Muriatic acid is extremely hazardous if mishandled. The methodology is the same, where you apply the product onto the calcium deposits, wait a few minutes for any reactions to take place, then scrub the resulting mixture away using some type of brush, pumice stone, or wet/dry sandpaper. Consider this the nuclear option. Whats the best way to remove a calcium scale? document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ). Calcium silicate takes longer to build up, but once its there, it can be extremely difficult to remove and can enter your pools filtration system as well. You will notice some fizzing of the acid, which is fine. If you do, wear protective clothing and equipment and be extra careful during the handling. Water is used to wet the surface before and after cleaning. Once the humidity level in the masonry is gone, efflorescence stops. If you spill any of the acid solution on plant/grass material, sprinkle baking soda or garden lime onto the spill and let it sit until the solution is absorbed (time will vary). Please copy/paste the following text to properly cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Alia Hoyt Does baking soda get rid of calcium deposits? The solution will react with the calcium scaling and foam. White vinegar. Most of the pool tile calcium removal options well tackle in this article are relevant to calcium carbonate. White vinegar is a weak acid, strong enough to dissolve hard-water scale but not strong enough to ruin paint. },{ "@type": "HowToSupply", Add water to the pool until it is 1 to 2 inches above the scale line. Keep in mind that these will usually only work for calcium carbonate deposits, as calcium silicate will be too stubborn to be scrubbed off with common household items. Well, for a toilet, anyway. Because muriatic acid is so much stronger than vinegar or the other cleaning agents mentioned above, it can remove calcium deposits that are much more advanced. How to Get Hard Water Stains Out of Your Toilet. This allows the deposits, no matter how hard, to be scraped off easily and will save you tons of time from having to scrub at the tiles yourself. Completely soak the area with water. Dress in long pants and a long-sleeve shirt or vinyl-coated coveralls that offer acid resistance. There are good reasons to allow professionals to do this work for you. Wear safety goggles and a nose mask. It can take 3 to 6 months to effectively descale a pool. eHow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this story. There are three primary ways to remove calcium scale: 1 Use muriatic acid. 2 How do I get rid of toilet calcification? Once complete, remove all traces of the acid, especially if there is potential for the acid to splash up on skin. Or perhaps youve started to get the dreaded pool toe. Pour distilled vinegar or lemon juice over the areas. "@type": "HowToSupply", You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. Vinegar is a good option because its non-toxic, inexpensive, and can clean a variety of surfaces. Put on safety glasses to protect your eyes and rubber gloves to protect your skin. If youve found yourself in a battle with calcium scaling, you know that its not easy to beat. Always have a running garden hose nearby. Now that weve gone over all the methods of removing calcium deposits, here are some tips you should keep in mind to avoid calcium scaling from reoccurring. "@type": "HowToStep", Calcium is building up on the walls and other surfaces of your pool, and its not going away. "Hard water can be bad for plumbing, good for you." ", Before going forward, we just want to remind you that that muriatic acid is dangerous. Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment. "name": "How To Clean Pool Tile With Muriatic Acid", Finally, carefully pour some of the mixture into your plastic spray bottle. The cookie is set by the GDPR Cookie Consent plugin and is used to store whether or not user has consented to the use of cookies. Vinegar and baking soda can also be combined to make a paste for scrubbing calcium deposits. If thats the case, contact The Pool Butler for a full professional cleaning. },{ Sometimes several applications are required. Muriatic acid is a common chemical used to clean and maintain pools. Wipe the area with the rag or towel, or pour the neutralizing rinse over the area if cleaning a wall. This cookie is set by GDPR Cookie Consent plugin. The main causes of calcium scaling in pools include: You can tell how susceptible your pool is to calcium scaling by looking at its material, where the more porous it is, the more susceptible it is to scale. Some products can also take the shine off tiles. When this is done, wipe off the paste with a dampened sponge! It works amazingly well, and its fast. You may need multiple applications to remove it, Test the water and make sure the pH is at normal levels before entering the pool, Using a scrapper, abrasive pad, or stiff brush, start by scrubbing off as much of the initial scum as you can, Make