Understanding and Preventing Scaling in Pools

If you’ve noticed rough, white film or desposits building up on the plaster or waterline tile of your pool, you’re likely dealing with scaling. Not only is it unsightly, but scale can also make your pool water less enjoyable and harder to keep clean. At Local Pools, we’re here to help you understand what causes scaling, why it matters, and what you can do to prevent it.

What is Pool Scale?

Scale is a chalky, often white substance that can form on your pool’s surfaces, especially around the waterline and on pool equipment. It’s usually made up of calcium deposits, either in the form of calcium carbonate or calcium silicate. Scale builds up when the water in your pool becomes "out of balance" – when the levels of certain minerals get too high or the pH is off. This can create a hard, crusty layer that’s tough to remove without scrubbing or even special chemicals.

What Causes Scaling in Pools?

1. High pH Levels
   Pool water with a pH that’s too high (over 7.8) can lead to scale formation. When the pH is high, calcium becomes less soluble, which means it’s more likely to fall out of the water and stick to surfaces.

2. High Calcium Hardness
   Hard water – water that’s high in calcium and other minerals – is another common cause of scaling. When calcium levels rise above the recommended range (usually 200-400 ppm), there’s a greater chance it will precipitate out and form scale.

3. High Alkalinity
   If your pool’s total alkalinity is too high, it can raise the pH and make scale buildup more likely. Keeping the water chemistry balanced overall is key to preventing scale.

4. Warm Water Temperatures
   In warmer climates (hello, Texas!), higher water temperatures can increase the likelihood of scale. Heat encourages minerals to separate from the water, especially in pools with high calcium levels.

5. Evaporation
   As water evaporates from your pool, the calcium concentration in the remaining water goes up. This can happen naturally during hot weather, especially in open-air pools, causing scale to build up over time.

Why Scaling Matters

Beyond just being a cosmetic issue, scale can impact the performance of your pool equipment and make it more challenging to keep your pool clean. Here are some issues scaling can cause:

• Reduced Efficiency of Pool Equipment: Scaling on filters, heaters, and salt cells can decrease their effectiveness, leading to poor water circulation and heating issues.

• Damage to Pool Surfaces: Scale can eventually lead to damage on your pool’s tile and/or plaster, making these surfaces feel rough and sometimes even causing cracks.

• Increased Chemical Usage: A scaled pool often requires more chemicals to keep the water balanced, which can add to the time and cost of maintenance.

How to Prevent Scaling

The good news? Scaling is preventable! Here are a few strategies to help you keep your pool free of scale and running smoothly:

1. Maintain Balanced Water Chemistry
   Regularly check your pool’s pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. For most pools, a pH of 7.2-7.6, alkalinity of 80-120 ppm, and calcium hardness of 200-400 ppm are ideal. Staying on top of these levels helps prevent scaling from starting.

2. Use a Scale Inhibitor
   A scale inhibitor is a special chemical designed to reduce the risk of scale buildup. These products bind with calcium ions in the water, making it harder for them to stick to surfaces.

3. Monitor Pool Temperature
   If possible, try to avoid letting the pool temperature get too high, especially in the summer months. Cooler water temperatures slow the scaling process. If you have a heated pool, lower the heat slightly to reduce scale risks.

4. Control Evaporation
   For pools that experience heavy evaporation, using a pool cover can help prevent mineral buildup. It reduces evaporation and, in turn, reduces the calcium concentration in your pool water.

5. Brush Pool Surfaces Regularly
   Regular brushing can help remove early scale deposits before they harden. Pay extra attention to areas around the waterline, which are most vulnerable to scale.

6. Use Professional Services When Needed
   Sometimes, scale becomes too stubborn to remove with brushing and standard cleaning. That’s when a professional pool maintenance company, like Local Pools, can step in to remove the buildup and restore your pool surfaces.

Partner with Local Pools for Worry-Free Pool Care

Scaling can be a hassle to manage, but it doesn’t have to be with the right knowledge and routine care. Our friendly, professional team at Local Pools is dedicated to helping pool owners in Austin keep their pools balanced, beautiful, and worry-free. We offer tailored services to maintain optimal water quality and prevent issues like scaling before they become problems.

Contact us today to learn more about our pool care packages and let us handle the details, so you can enjoy a sparkling, scale-free pool year-round.