pool buyer’s guide

To remove calcium scaling effectively without damaging your pool, you first need to identify the type of deposit. Here is the efficient way to diagnose and clean your tile.

Step 1: The Diagnosis

Before you start scrubbing, determine if the deposit is “Soft” (Carbonate) or “Hard” (Silicate).

The Acid Test:

Put on gloves and safety glasses. 

Carefully place one drop of Muriatic Acid directly onto a deposit.

• It bubbles/foams: You have Calcium Carbonate. This is the most common type and is removable with the DIY methods below.
• It does nothing: You have Calcium Silicate. This has hardened like concrete. DIY methods won’t touch this; skip straight to “Method C: Bead Blasting.”

*SAFETY WARNING: Do Not Skip This

Muriatic Acid is highly corrosive and dangerous.

• Skin: Contact causes immediate chemical burns and blistering.
• Eyes: A single drop or splash can cause permanent blindness.
• Lungs: The fumes can burn your nose and throat. Always work in a well-ventilated area.

Step 2: Removal Methods

Method A: The Pumice Stone (Spot Treatment)

Best for: Small spots of Calcium Carbonate on Concrete/Plaster.

1. Soak a pumice stone in the pool water.
2. Crucial: Keep both the stone and the tile wet while scrubbing to prevent scratches.
3. Scrub gently in a circular motion until the deposit is gone.
   • Note: Do NOT use pumice on vinyl or fiberglass pools. Use a nylon brush and a scale-remover sponge instead.

Method B: The Liquid Descaler (Low-Effort DIY)

Best for: Mild, all-over scaling.

1. Purchase a quality liquid pool descaler.
2. Pour it into the pool following the bottle’s dosage instructions.
3. Run your pump. The chemical slowly softens the calcium bond over a few weeks.
4. Clean your filters frequently as the scale flakes off and gets trapped.

Method C: Bead Blasting (Professional Removal)

Best for: Calcium Silicate, heavy buildup, or delicate tile glazes.

If the acid test failed (Silicate) or the buildup is thick, manual scrubbing is often ineffective. Bead Blasting uses compressed air to shoot soft media (like magnesium sulfate) at the tile. It blasts the calcium away instantly without damaging the glaze or requiring manual labor.

Step 3: Prevention

Once the tile is clean, prevent the calcium from returning by managing your water balance.

• pH: Keep it strictly between 7.4 – 7.6. High pH is the primary cause of scaling.
• Alkalinity: Maintain 80 – 120 ppm.
• Calcium Hardness: Keep it between 200 – 400 ppm. If it’s higher, you may need to partially drain and refill.

Maintenance: Add a Sequestering Agent (Scale Inhibitor) to your monthly routine to prevent minerals from sticking to the surface.

Ready to Reclaim Your Lazy Day?

Scrubbing calcium deposits in the hot sun isn’t anyone’s idea of a good time. If you’d rather spend your weekend in the pool than working on it, let us handle the heavy lifting.

Whether you need a professional clean-up or are looking to upgrade your waterline tile band to stop the buildup for good, we’re here to help. Get in touch with us. 

When you picture your dream pool, you likely imagine crystal clear water that feels refreshing on a hot Gold Coast afternoon. You probably don’t picture red eyes, itchy skin, or the smell of harsh chemicals.

One of the most common questions we get at Lazy Day Pools is: “What is the difference between chlorine, saltwater, and mineral pools?”

To help you make the right choice for your family, we’ve broken down exactly how these three systems work, how they feel, and why the filtration technology makes all the difference.

The 4 Contenders Explained

1. Traditional Chlorine (The “Old School” Way)

This is the system most of us grew up with. It relies on you, the homeowner, acting as the chemist.

How it works:
You manually pour liquid chlorine or add chlorine tablets into the water to kill bacteria.

The Downside:
Because you are adding chemicals in bulk doses, chlorine levels spike. This creates that strong “bleach” smell and causes skin irritation and “red eye.”

Our Verdict:
We generally consider this outdated technology. It requires too much manual effort and offers the poorest swim experience.

2. Saltwater (The Lazy Day Standard)

This is the most popular system in Australia and is included in every Lazy Day Pools Standard Quote.

How it works:
We add bags of salt to your tap water (about 1/10th the saltiness of the ocean). As this slightly salty water passes through the Saltwater Chlorinator unit, electricity turns the salt into chlorine gas.

The Reality:
A saltwater pool IS a chlorine pool. The difference is that it generates its own chlorine automatically and consistently, so it is gentler than the “dump and pour” method.

The Swim Feel:
The water feels softer than traditional chlorine, but it will leave a salty taste on your lips and can leave a “sticky” residue on your skin when you dry off.

Chlorine VS Saltwater Comparison

3.Freshwater

It is designed for homeowners who want to enjoy their pool without the salty taste and feel associated with conventional saltwater systems.

How it works:
The system keeps the pool clean and sanitised while maintaining a freshwater swimming environment.

The swim feel:
The water feels clean and fresh, without the salty taste or sticky residue that can be noticeable after swimming in a conventional saltwater pool.

For families looking for a premium swimming experience that feels closer to fresh household water, Naked Freshwater provides a distinctly different option.

4. Mineral Pool

A mineral pool replaces traditional pool salt with a magnesium-based mineral blend.

How it works:
Magnesium minerals are added to the pool water and work with a compatible chlorination system to keep the water sanitised.

The swim feel:
Mineral pools are known for their soft, smooth water feel and are popular with families wanting an alternative to standard saltwater.

Why choose mineral?
A mineral pool offers the convenience of an automated system while providing the added benefits and swimming experience associated with magnesium-rich water.

Ready to Choose Your Water?

Whether you stick with our reliable Saltwater standard or upgrade to the luxurious NKD-R Mineral system, Lazy Day Pools guarantees a system that is engineered for the Gold Coast climate.

Discuss your filtration options with our Director, Kevin, during your free on-site consultation.

Contact us today!