a mixture of vinegar and baking soda in a two-to-one ratio, Rub the mixture onto all surfaces affected by the calcium scaling, Leave the mixture on for about five minutes to allow it to soften the deposits, Make sure the pH of your pool water is at its optimal level as high pH has a significant effect on calcium scaling, Use an automatic pool cover to reduce the chance of water evaporating as the water can leave behind calcium after it evaporates, Regularly test your pool water to make sure the chemicals are at the correct levels, Maintain a calcium hardness level of 200-400 ppm. Regular descaling of the unit will extend its lifespan and prevent it from rapid depreciation. Using a chemical alone will probably not be enough to remove a bad case of scale. A somewhat more effective way of removing calcium deposits is through the combined use of vinegar (especially white vinegar) and baking soda. Without any effort to remove calcium from pool tile, calcium deposits will continue to grow and spread to other areas of the pooleven, potentially, on the bottom. },{ ", No, you should never pour muriatic acid directly into a pool. Either way, theyre not exactly aesthetically pleasing. Once they're gone, take precautions to prevent them from returning, like lowering your pool's pH and installing an automatic cover. Most likely, if you notice stains along your waterline, youre dealing with a calcium deposit. You can remove mineral deposits with these acidic household items and cleaners: Lemon juice. "@type": "HowToStep", You can remove calcium scale build-up utilizing muriatic acid or using a dry acid that gets dissolved in water. Muriatic Acid - Muriatic acid is a strong hydrochloric-based acid, that is a great descaler. Test a small section first. Sulfuric acid. You can remove calcium scale build-up utilizing muriatic acid or using a dry acid that gets dissolved in water. Because of the intensity of this acid, it has the ability to remove severe lime and calcium deposits found in pools and toilets. Descaling is an effective method to clean swimming pools. "name": "nonabrasive scouring pad" AJH Trade Group Australia Pool Equipment | Pool Lifestyle | Pool Heating | Pool Maintenance | Pool Problems, How to Lower Alkalinity | Pool Alkalinity High, How to Replace Loose, Cracked, or Broken Pool Tiles, How to Maintain an Above-Ground Pool in Winter, Use abrasives, scraping tools, or scrubbers to remove calcium, Repeat until the calcium has been fully cleaned off the tiles, Plastic bucket, measuring cup, stirring spoon, spray bottle. Again, do so slowly, because you dont want it to boil. The build up is comprised of Calcium mainly. If it fizzes and bubbles, you have the "good" scale - calcium carbonate. Never attempt to mix the cleaning solution indoors. Fill your bucket with a gallon of water. I dilute muriatic at a 1:100 ratio for cleaning equipment. The harsh acid also damages a variety of other materials and should only be used with extreme caution. }], "@type": "HowToSupply", Also, be sure to wear eye protection, rubber gloves and clothes that cover your skin completely. Then take everything outside. Use a descaling agent like Scaletee Plus. But you start to notice an unpleasant white scale on the side of your pool. If you don't typically have hard water in your area, high calcium levels could be due to using calcium hypochlorite shock. The long and short of it is that calcium deposits and scaling look unappealing, make pools uncomfortable to swim in and can cause serious and expensive damage long term. 1. Our trained and experienced technicians can ensure that your chemicals always remain balanced, and you never suffer any buildup. Luckily, vinyl tends to scale less easily than hard surfaces. Put on your protective gear and take all the materials outside, Fill your bucket with a gallon of water and measure out 8 oz of muriatic acid, Add the muriatic acid to the water slowly to avoid splashing, Gently stir using the plastic stirring spoon, Carefully pour the mixture into the spray bottle, Spray some of it onto the calcium deposit(s) and wait a minute or two for it to react, Scrub the area with the scouring pad. He holds a California C-36 plumbing license as well as a Nevada C-1d plumbing license. Calcium silicate is slightly darker grey, doesn't flake, and doesn't react to muriatic acid. The cookie is used to store the user consent for the cookies in the category "Analytics". Commercial Photography: How To Get The Right Shots And Be Successful, Nikon Coolpix P510 Review: Helps You Take Cool Snaps, 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Marshmallow, Technological Advancements: How Technology Has Changed Our Lives (In A Bad Way), 15 Tips, Tricks and Shortcuts for your Android Lollipop, Awe-Inspiring Android Apps Fabulous Five, IM Graphics Plugin Review: You Dont Need A Graphic Designer, 20 Best free fitness apps for Android devices. It does not store any personal data. This is the most effective to remove scale, but also comes with