Removing dirt scale from pool floor and walls

[fll]

Hello,

I am new to TFP but have spent some time looking around and I think I have a solution to my problem, I just wanted to check that I am on the correct path. I have lived at my house for about 4 years taking care of the pool that was build almost 20 years ago. I think the previous owner had a new coat of diamond brite applied a few years before I purchased so its seems to be in good condition. Floating chlorine tabs is pretty much all I have been doing and I have never had a problem with water clarity. Problem is that I have not been testing the water - I know, I am an idiot! The chlorine and ph has likely been high for quite sometime that has lead to what I believe is called dirt scale or calcium buildup. Please see the attached pictures. I have not really been paying attention and it seemed to happen over time until I finally noticed it. Anyways now I need to take care of it and I would prefer to first try not the no drain option due to cost, trouble, and I have even heard of stories where the pool can crack or lift up when it is completely drained. I will install cut off valves to bypass the pool heat pump, I am thinking about using either or both of the products below.


[FONT=&quot]Jack's Magic's The Copper & Scale Stuff Stain Solution 2[/FONT]
Jet.com - Prices Drop As You Shop

[h=1]EasyCare 20064 Scaletec Plus Descaler and Stain Remover, 64 oz. Bottle[/h]https://www.amazon.com/EasyCare-20064-Scaletec-Descaler-Remover/dp/B003IE7XWI/ref=pd_bxgy_86_img_2?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B003IE7XWI&pd_rd_r=EW08B5AE2Z802QDWDZYK&pd_rd_w=RQbQy&pd_rd_wg=qb0Os&psc=1&refRID=EW08B5AE2Z802QDWDZYK

I will follow the directions of either product, I just don't want to screw up the pool heater, pump, or the finish of the diamond bright. When/if the problem is resolved I can restore the levels of the chemicals back and of course monitor more regularly in the future.

Thank you for your help,

FLL

 

[JohnT]

Welcome to TFP!

Before you start adding things, you'll want to know your calcium hardness and pH. Do the stained areas feel different from the unstained areas. Based only on appearance, it looks more like iron staining than scaling.

 

[Razorhog]

To see if it is iron, take a vitamin C tablet and rub the stain.

 

[fll]

Thank you for the reply, my pool chemistry numbers are listed below. I installed cut off valves to isolate the heater depending on what treatment I need to follow. Rubbing the stains with vitamin C tablets seemed to work somewhat but I had to spend more than 10 minutes rubbing the surface with the tablets, the affected areas do not feel different to the touch. Should I try the Jack's Magic as a first step or is there an alternative that I should try?

Total Chlorine: 5.0 ppm
Free Chlorine: 5.0 ppm
pH: 7.2
Based Demand: 2
Total Alkalinity: 75 ppm
Calcium Hardness: 500 ppm
Stabilizer: 100 ppm
Total Dissolved Solids: 1400 ppm

Thank you.

 

[Razorhog]

Vitamin C works like magic on iron stains... not sure what next.

 

[pooldv]

Welcome to TFP!

Here is more info on dealing with stains, Pool School - Pool Stains