White hard buildup on vinyl liner

[reddolphin]

Our pool set for two years before we started it back up last summer, at which time it had a hard white build up.

This year, there is more. From what I have read, this is likely calcium build up. I am looking for the best way to remove this. Some of it is stained green.

We bought a salt water system this year. Opened up the pool, pool was all clean. Would attempt to vacuum and the return was returning green, murky water. Let it set for a few days, pool return semi clear.

I got fed up putting money into and told husband to drain and we'd clean and start over. It is currently pretty much empty, so no test kit readings to report.

Would love to be able to clean the bulid up off the walls (which is also stained green in spots) before we refill this weekend.

Any tips? I've read to not use chemicals, but the BBB method. I will read that again and try to understand it a little more. It seems like we are pouring too much money into this pool in the way of chemicals, chlorine, etc.

Any tips would be appreciated.

[reddolphin]

I should have included that this is a 24 ft above ground pool. Not sure of brand but is not an intex easy set. It is metal sided.

[PoolDoc]

Acid is very hard on vinyl liners, and in any case, I'm not sure what's there.

If it's calcium carbonate, it should bubble or fizz slowly if you pour vinegar on it. Can you do that?

After you do, sprinkle some baking soda till it stops fizzing, and then rinse that away. Even vinegar is low enough in pH to damage a liner over time.

Ben

[reddolphin]

It did not bubble with just vinegar. After putting baking soda on it, it did not wipe off. With my nails I can scrap it off after putting those two on it. It feels and looks like dried sand.

[waste]

Welcome to the Forum!

From your description, it sure sounds like calcium (with a little algae for the green). Calcium should react to acid and fizz (like Ben said).

I've got a thought, but I'm not sure it would be safe for the liner, so I'm leery of mentioning it. Replacing the liner would take this issue out of the picture, but I don't know if your finances allow for that. If they do, you can try what I'm thinking of and, if it wrecks the liner, you were ready to get one anyway.

I'm sorry that this post is pretty much 'non helpful'

[reddolphin]

We are hoping we can get one more year from this liner. Thinking a stiffer brush would maybe take it off after using the vinegar and soda. I put vinegar on then rubbed soda on it. Is there a better way to apply the two?