Calcium Build Up

[WBW]

I'm noticing small calcium deposits on my grout at the water level. I want to handle this before it becomes a bigger problem and more work. I've read many solutions on this website with MA being the best answer. Another solution better is using a pumice stone since the calcium is on the grout. I like to stick away from a store-bought chemical like CLR. Any other ideas I missed? Thanks

 

[Texas Splash]

Since it's in the grout, I would think perhaps a mixture of water/acid combined with a small brush might be a good start. Should give you access into the grout lines without being too aggressive. But with this initial reply, perhaps others will start to contribute with some more ideas. Either way, stay cool. It was a hot one today.

 

[WBW]

Since it's in the grout, I would think perhaps a mixture of water/acid combined with a small brush might be a good start. Should give you access into the grout lines without being too aggressive. But with this initial reply, perhaps others will start to contribute with some more ideas. Either way, stay cool. It was a hot one today.

Tks. I’ll try the MA first with what I read, a 1:4 ratio should be good. What’s interesting is the calcium on the grout is just located on one side of the pool. No where is calcium seen on the other 3 sides. Other than the grout, a tad of calcium on a few tiles. Any insight? I thought I read somewhere about why calcium might appear on the grout but can’t seem to locate that article. Again, nothing major. The calcium is less than half an inch.

 

[SoDel]

Tks. I’ll try the MA first with what I read, a 1:4 ratio should be good. What’s interesting is the calcium on the grout is just located on one side of the pool. No where is calcium seen on the other 3 sides. Other than the grout, a tad of calcium on a few tiles. Any insight? I thought I read somewhere about why calcium might appear on the grout but can’t seem to locate that article. Again, nothing major. The calcium is less than half an inch.

I get similar on the north side of my pool due to strong sun from the south. Maybe the side where you see the buildup gets a lot hotter than the other 3 sides?

 

[WBW]

I get similar on the north side of my pool due to strong sun from the south. Maybe the side where you see the buildup gets a lot hotter than the other 3 sides?

Ok, really interesting. The side of question is on the wall that’s partially above ground facing the hottest part of the day, west. Maybe? Tks for the reply.

 

[SoDel]

The warmer the water on the “hot spots,” the more readily calcium could precipitate plus the water evaporates faster leaving behind the dissolved solids every time the water hits it. Not that it matters to removing it but in my imagination, surface differences on the hotter areas have some spots that are more prone to nucleation and the scale forms there, rather than just uniformly on everything hot. Not having seen what you’re dealing with, this is all just a guess.

Do you manage your CSI? Keeping it slightly negative might prevent the scale from returning once you get it off.

 

[WBW]

The warmer the water on the “hot spots,” the more readily calcium could precipitate plus the water evaporates faster leaving behind the dissolved solids every time the water hits it. Not that it matters to removing it but in my imagination, surface differences on the hotter areas have some spots that are more prone to nucleation and the scale forms there, rather than just uniformly on everything hot. Not having seen what you’re dealing with, this is all just a guess.

Do you manage your CSI? Keeping it slightly negative might prevent the scale from returning once you get it off.

Tks for the input and info. I’ll revisit my CSI and try your advice. Tks