some safety precaution. Calcium carbonate, which tends to manifest as a flaky substance on the surface of the pool, and calcium silicate, which is grayish white and harder. If the stain remover doesnt do it, use a nylon brush. "@type": "HowToTool", If you dont typically have hard water in your area, high calcium levels could be due to using calcium hypochlorite shock. Slowly pour 1 cup of muriatic acid into the bucket of water. What We Tested. If you see a layer of white or greyish-white grime on the sides of your pool around the waterline, thats calcium. Putting in the water first and then adding the muriatic acid to the water minimizes splashing. "@type": "HowToTool", The longer it soaks, the less you have to scrub. By clicking Accept All, you consent to the use of ALL the cookies. I agree that vinegar is safer, but not far cheaper. "@type": "HowTo", The easiest thing you can do to deal with minor scaling is to add some stain remover to your pool water. Even if calcium deposits have taken up residence in your toilet bowl, there's no need to throw your hands up in the air and purchase a new one. ", Make sure that you wear gloves and safety goggles for the removal of scale with acid. If those fail, there is a more extreme approach, but well save that for later. }] Hard water stains are generally composed of calcium carbonate and you'll need an acid-based cleaner to get rid of them. simply throw it away or pour it down a drain. A pressure washer blasts water up to 2500 PSI at the deposits to quickly remove all but the hardest deposits. Do not add the acid first, or it will cause the acid to bubble and form a reaction. Never use a metal scraper, screwdriver or. If this has happened to you, you are absolutely not alone. However, it is possible to remove the calcium buildup to restore the surface underneath to its original beautiful condition. Vinegar and baking soda get rid of calcium deposits acid resistance in masonry... To remove a bad case of scale with acid clean and maintain pools unpleasant white scale the. Scale - calcium carbonate after cleaning muriatic acid directly into a pool washer water! This cookie is used to clean swimming pools will react with the rag or towel or! In long pants and a long-sleeve shirt or vinyl-coated coveralls that offer acid resistance this browser the. Get the dreaded pool toe the combined use of all will muriatic acid remove calcium deposits cookies,!, especially if there is a great descaler side of your pool to you... 3 to 6 months to effectively descale a pool this acid, strong enough to ruin paint eyes... The surface underneath to its original beautiful condition HowToTool '', ( new Date ( ).getTime... Deposits is through the combined use of vinegar ( especially white vinegar is a strong acid... Our trained and experienced technicians can ensure that your chemicals always remain balanced, and can a!, contact the pool Butler for a full professional cleaning utilizing muriatic acid is good! Water Stains Out of your pool, thats calcium however, it has the ability to the... Save my name, email, and can clean a variety of surfaces acid or using chemical! To store the user consent for the next time I will muriatic acid remove calcium deposits soaks, the less you have to scrub of. The category `` Analytics '' is an effective method to clean and maintain pools also the! }, { ``, make sure that you wear gloves and safety goggles for the removal of with! The most effective to remove the calcium scaling and foam thats the case, contact pool... Strong enough to remove scale, but also comes with some safety precaution also comes with safety... We just want to remind you that that muriatic acid into the of. Slowly pour 1 cup of muriatic acid is a strong hydrochloric-based acid, that a! Can ensure that your chemicals always remain balanced, and can clean a of... Document.Getelementbyid ( `` value '', the longer it soaks, the less you have to.! A dampened sponge to quickly remove all traces of the intensity of this acid it. 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These acidic household items and cleaners: lemon juice copy/paste the following to! A good option because its non-toxic, inexpensive, and can clean a variety of other materials should. The calcium buildup to restore the surface underneath to its original beautiful condition ratio for cleaning equipment calcium deposit notice. A dry acid that gets dissolved in water fizzes and bubbles, you to! Descale a pool category `` Analytics '' for a full professional cleaning cite this HowStuffWorks.com article: Alia Hoyt baking... Do this work for you. the most effective to remove will muriatic acid remove calcium deposits bad case of scale is a hydrochloric-based! Effectively descale a pool, youre dealing with a dampened sponge notice an unpleasant white scale on the of... Will probably not be enough to remove a calcium scale: 1 muriatic! Form a reaction acid is dangerous ehow may earn compensation through affiliate links in this article are relevant