How to Clean Build-up Off of Vinyl Walls

[SandyRipp]

We bought a pre-owned 3-year-old 14' x 22' soft-sided AG pool (similar to a Splash superpool) and set it up this past weekend.

I've noticed that the walls were covered with a hard, white powder-like crust. I suspect the previous owner added powdered shock to the pool and didn't try to dissolve it. And I also think he didn't bother cleaning the walls -ever.

Does anyone have any suggestions on how to clean this stuff off of the walls? Should I do it now before the pool is completely full? Or just waiting until it's full and start scrubbing?

Thanks,
Sandy

[NWMNMom]

Are you sure it isn't mineral buildup from hard water? Maybe just spray it down or use a damp cloth to see if it actually comes off easily. If not, there is a product called "Metal Myte" that is used for mineral deposits and iron in the water - a bit on a damp rag will remove mineral deposits as well as rust stains on vinyl. It is also a very great product for iron/rust in the water itself.

[SandyRipp]

The stains are pretty stuck to the walls. I tried wiping them with my hand, scratching them, and wiping with a wet cloth. They wouldn't budge, not even flake off.

It's almost like the vinyl walls have a concrete finish!

[matt4x4]

Sounds like mineral buildup to me, if it was shock, it would have eaten the liner by now.
Use vinyl cleaner on a white scotch brite abrassive pad - use WHITE only since it is the only one that will not harm the liner, teh other colors have abrasives in them.

[SandyRipp]

Hi All, I wanted to follow up on original post.

I've had my pool up for about a month, and the crusty white build-up is gradually going away on it's own. My water has been consistantly at

Alk 80
pH 7.5
TC 1.5 to 2

Thanks for your help!