Calcium Problems in Pools

The Hidden Enemy in Your Pool: Understanding Calcium Scaling

Picture this: you walk out to your beautiful backyard pool, ready for a relaxing swim, only to discover mysterious white chunks floating at the bottom or caked inside your salt cell. If you're a pool owner, this scenario might sound all too familiar. Calcium scaling – or as some pool pros affectionately call it "snow" – is one of those issues that can leave new pool owners scratching their heads and reaching for their phones to call for help.

In a recent episode of the Talking Pools Podcast, host Andrea sat down with pool professional Kevin Stempian to dive deep into the world of calcium problems. Their conversation reveals that while this issue might look alarming, understanding its causes and solutions can help pool owners maintain crystal-clear water without panic.

What Causes the "Snow" in Your Pool?

The white, chunky deposits that appear in pools aren't just random occurrences – they're the result of specific chemical conditions coming together. Kevin explains the primary factors behind calcium scaling:

I would guess your calcium hardness levels. And in addition to that, the temperature of the water, I believe is a big factor because I think it dissolves easier at colder temperatures, which is opposite way you'd think normally.

— Kevin Stempian, Talking Pools Podcast

This counterintuitive relationship between temperature and calcium solubility explains why many pool owners in warmer climates like Florida see more scaling issues, especially in heated pools. Kevin shared a particularly dramatic example of a customer who keeps their pool at 99 degrees and deals with significant scaling as a result.

The key factors that contribute to calcium scaling include:

• High calcium hardness levels
• Elevated water temperature
• Carbonate alkalinity levels
• Cyanuric acid concentration
• Occasionally, phosphate levels

Understanding these interconnected factors is crucial because calcium scaling isn't just about one number being too high – it's about the balance between multiple chemical parameters.

The Real Culprit: Calcium Carbonate vs. Calcium Phosphate

One of the most common misconceptions in the pool industry is automatically assuming that white scaling is calcium phosphate. Andrea addressed this head-on during the podcast:

I've had it happen, you know, with not super high phosphates. But that's one of the things that people always jump to is oh, it's calcium phosphate when in actuality calcium phosphate is super rare.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

The reality is that most scaling issues are calcium carbonate, not calcium phosphate. For calcium phosphate scaling to occur, very specific conditions must be met:

• Calcium levels over 600 parts per million
• Phosphate levels over 500 parts per billion
• Very warm to hot water temperatures

Kevin shared a vivid example of severe calcium carbonate buildup in a heater where the scaling was so thick it formed cement-like molds of the tubes. Using muriatic acid and some creative problem-solving, he was able to dissolve the buildup, but it highlighted how serious calcium scaling can become when left unchecked.

Prevention Strategies That Actually Work

Rather than dealing with calcium scaling after it appears, the best approach is prevention. The experts recommend focusing on water balance, particularly monitoring the Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) and keeping calcium hardness levels in check.

For areas with high phosphates in the municipal water supply – Kevin mentioned levels as high as 1500 parts per billion coming from the tap – regular phosphate removal becomes essential. Rather than waiting for problems to develop, many professionals now recommend:

• Weekly small doses of phosphate remover instead of large treatments
• Regular monitoring of all chemical parameters, not just chlorine and pH
• Adjusting approach based on regional water conditions

Kevin noted that his distributor area sees phosphates added to municipal water as part of treatment, making proactive management necessary rather than reactive treatment.

The Salt Cell Factor: Why Some Systems Scale More

With saltwater pools becoming increasingly popular – Kevin estimates about a third of his service route pools are now salt systems – understanding how different systems handle calcium scaling has become crucial. However, the podcast revealed some interesting insights about brand differences:

In my opinion, I don't think so. I don't think so. Honestly, the of all the cell systems we have that we take care of, I installed most of them. They're all Hayward units or they're either the upright or the new S3 system.

— Kevin Stempian, Talking Pools Podcast

Interestingly, the experts haven't noticed significant differences in scaling between major brands like Hayward, Pentair, and Jandy systems. The scaling appears to be more related to water chemistry and temperature than to the specific salt cell technology.

The newer Hayward S3 systems do offer one advantage – clear cells that allow visual inspection of buildup without removal. This transparency helps pool owners and service technicians catch scaling issues earlier in the development process.

Practical Cleaning and Maintenance Solutions

When calcium scaling does occur, the cleaning process doesn't have to be complicated. Kevin shared his straightforward approach using Hayward's purpose-built cell stand and acid solutions. The key is regular maintenance rather than waiting for severe buildup.

For different salt cell types:

• Jandy cells can be dipped in acid buckets and agitated
• Hayward cells work well with stands and soaking solutions
• T-cells, while older technology, are particularly robust and easy to maintain

The most important principle Andrea emphasized throughout the discussion was communication with pool owners:

It's not something like that's going to harm them. It's not a lot. It's not like algae. It's not anything to really worry about. They're just going to have to deal with it sometimes.

— Andrea, Talking Pools Podcast

Setting proper expectations helps pool owners understand that some scaling is normal and manageable, rather than a sign of system failure.

Moving Forward: A Balanced Approach to Pool Chemistry

The conversation ultimately reinforced a fundamental truth about pool maintenance that extends far beyond just calcium scaling. Proper water chemistry isn't about chasing perfect numbers in isolation – it's about understanding how different parameters interact and affect each other.

For pool owners dealing with calcium scaling issues, the path forward involves:

• Regular testing of comprehensive water chemistry, not just basic parameters
• Understanding regional water conditions and their impact on scaling potential
• Implementing preventive maintenance schedules rather than reactive treatments
• Working with knowledgeable professionals who understand the complexity of water chemistry

As saltwater pools continue to grow in popularity and pool technology evolves, staying educated about these interactions becomes even more critical. The white chunks in your pool might look alarming, but with the right knowledge and approach, they're just another manageable aspect of pool ownership.

Remember, every pool is unique, and what works in Pennsylvania might need adjustment for Florida conditions. The key is understanding the principles behind calcium scaling and adapting solutions to your specific situation. With proper knowledge and consistent maintenance, that unwanted "snow" in your pool can become a thing of the past.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Introduction and Salt Cell Scaling Discussion
• 05:00 Causes of Calcium Scaling - Temperature and Chemistry
• 10:00 Calcium Carbonate vs Phosphate - Common Misconceptions
• 15:00 Heater Scaling Case Study
• 20:00 Phosphate Management and Regional Water Differences
• 25:00 Salt Cell Systems and Brand Comparisons
• 30:00 Cleaning Methods and Maintenance Tips