Pool renovation. Question about glass tile scaling - SW vs. chlorine.

[Spa Monkey]

Sorry, if this is in the incorrect forum, but had 2 questions. Couldn't find many answers about glass tile scaling - SW vs. Chlorine, so here we go. If this has been covered, please direct me.

First, a little background. I currently have an in-ground plaster pool with attached hot tub that spills over into the pool. The pool is about 15,000 gallons, has a sand filter, chlorine (not SW), and had ceramic tile. Pool was built in 1999, and I am currently renovating as the plaster and tile were chipping. Everything has been removed. Currently have NPT Jules 1x1" glass tile installed at the water line and spillway, and they are currently working on a 5 foot (appx) mosaic on the floor. Plastering will start in a few weeks (either white plaster or white plaster plus shell and a little quartz - not sure yet, but like the second). Thinking of changing to DE filter if that makes a difference. I live in El Paso, TX, so the weather here is hot and sunny desert weather (Phoenix minus 10 degrees). It is usually in the high 90s in the summer although it can run up to mid 100s. In the winter it gets to the low 30s and occasionally freezes. I don't close the pool in the winter.

First question is between SW and chlorine in regards to glass tile scaling. I have read a lot about the difference between SW and chlorine on the site, but can't find much about whether one is better for glass tile. My 2 main concerns are minimizing scaling on the glass tile and secondary, ease of maintenance. We have hard water here, so keep that in mind please. My old tile had scale build up, and my neighbor's re-do with SW and stone has scaling on the stone after only 2 years. I have read it is mostly about controlling the PH, but I am afraid that the salt will "settle" out of the water onto the tile, or that the tile will develop calcium buildup. I am thinking about converting to SW as my work schedule makes it difficult to check the water every day, but would like to know which (SW or chlorine) would be easier on the glass. Any input on whether chlorine or SW would be less "damaging" or "scaling" to the glass tile would be appreciated; or if it doesn't makes a difference.

Second, is it worthwhile to apply a protector to the glass tile? The tile store says yes (of course). But my tile installer and the plaster people (2 separate companies) both say it is not necessary as glass resists a lot of dirt, etc., and the grout is a blue epoxy based grout and shouldn't have any issues collecting dirt. I just want to protect the build as much as possible, and minimize scaling, dirt build up, etc.

The water line and spillway look beautiful so far, and I would like to keep it that way for as long as possible.

Thank you all for your help.

 

[mknauss]

I have a SWCG and hard water. I do get scaling on my tile (not glass) once my CH hits 800+ppm. You must aggressively manage pH and TA to achieve that. A SWCG tends to raise pH and thus regular additions of acid are needed. I tend to add acid once a week after a fresh fill and then twice a week when my CH is elevated as I must walk that fine line of keeping my CSI just below zero.

Both methods of chlorination need to be managed as far as pH and TA to combat scaling. I really think it just depends on how you want to chlorinate your pool.

Take care.

 

[elwood58]

Scaling is most affected by CH and pH. The higher the CH, the more sensitive to pH and TA. Getting TA down well below 90 will stabilize pH. I have Intellichlor SWCG and IntellipH.

The goods news is that scale seems to be more easily removed from glass, versus some of the tiles being used these days. I do not have glass, but did go with a glazed tile.

 

[smracing]

I get scaling on my glass tile and I keep my PH at 7.6 and CH at 275. I manage it by scrubbing the tile with muriatic acid twice a year.

 

[Spa Monkey]

So basically, it sounds like it doesn't matter if you have SW or chlorine in regards to glass scaling, it sounds that CH, ph, and TA are key. Is this correct?

What is your experience with IntelliPH?

Also, thought that you are not supposed to use muriatic acid on glass tile as it will etch the glass.

Thanks again.

 

[mknauss]

Hydroflouric acid will etch glass. But not hydrochloric (muriatic) acid.

IntellipH is a way to add acid. Others have designed various ways. The one item you must remember is that the tank it is stored in needs to be a distance away from metal items. The fumes from the acid will corrode nearby metal.