Scale or Efflorescence or Both?

[ald2002]

Update: Yesterday I cleaned the grout with a spray of acid/water, scrubbed and washed down with pool water. Looked a bit better. This morning the white stains are back. Ugh. Anyone experience this? What next? Thanks.

Hello there! At my wits end and think the many experts on the forum may be able to help. This is season two with my pool and I am battling white in my grout in my waterline tile (above water) and maybe scale on the tile. Pls see photos. But first please see latest test results. Note keeping pH in check is a daily battle. It rises so quickly.

FC - 6.0
pH - 7.6
CYA - 30
TA - 60
CH - 500
CSI - -0.09
Temp 82

To date, I’ve told I have efflorescence and scale. I’ve tried acid diluted in water - did not help. White stuff came back. Tried pumice did not help. I am at the point where a need professional help.

Called my PB they said pool needs to be drained and acid washed. I am not a fan. Pool was partially drained last year for high CYA - PB put too much stabilizer in the pool.

Another pool company suggested to use Beautec? I think it’s harsh and do not want to ruin my tile.

Here’s my questions:

- Any thoughts on what this is? Scale? Efflorescence? Both?
- What is the best path to remediate?
- Anything in the chemistry I can tweak to help?

Thank you in advance for helping a frustrated pool owner.

 

[ajw22]

You are being too picky. I would not spend any time or money trying to make those areas look better,

 

[ald2002]

You are being too picky. I would not spend any time or money trying to make those areas look better,

Thanks for your opinion but I am not picky at all. I posted pictures of only a few areas. The white scale is around the entire perimeter of the pool. It looks terrible and is getting worse.

 

[ajw22]

For waterline scale removal read....

Waterline Scale Removal - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Katodude]

I have used wet sandpaper with some success.