How to Prevent Calcium Buildup in Your Swimming Pool
With summer right around the corner, you may already be fantasizing about jumping into your crystal-clear pool on a hot day. However, calcium buildup can quickly turn that dream into a nightmare, resulting in cloudy water and leaving crusty, white calcium deposits on your pool tiles. An excess amount of calcium can also cause sediment to accumulate on the bottom of your pool and can even cause skin irritation, so it’s best to correct this issue as soon as possible.
But how can you prevent calcium buildup in your pool, and what exactly causes this? The team at Pulliam Pools is here to answer all your questions so that your pool is ready to go in time for swim season.
What causes calcium buildup on pool tiles?
To prevent calcium buildup, it’s important to understand what causes it in the first place. Many states in the US use hard water, which contains elevated levels of calcium. When this water is used to fill your pool, it can leave behind calcium deposits over time. During the hot summer months, water evaporation further concentrates the calcium, exacerbating the problem.
Additionally, imbalanced water chemistry plays a role in calcium buildup. High pH and alkalinity levels encourage the formation of calcium carbonate, which can leave scale on your pool surfaces. It’s important to have an experienced pool professional, like Pulliam Pools, test your water chemistry regularly to maintain the right balance and make certain everything is in check.
How do you remove calcium from pool tiles?
Removing calcium from your pool tiles can be a challenging process that requires a lot of patience and physical effort. However, with the right approach, it is possible to restore your pool tiles to their former glory. One effective method is to use a pumice stone to manually remove the calcium buildup. You should wet the stone, before gently scrubbing the affected areas by applying light pressure in a circular motion. It’s important to note that this can take a while before you see results, especially for larger areas.
Another method for removing mild to moderate buildup is to use a pool cleaner specifically formulated for dissolving calcium deposits. These cleaners contain chemicals that effectively break down the buildup – simply follow the instructions provided by the manufacturer to ensure proper handling and compliance with safety precautions.
For more persistent buildup – or if you’re unsure what approach to take – you may need to seek the help of a pool professional, who will be equipped with all the necessary tools and expertise to quickly remove any calcium deposits.
When you enlist the services of an expert, they will assess the extent of the calcium deposits and determine the best course of action. In some cases, they may recommend an acid wash, which involves applying a strong acid solution to the pool surfaces to dissolve the stubborn calcium deposits.
So, how can you prevent calcium from building up in the first place?
Regular water testing is the key to preventing excessive calcium from forming in the first place. If the water chemistry of your pool is imbalanced, this must be addressed quickly by adjusting all chemicals appropriately. You should try to ensure your pH balance is regularly maintained between 7.4 and 7.6.
Pool maintenance is crucial; this includes brushing the pool surfaces, skimming debris, vacuuming the pool, and checking and cleaning the pool filter regularly. By maintaining proper water circulation and filtration, you can minimize the accumulation of minerals and debris that could contribute to calcium buildup.
By staying consistent with regular water testing and diligent pool maintenance, you can effectively prevent calcium buildup and enjoy a clean, well-balanced pool throughout the swimming season. Here at Pulliam Pools, we offer a comprehensive weekly pool maintenance service that handles all the essential tasks to keep your pool in optimal condition. We work in backyards throughout Fort Worth, Weatherford, Arlington, and beyond.
Get in touch with our friendly team today to book a visit.
