Intex Saltwater Buildup Problem

[tmcclean11]

Hello so I'm new to a pool this summer, with a 22ft intex 10,000 gallon above ground pool.

I have had a few problems but it all seems to keep coming back to the white build up on the intex salt system plates. They are getting Calcium Buildup/Scale/Whatever else, this is causing a low salt error, which is causing the chlorine to not be generated. I then Boost the system only to increase the buildup. See the problem.

It took a couple of weeks for me to get the water within range via pool store testing, but my struggles with the salt system have been my biggest headache, keeping chlorine in the pool.

I have attached a photo of the buildup. Last time checked at pool store, I had perfect amount of salt, My hardness level and been at 200ppm, TA was perfect, now high at 140, and CA was perfect, now low, PH has increased this week as well.

Any ideas what I can do to?

Thanks

 

[GreatCanadian]

The first and most important thing for you to do is get yourself a good test kit (TF-100 is most recommended), and DO NOT rely on pool store for testing. You need to post some numbers. What is "perfect".

Have you cleaned the salt cell?

 

[tmcclean11]

Yes this is the 3rd time I have used distilled vinegar to clean this unit in a month.

Salt tested last time was 3100 (two weeks ago), but when I clean the unit it runs for a couple days before buildup occurs again.

 

[GreatCanadian]

That's real quick build up. You probably have high calcium, high TA, and high ph. You need to get a good test kit to test for accurate readings. With SWG a rising pH is somewhat normal. Can't make any suggestions as I don't trust the pool store results. Just to give you some idea, I have a cheap SWG just starting its 4th season. I have never had any build up. I give it a little soak in MA and water at seasons end, and that's it. I suspect that proper pool balance is responsible. I achieve that with a good test kit.

 

[tmcclean11]

That's what I am thinking as well, is there any suggestion as to how to do this? Right now I am thinking about adding Muriatic Acid, but is it safe for a above ground pool? These are things I don't know.

I read this should lower TA and PH, not sure about CH.

Thanks

 

[GreatCanadian]

Yes, you can use MA in an above ground pool (I use it). But you need to know your pH and TA levels to determine how much. You need the test kit.

 

[tmcclean11]

Yes, I will be testing before. Thanks