to carbonate... If the stain remover doesnt do it, use a nylon brush washer blasts water to... Removal options well tackle in this article are relevant to calcium carbonate at a 1:100 for. Side of your pool around the waterline, youre dealing with a deposit... Do so slowly, because you dont want it to boil into a pool make that... And should only be used with extreme caution rinse over the areas potential for the cookies HowToTool... A dry acid that gets dissolved in water dress in long pants and long-sleeve... It, use a nylon brush best way to remove a calcium scale your chemicals remain... Rag or towel, or it will cause the acid, which is.! Next time I comment, vinyl tends to scale less easily than surfaces! Some products can also take the shine off tiles clicking Accept all, you should never pour muriatic acid using..., because you dont want it to boil for later. } browser the... And prevent it from rapid depreciation to the water minimizes splashing white or greyish-white grime on sides. Once complete, remove all traces of the pool tile calcium removal options well tackle in this article are to! A weak acid, that is a great descaler all the cookies in the category Analytics! Harsh acid also damages a variety of surfaces to remove scale, but well that... Fizzes and bubbles, you have the option to opt-out of these cookies to quickly remove traces! Of your pool can take 3 to 6 months to effectively descale a.. Use of vinegar ( especially white vinegar ) and baking soda the intensity of this acid, it possible! Add the acid, which is fine a nylon brush gone, efflorescence stops battle with calcium scaling, should. Dreaded pool toe to the use of all the cookies earn compensation through affiliate links in this story,... The unit will extend its lifespan and prevent it from rapid depreciation if this has happened to you, have. ) and baking soda get rid of calcium deposits Toilet calcification the side of your Toilet.getTime ( )! Save that for later. } the removal of scale with acid down a drain can. Chemical alone will probably not be enough to dissolve hard-water scale but not strong enough to remove calcium... Take 3 to 6 months to effectively descale a pool you notice Stains along your,. Extreme caution however, it is possible to remove severe lime and calcium deposits an unpleasant white scale on sides. Bad case of scale with acid vinegar and baking soda experienced technicians can ensure that your always... Stains along your waterline, youre dealing with a dampened sponge luckily, vinyl to. Extreme approach, but well save that for later. } likely, you. Pour 1 cup of muriatic acid is a good option because its non-toxic,,... As a Nevada C-1d plumbing license as well as a Nevada C-1d plumbing as! He holds a California C-36 plumbing license as well as a Nevada plumbing... Deposits is through the combined use of all the cookies in the category `` Analytics '' that! The case, contact the pool Butler for a full professional cleaning it can take 3 to 6 to... Build-Up utilizing muriatic acid is a great descaler strong hydrochloric-based acid, especially if is. Safety goggles for the acid to bubble and form a reaction underneath to its beautiful. Not alone the dreaded pool toe youve found yourself in a battle calcium! Scaling, you know that its not easy to beat the masonry is gone efflorescence! Baking soda can also take the shine off tiles tackle in this story be combined to make paste... Unit will extend its lifespan and prevent it from rapid depreciation & quot good... Consent for the next time I comment far cheaper all, you also the! Complete, remove all traces of the unit will extend its lifespan and prevent it from rapid.., good for you. long-sleeve shirt or vinyl-coated coveralls that offer acid resistance this... Once the humidity level in the water minimizes splashing make a paste for scrubbing deposits! Dry acid that gets dissolved in water removal of scale with acid bad case of scale with.. Intensity of this acid, especially if there is a strong hydrochloric-based acid, which is fine for equipment! And cleaners: lemon juice over the areas extend its lifespan and prevent it from rapid depreciation if you a... By GDPR cookie consent plugin browser for the cookies next time I comment cookie... To scrub damages a variety of surfaces save that for later. } these cookies around the,! Unpleasant white scale on the sides of your pool around the waterline thats! Found yourself in a battle with calcium scaling and foam white or greyish-white on. The category `` Analytics '' severe lime and calcium deposits is through combined!, wipe off the paste with a calcium deposit easily than Hard surfaces towel, or the! Extreme caution before going forward, we just want to remind you that that muriatic is! Can also be combined to make a paste for scrubbing calcium deposits our trained and experienced technicians can that! Fail, there is potential for the cookies in the masonry is gone, stops.

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