days. I ordered the beautec to try, but it won't be here until next week. Any other ideas?

 

[linen]

What is your TA level?

How old are the test results above? What were the actual values form both stores?

The build up on your plates is suggestive of high CH, TA and ph. The value you posted above for CH is not too high so calcium buildup shouldn't be a problem unless your TA and ph are high.

Another possibility is that your readings at the pool stores are inaccurate (very common problem). I would suggest you get your own appropriate test kit. See: http://www.troublefreepool.com/pool-school/pool_test_kit_comparison I like the TF-100, best bang for buck.

 

[Qwaxalot]

Are the Intex systems self-cleaning (I've never worked with one)?

If they are you may have "one side out", meaning the cell is only conducting in one direction.

For what it's worth, the test results you've posted are in no way indicative of scaling water conditions.

 

[cainam]

TA level was at 65 from both stores that tested the water on July 9th. I have not had the water tested by a store since. The CH was 220 at one store and 210 at the other I chose to post the higher number.

The ph is still showing 7.5

 

[cainam]

The intex system is suppose to be a self cleaning system. The model I have is a CS8110. It always builds scale on the left plate as shown in the pictures.

 

[Qwaxalot]

The intex system is suppose to be a self cleaning system. The model I have is a CS8110. It always builds scale on the left plate as shown in the pictures.

That's what I thought, based on your pix. I think it's likely that the system is only working in one direction, that is, the self cleaning feature is defective. Whether it's the cell, or the controller, I have no clue.

Wish I could be of more help.

 

[cainam]

is there a way to make it work in the other direction?