White gritty scale

[BigDave]

...finally i feel like i am dealing with someone who is a pro!

You won't find better advice than Ben's at any price, and he does this for us for free!

[Watermom]

Yeah, but unfortunately it is not free for Ben to run this forum. So, that is why we appreciate all the people who subscribe and also those who purchase products through Pool Forum's Amazon links because the revenue is what enables the forum to stay viable and helping people!

[Wapak]

Ok,

I was able to scrape some of the scale off, it was small particles like ground up chalk. I put it into a wine glass of vinegar, it immediately bubbled, then after about 5 minutes, it was completely dissolved.

You were correct, the actuall size of the pool after I measured it is 16' width, 36' length. I have a 3 ft shallow end that gradually slopes down to a 9ft deep end

I added the 2 gallons of 6% household bleach last night.I forgot to mention that on Sunday, i did add hth clarifier to the pool.

This morning, the water is finally clear enough to see the bottom of the deep end, crystal clear in the shallow end, still cloudy in deep.

I did get an HTH 6 way test kit. This is the first time I have ever used one, but I think I was able to get accurate results, love this test kit!! here was what I have this morning:

Chlorine: Very strong yellow, almost orange color
Ph: 7.2
Alkalinity: 160
Hardness/Calcium: 580
CYA: I am showing 0: I tested this twice to make sure I was doing it right, couldnt make the black dot disappear at all, so i couldnt come up with a ppm number

I hope this is the correct information you needed. If not, let me know.

Tried scrubbing pool walls again last night (i have been doing this everynight since I opened) in hopes to see some scale removal happening, but no luck! still same gritty white stuff covering and stuck to walls

so again, thank you for your help, if you have a solution to remove the scale that I have I cant wait to hear it!

[PoolDoc]

Tried scrubbing pool walls again last night (i have been doing this every night since I opened) in hopes to see some scale removal happening, but no luck! still same gritty white stuff covering and stuck to walls

Stop it! Really, I mean it. You are likely to damage your liner, scrubbing that stuff.

What you need to do know, is get everything else up and running properly. You need to start swimming (it's not rougher than a concrete pool, I'm pretty sure). And you need to get your testing and pool care down to a comfortable routine.

Then, and only then, you'll be ready to tackle something that is rather complicated and confusing. There is no magic wand for this. But if you go to a pool store, I'm *sure* they'll be happy to sell you something, every time, while implying that THIS, finally, IS the magic wand you want.

I checked; you've done the pool chart. Thanks!

I'll try to get a pool log sheet done for you, tomorrow. Email me if I don't (I'm really swamped right now). Meanwhile test your fill water (pH, TA, CH) and post those levels. And, keep your pH in the 6.8 - 7.2 range and not higher.

[Wapak]

Ok, you wont have to tell me twice, I Hate Scrubbing!

Will look for the chart and continue testing.

When you get the chance, if you want to post some instructons on the removal of the scale that would be great. Just that I have a big pool party on july 4 planned so am hoping the grit may be on its way to going away by then.

Thanks for your help, i really appreciate it

[Wapak]

Hi Ben;

My test results this evening were
PH 6.8
Alkalinity: 170
Chlorine: Just a strong yellow now, it dropped from looking almost orange to the strongest yellow on the scale.

Pool is finally clear of the dead algae and debri that was in the bottom, and it actually is crystal clear in the shallow end. just the white stuff on the walls remains, and its still gritty. I noticed as me and the kids were swimming, the floor of the pool does not seem to have the buildup of this scale like the walls do.

also on the steps, I simply ran my hand over them some, and the scale build up on them was flaking off in chunks, unless now my steps are falling apart (wouldnt surprise me, thats my kinda of luck!)

And no, I am not scrubbing!

i didnt see a pool log sheet anywhere, unless I just dont know where to look, so just let me know.

Thanks for taking the time to help me!

[PoolDoc]

I have to make those individually, and haven't gotten yours done. But, with TA = 170, keep your pH low (6.8 - 7.0).

[Wapak]

If I do need to lower or increase ph, what product do you suggest using. i have some hth ph plus left, but will have to get something soon, so would like your opinion.

Thanks!

[PoolDoc]

Lower pH with muriatic acid -- BUT read the page linked in my signature, first!

Raise pH with borax -- 1/2 to 1 box of 20 Mule Team borax added slowly to the skimmer with the pump running.