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chemistry

Calcium Buildup / Scaling

minor severitycommonDIY: yes
Pro repair$0–$0LA-area, parts and labor
DIY cost$20–$100parts and supplies
Typical time1 hrfor a pro
Difficulty1 / 51 is easiest

What you'll notice

  • White or cloudy deposits on tile line
  • cloudy water
  • reduced filter efficiency
  • deposits on equipment

Likely causes

  • High pH (above 7.8) causing precipitation
  • hard water minerals (high calcium)
  • low water circulation or turnover

How to keep it from coming back

  • Maintain pH 7.2-7.6
  • use calcium sequestrant
  • run circulation 8-12 hours daily
  • brush waterline

Ranges are estimates; see How We Estimate. Affects: all.

Equipment involved

Maintenance that prevents it

Related costs

  • Chlorine Tablets (3-inch, continuous feeding): $150–$400
  • Salt (annual top-up): $100–$300
  • pH Adjustment (muriatic acid or soda ash): $30–$100
  • Alkalinity Adjustment (sodium bicarbonate): $20–$60
  • Algaecide (preventative or treatment): $30–$100
  • Salt Cell Replacement: $400–$1,200

See full ownership costs

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