Results From Extremely High pH In Pool Water
SwimmingPoolSteve.com is user-supported. In order to keep this resource about pools and spas available for free to all readers I earn commissions for purchases made through links on this page. For more information see the full disclaimer page. By using this website you are agreeing to the terms and conditions.
This is a very interesting case about an indoor concrete pool that was left running for almost a year with no chemical testing or balancing. This system was running a salt water chlorinator that must have kept the water clear enough to not turn green as the pool water was not green on arrival. It was however very turbid and the full extent of the calcification was not realized until the pool was drained.
The customer had used the pool after a long period of neglect and had mentioned that one of his children received a cut on their foot. This prompted the call for service and the video results that you see here.
In this case we were able to scrape the calcium together which left a (mostly) smooth interior surface. We then acid washed and scrubbed the pool before refilling. In this instance, operating the pool and maintaining a proper water balance was enough to remove the remaining calcium from the walls and floor. This customer was extremely lucky that there does not appear to be any permanent damage to the interior surface, glass tiles or the metal handrails in the pool. The equipment we had on hand was not able to get an accurate pH and calcium hardness levels but the pH was believed to be over 10 and the calcium hardness levels over 1000ppm. What is most interesting is that the salt cell was able to keep the pool clean as it must have been calcified completely. The equipment had all been removed prior to our arrival as there was some mechanical work being done by another company in the house and they took on the task of replacing the pool equipment. It is possible, as this pool is indoors, that the water did not turn green since there is less contamination, UV degradation of chlorine etc.
If you can provide Swimming Pool Steve with more information about the chemical process involved with percipitating this much calcium from pool water, Steve would be interested in hearing from you for a brief email exchange to discuss this in greater detail.
It is important to understand that the crystal formation and chemical reaction that you see happening with this swimming pool is not normal or an indication of how salt water chlorinators function in swimming pools. This level of damage is a result of extreme chemical imbalances which would not normally happen as a result of day-to-day operation and maintenance of a salt water pool. This level of damage would be best described as negligent levels of salt water pool maintenance over an extended period of time. While salt water systems for swimming pools do warrant special considerations due to some potential for damage as a result of galvanic corrosion and the elevated salt level in your pool increasing the electrical conductivity of your water, salt water pools are a legitimate option with minimal risks to the pool when researched and operated properly. For more information you can read this article about how to get informed about salt water.
Top content from www.SwimmingPoolSteve.com
Pool and spa chemistry crash course
New pool owner guide
The Swimming Pool Steve blog
Have a question - ask Steve
Swimming Pool Steve is an award winning, second generation swimming pool specialist from Ontario Canada and one of the most trusted voices in the swimming pool industry. With over 20,000,000 views on the Swimming Pool Steve YouTube Channel, winner of the Pleatco Pool & Spa Industry Leadership award and author of hundreds of pool and spa articles both online and in print. Steve is committed to helping pool and spa owners as well as pool and spa industry workers learn more about the technical side of building, renovating, repairing and maintaining all types of swimming pools and spas. Follow Swimming Pool Steve on Facebook, Twitter and YouTube.
Endorsed Brands From Swimming Pool Steve
The following links and products are to affiliates of the Swimming Pool Steve website. These are brands, products and services hand selected by Steve for endorsement. Please note that these endorsements can include monetary compensation, affiliate links and referral fees to Swimming Pool Steve, however there is zero additional cost to you should you use one of these products or services. Income generated from these links helps to keep this pool and spa resource available for everyone. To have your product or service considered for listing here as an endorsed brand email SwimmingPoolSteve@gmail.com.
Amazon Disclosure Statement - As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
www.PoolPartsToGo.com
New Black + Decker variable speed pumps are available online from www.PoolPartsToGo.com and they are a drop in replacement for many popular pump models including Pentair Superflo and Hayward Super Pumps. With an adjustable platform base, union connections included and a very strong warranty these pumps offer an impressive value to pool owners.
- Swimming Pool Steve
www.PoolSuppliesCanada.ca
When it comes to ordering pool and spa supplies online in Canada www.PoolSuppliesCanada.ca is by far the best option. They carry everything from chemicals to replacement pumps to entire pool kits, with free shipping options and more "in stock" items than any other Canadian online retailer.
- Swimming Pool Steve