swimming pool lime scale

timefore


Joined: 01/08/2008
Posts: 495

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 13:05

can anyone suggest the best method of removing limescale from the tiles on the bottom of our pool

flightholiday


Joined: 19/07/2007
Posts: 3217

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 13:15

We can help prevent it but in this case you need Vaughan to advise.



Tom

timefore


Joined: 01/08/2008
Posts: 495

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 13:42

thanks Tom

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 14:06

it is very hard to remove - you must make sure in future that you keep your ph balance correct....



I'm sure Vaughan will be along in a min, but gut feeling is to make pool acidic and use a wire brush....



Sounds like a hard job....





Nick

PIPIE


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 14:12

I have read this is a major problem , would it be made worse by no cleaning of the pool in the winter months ?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 14:30

Limescale is caused when hard water is left untreated in your pool for extended time periods.

I need to know a few things about your pool water.

What is your Total Alkalinity reading?

Does your pH bounce back up after you put acid in your pool?

Does your pool leak? i.e. Do you have to keep topping it up?



As to getting rid of limescale, you could try scattering granular sodium bisulfate (dry acid) across the bottom of your pool and brushing the loosened limescale away. This will take time.

Alternatively, you could drain your pool and wash it with Hydrochloric acid (do not try this at home, kids).

PIPIE


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 14:38

TRNC Vaughan



What happens when a pool is left over the winter months eg no cleaning at all .

I have witnessed this and wondered is it possible to just summer clean or will spasmodic cleaning damage the pool long term ?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 15:24

If you stop maintenance early enough in the autumn and turn the pump off, by the next spring the water will be nice and pond-like. You may save around 450 pounds in maintenance and electricity.

However, you will then need to drain the pool, clean it and refill it with fresh water. After shocking the pool you can then resume maintenance. This will cost you about 450 pounds.

Bottom line is you might not save anything but you will be popular with the ducks, if not your neighbours, all winter.

PIPIE


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 17:05

Thankyou TRNCVaughn . I do hope the site manager reads this takes it on board and rectifies matters ASAP .(SOME HOPE !!!!)

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 22:02

whatever, it is going to take an awful lot of scrubbing.....



Nick

negativenick


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 6023

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 22:03

And an awful lot of chemicals



Nick

PIPIE


Joined: 05/01/2008
Posts: 5499

Message Posted:
20/02/2009 22:43

And an awful lot of money !!!!!!

RubberDuck


Joined: 16/02/2009
Posts: 72

Message Posted:
21/02/2009 15:01

Vaughan is it possible to treat the water while the pool is lying dormant? My friend does it every winter without any snags and then it just needs a clean in spring and top up.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
21/02/2009 21:45

You will need to put chemicals in your pool and circulate them (by running the pump) if you don't want the water to go green. You could get away without hoovering it too often but you might have a big job on your hands come the spring....

Navek



Joined: 01/06/2008
Posts: 2656

Message Posted:
01/03/2009 19:55

Hi negativenick

Saw a couple of scrubbers in the pub the other night,

could ask them if their interested in going down

in the pool,



To do a bit of scrubbing

simma



Joined: 03/02/2008
Posts: 346

Message Posted:
01/03/2009 22:44

Hi Time fore, we are having the same problem at the moment. Our pool guy is using acid to remove the limescale. I would check the filter on your pump too, the sand that is used can go almost like concrete if it solidifies due to the ph in the water not being correct. In extreme circumstances it has to be broken out with a machine. Navek, I haven't really posted for a while and have just realised who you are. How are things at number 1? Hope Kay is ok and pass my regards onto Aylin and Gavin. We are over in April, maybe see you then?

John.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
02/03/2009 15:06

Check your filter after about 3 - 4 years of use, unless you suspect it earlier. You might find the limescale has turned the sand into "concrete" but breaking it out is not advised. You can dissolve the limescale using hydrochloric acid but this needs to be done with extreme caution.