Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Help Lime scale and calcium buildup on water fountain

Hello,

Long-time reader, first-time poster.

I have hard water where I live and because of that, my water fountain is building up limescale/calcium deposits.

Any suggestions out there on how to remove this? The fountain is made up of Italian tile. Pic enclosed

Thanks in advance!!!

pic: https://ibb.co/huudBQ

You don't want to use any acid really if there is any iron in the tile. The iron will rust instantly and muratic acid is very dangerous to use.

I would try some CLR rag blankets. A rag soaked with CLR and left to hang on the face. It should lift it.

You could use the descaleing product used for hot tubs in the water used on the falls if there is no fish present in the water used.

I would think removing the pump to clean out the scale would be the first step, and then (if a large water volume fountain) I'd probably use Muriatic acid to drop the pH to about 5-5.5 and let it run for a day or two....or if your fountain is small enough to be economically practical, fill with a strong vinegar and run till all trace of scale is gone. If you have the time, and can disassemble much of the fountain, there are tube cleaning brushes that will get the looser buildup off.

As Dono mentioned, be careful with the Muriatic acid, if using it....once cleaned, it will be easier to do regular maintenance than cleaning visible buildup.......Think Coffee Makers....once they slow, it's tough to get them brewing fast again....monthly cleaning them, and they stay fast...

+1 on using vinegar if feasible.

...Also be careful with CLR as it can etch some types of tile. If you go that route, I would test a small area first.