What is this? Scale? Nodules? And what do I do to correct?

[pfknp]

I’ve had a pool blanket on for a few weeks due to a solar panel that had large leak…. So I did not notice this stuff forming….. last year there were a few ….. now there are a few large communities. What is this stuff and what should I do to properly address it? Except for a tiny spot here snd there last year have not had this problem in past 10 years since pool was installed. It’s mostly on the steps where it is highly visible and ugly! And obviously indicative of something needing attention!

This is a salt water 17000 g with PebbleTec’s “pebble sheen” finish .

I’m pretty good at keeping chemistry healthy.

 

[mgtfp]

Looks like nodules to me.

@onBalance has given a very detailed explanation here:

Calcium Nodules in pools

What are calcium nodules? In swimming pools and spas, they are small mounds, bumps, deposits, or “slag” piles of calcium carbonate which are formed from material that has been released from the plaster. The small calcium nodules are rough to the touch, hard, and generally gritty. Nodules may...

www.troublefreepool.com

I don't think it's water chemistry related. Unfortunately, pool builders will likely blame exactly that.

 

[onBalance]

Try using 100 grit wet&dry sandpaper on a small inconspicuous area and see if that improves the appearance by removing the white dots. Those dots may not be nodules.