Tide marks in the pool

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
01/10/2009 13:24

We have a skimmer pool and have developed a tide mark around the pool at the water line.



What causes this because it has been basically just the two of us using this pool and neither of us have been in with sun tan lotions on.



Does anyone know the best way to remove this? We have tried scrubbing it with a kitchen scrubber (not me!!) with a mixture of ph and water but it hasn't worked.



Thanks

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
01/10/2009 13:52

Try washing up liquid (carefully) on a cloth to see if it is grease. If not, it is probably limescale. Have you tested your pool water for Total Alkalinity? If it is too high this problem will always exist.

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
01/10/2009 19:39

Thanks Vaughan, will get that organised.



We were told that this is quite normal on a skimmer pool, would you agree?

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
02/10/2009 09:35

Limescale forms where cold water meets a hot surface (look in your kettle). This happens because the water is very hard here, and this is reflected in the Total Alkalinity test. It is apparent in skimmer pools because they have a water level which varies and the cold pool water is in contact with the hot(ter) tiles. With an overflow pool this not the case as when overflowing the tiles are at the same temperature as the water.

However, to say it is quite normal is not true - it is quite common, which isn't the same thing.

Bring a water sample in and I will tell you what is wrong and what you need to do.

Stewart


Joined: 19/07/2008
Posts: 1107

Message Posted:
05/10/2009 09:16

Hi Vaughan...where are you, so I can bring in my water sample?



What, generally, resolves the problem....it seems my maintenance company has no idea!



many thanks ..look forward to meeting you when next over

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
05/10/2009 11:00

Bring a sample to Octopus Pools "next-door" to HSBC. I will explain what you need to do to lower your TA when I see you.

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
06/10/2009 10:56

Hi Scoobydoo,

Having tested your sample, it is as we thought - your TA is almost twice what it should be. If your pool tiles feel like sandpaper, this also a symptom of high TA. Hopefully, the advice you now have will help you to lower it, at which point your limescale will start to dissolve. You will need to keep your eye on your TA in future to prevent more limescale from returning.

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
06/10/2009 17:19

Hi TRNCVaughan



Many thanks for your advice this morning and for doing the water test, my husband has been following your instructions implicitly by even getting in the pool!!! Too cold for me.



Regards



Scoobydoo

TRNCVaughan


Joined: 27/04/2008
Posts: 4578

Message Posted:
07/10/2009 13:28

Hi Scoobydoo,



Glad we could be of service.

I hope it resolves your problem. Don't forget to keep an eye on your pH as well as the TA. Bring another sample in about 10 days and we'll see how you are getting on.

scoobydoo


Joined: 10/11/2008
Posts: 2434

Message Posted:
07/10/2009 14:46

Thanks TRNCVaughan,



Will do!