How much is too much scale build up

[joshf]

I'm just about to start my second season with my new SWCG. I have never cleaned it, and have read a lot of advice in this forum suggesting not to clean it too often. But I want to get a better idea of how much scale is too much before I have to do something. I'm assuming there will always be some build up (correct me if I'm wrong), as I noticed some from the outside not too long after I hooked up my system. I've attached a photo looking through my cell today. Is that considered a lot? Something I need to address with a cleaning? Or would it be much worse? There definitely was a period this winter when I wasn't paying close attention and the pH got pretty high.

 

[Texas Splash]

Yes, you have enough scale build up inside that needs to be addressed. While it would be ideal to never have to do an acid clean on the cell, it's also very common. I have done it a couple times. Even with close monitoring, I got scale that looked like hard deposits.

You can remove the cell and try to just blow some water in there and see if that removes loose calcium. You might get lucky. If you find there's too much hardened scale that can't be hosed off or gently (physically) removed, you may need to give it an acid bath. So check your RJ manual, but I believe it's a 4-1 water-to-acid ratio. It's best if you have the acid wash stand.

 

[mknauss]

Better to use cleaning vinegar. Not as aggressive as a mineral acid. No need to dilute the vinegar.