Chalk deposits in the pool - how best to remove them?

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Jimbo
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Chalk deposits in the pool - how best to remove them?

Post by Jimbo »

We have a 12x6m pool lined with shiny dark-blue mosaic tiles which look terrific when the sun's out. However, as we're in a (very) hard water area, we always end up with a ring of chalk deposits along the water line. It's possible to remove these (sort of) by blasting with the high-pressure water machine and scrubbing furiously with a non-scratch pad but it's hard work.

I've just drained the pool for the winter and have noticed a sort of 'frosting' of chalk - quite pretty, looks like those cakes my mother used to make - randomly scattered about on large patches of tiles which have been under water. I had thought the pool didn't seem to have quite the same 'sparkle' this year and this may well be the cause.

The local pool guy and the previous owner both say 'vinegar and elbow-grease' but this is big patches on a big pool, so I can imagine myself lying face-down and knackered in the bottom of the pool smelling like a down-town chippie. Is there a more elegant solution to remove the chalk - I imagine wafting about and puffing away with one of those little squeezy atomisers watching the chalk dissolve before my eyes? And how best to prevent it happening again? We spend a lot of money on PH stuff already and keep a careful eye on the chemistry.

Thank you for any suggestions.

Jim (aka Chalky from the Dordogne)
LaLuz
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Post by LaLuz »

Jim is it a tiled pool? If so you can buy an acidy type wall cleaner which removes everything (including the dreaded sun cream) without too much effort.

I can't remember what it's called and I'm in the UK at the moment so can't check but it was instantly recognisable when we went to look for it.
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Jimbo
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Location: Charente Maritime

Post by Jimbo »

Hi LaLuz

Yes, the pool is tiled. If you do remember the name of the cleaner at some point, I'd be grateful to know. I take it that it's a household-type product not a specialist pool one?

Many thanks

Jim
LaLuz
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Post by LaLuz »

No Jimbo it is a specialist pool wall cleaner. We didn't know the name when we went to look for it and found it easily in both the pool shop and local Hypermarket (with the pool products) so it must have been obvious! It came in one of those big plastic 5 or 8 litre container type bottles and we couldn't find a smaller one anywhere.

Unfortunately,we're not in Spain until January so I won't be able to look until then
CostaBlanca
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Post by CostaBlanca »

La Luz,

Are you referring to "Salfuman", (sulphuric acid) which is available at all pool suppliers in large containers but is also available in 1 litre containers from supermarkets and ferreterias. It is commonly used (too much?) for cleaning, disenfecting, etc. from pool maintenance (reduces pH), tile cleaning of oils and cal to removing cal stains in loos and gas water heaters. Has to be used with extreme care!!

Maria
LaLuz
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Post by LaLuz »

Maria, I've absolutely no idea what it's called as I only used it the once in summer but I know that removed the most awful suncream tidemark immediately and left the tiles gleaming.

I remember that it was a 'use with extreme care' product because basically it's an acid. I didn't know it was used for anything else.
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