Yes it is.
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Since you were all so quick to respond to my questions, I figured I should give an update on what helped me. Dropping the pH level really helped soften up a lot of the scale. When I went into the spa a couple days after keeping the pH down, some of the scale came right off using my bare hand. There were some trouble spots. For those, I purchased a stainless steel pot scrubber from the market and went to work. The seating areas in the pool, which I was most concerned about, is now as smooth as new. There are still some rough spots on the floor which I'll get to another time but I'm not too concerned. Provides some traction so not completely a bad thing.
One drawback of the stainless steel scrubber was that small pieces started to break off after heavy use. Being that I have dark plaster, it was hard to see the pieces and I'm sure some went into my filter. Now to clean out my filter, which is overdue anyway.
Next time, instead of a stainless steel scrubber get a pumice stone at the pool supply. They work really well at removing scale.
Would the "Jack's Magic" product be safe on dark plaster?
I am not sure, I would check with Jack's Magic - they have a great customer support staff.
Anyone have an idea how low you should drop the PH before trying to physically remove scale?
I have this same odd staining. It doesn't react to any of Magic Jacks metal testing, chorine does nothing to it, nor does vitamin C. It looks like light dirt staining or something. I even tried my stainless brush---NOTHING, stain doesn't move.
Which Magic Jack's product are you guys using?
Scale will not respond to sequestration or to vitamin c. It responds to acid washing and sandblasting.
The Jack's magic stain and scale stuff is, essentially, a no drain acid wash and requires that the heater be isolated and the pool closed for several weeks while it works. since it drops the pH quite low. if it is in isolates areas you can try a pumice stone. If on the waterline or tile you can drop the water a bit and try muriatic acid.