Salt build up on pool coping

[voidpointer]

I've attached a close up picture of some salt build up I see on the grout lines between the coping going around the pool. This isn't all over, but it's spread out in certain areas. I dabbed a bit of it on my tongue and it's very salty; so I assume water from the pool has evaporated in this area and is leaving salt deposits, although it's shape is very strange and leaves me wondering. Would that be a correct assumption?

This is the first time I've seen this happen. Any recommendations to get it cleaned off?

 

[mknauss]

If it is salt it will disappear with water.

I doubt it is salt from the pool water. It is likely effloresence that is chloride based.

 

[voidpointer]

effloresence that is chloride based

What does this mean and where would it come from?

 

[PoolStored]

Efflorescence - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[voidpointer]

Efflorescence - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

Oh this was really educational. I thought it was coming from my pool water but it is actually coming from the other side (from the soil/clay). So it seems like this is a harmless process. There's still the question of cleaning it off. Any tips for that?

 

[PoolStored]

First, try water and a scrub brush. If it is salt, it will be a quick job.

You can try some vinegar and some 3M pads...don't be too aggressive.

If those don't work, I would try a pressure washer. Use the widest degree nozzle you have, and start with the wand 18" away and slowly move closer. Too much pressure, too close and you can damage the grout.

You don't indicate what the coping material is...what is it?