What causes calcium flakes in my pool? At least I think it is calcium...?

Question

We have 2 yr old, outdoor, pebblecrete pool holding 20000 litres. Pool is used primarily for private Learn-to-Swim School and operates year round with heater. Located in NSW (Australia). Recently, white flakes have appeared in the water. No amount of vacuuming seems to help. Flakes settle on bottom until disturbed. When scooped out and dried, the flakes turn to powder which has no taste. I've had the water tested at 2 pool shops. All results indicate normal pH, chlorine, salt etc although calcium is low (90). Water appears clean and clear until it is stirred up and white flakes are visible in suspension. We've back-washed and cleaned all filters and their was no build up on the saltwater chlorinator cells. Our local water is not particularly hard although we do get calcium deposits in our kettle over time. We use liquid hydrochloric acid and salt from the pool shop. Can anyone help?

Answer 1

I think we tend to call that "calcium" - but it's just all the minerals and salts in the water - the water evaporates and leaves these behind. You can dissolve them with vinegar - or if they're bad with Muratec acid.

Answer 2

Do a little test on the dried white flakes. Place a few drops of vinegar on them. If it bubbles, you have calcium carbonate (generally referred to as calcium). If the water is coming from a well, chances are some limestone is being dissolved into the water.



The reason the flakes are forming is because if the water in the pool isn't emptied and cleaned frequently, then you can still get a calcium build up. Even if you have a small amount of calcium in the incoming water, some of the water evaporates, but leaves behind the calcium. As more water is added, the levels of calcium build up will slowly increase in the pool.



The best way to reduce the build up is empty and clean the pool more frequently. If that isn't an option, then look into a water-softener or reverse osmosis to help purify the water before entering the pool.

Answer 3

Tofu Rhubarb Collard greens Spinach Turnip greens Okra White beans Baked beans Broccoli Peas Brussel sprouts Sesame seeds Bok choy Almonds Rice/Soy Milk here are just a few. Do a little research so you know what you are talking about when people say these things. Find out how much you need. People tell me all the time that I don't get enough protein, but I can come back and say I need "this" many grams of protein a day today I got 50% of my daily requirement from Rice Milk, and the rest from a serving of quinoa, some whole wheat bread with peanut butter and a handful of almonds. Plus, I take a vitamine. You can get calcium from all kinds of sources, when people say these things, their remarks are uneducated, look up "calcium rich foods" and dont ever get caught freaking out over a silly comment like that again! :) Cheers Vegan! @ digital age: Why do you ask for an explanation? Being vegan is far less harmful then many other things people choose to be!