What Causes White Flakes in My Pool Water?

White flakes are often caused by calcium scaling or an improperly functioning salt cell in saltwater pools. Balance the water chemistry to resolve this issue.

Understanding the White Flakes

Before we discuss the causes of white flakes in your pool, it’s important to understand what they are. White flakes are typically particles that form in the water. These particles could be calcium, minerals, or other compounds that precipitate out of the water due to an imbalance in water chemistry. The presence of these flakes can be a sign that something in your pool’s water chemistry is off and needs adjustment.

Common Causes of White Flakes in Pool Water

Several factors could lead to the formation of white flakes in your pool water. Let’s take a closer look at the most common causes:

1. High Calcium Hardness

One of the most common causes of white flakes is high calcium hardness in the pool water. Calcium hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium in your pool water. When the calcium level is too high, it can lead to the formation of calcium scale, which appears as white flakes. The flakes can accumulate on the pool walls, floor, and filter.

• Signs of High Calcium Hardness: If your pool water feels cloudy, if there is visible white scale buildup on the pool surfaces, or if the filter is clogged with white flakes, high calcium hardness may be the issue.
  

2. Incorrect pH Levels

The pH level of your pool water can have a significant impact on the formation of white flakes. When the pH level is too high, it can cause calcium and other minerals to precipitate out of the water, forming visible flakes. This is particularly common when the pH level rises above 7.8.

• Signs of pH Imbalance: A pH level higher than 7.8 can lead to cloudy water and the formation of white flakes. You may also notice that your pool water feels uncomfortable or harsh on your skin.
  

3. High Alkalinity

Pool water alkalinity is another factor that can contribute to the formation of white flakes. When the total alkalinity in your pool is too high, it can cause the pH to rise, which in turn can lead to the precipitation of calcium and other minerals. This can result in white flakes floating in the pool.

• Signs of High Alkalinity: If your pool’s water becomes cloudy and you notice an increase in white flakes, you may have high alkalinity. High alkalinity can also make it difficult to balance your pool’s pH levels properly.
  

4. Excessive Use of Calcium-Based Pool Products

Another cause of white flakes is the excessive use of calcium-based pool chemicals. Many pool owners use calcium hypochlorite to shock their pools or add calcium chloride to boost calcium levels. While these chemicals can be useful, overusing them can lead to the buildup of excess calcium, which will eventually precipitate out of the water as white flakes.

• Signs of Overuse: If you’ve been using calcium-based pool products more frequently than necessary, you may notice a white film on the pool walls and visible flakes in the water.
  

5. Metal Contamination

Sometimes, metal contamination can cause white flakes to form in your pool water. Metals like iron or copper can react with chlorine or other chemicals in the pool and form precipitates that appear as white or cloudy flakes in the water.

• Signs of Metal Contamination: If you notice a greenish tint to your pool water along with the white flakes, there could be metal contamination at play. You might also see staining on the pool surfaces.
  

How to Fix White Flakes in Your Pool

Once you’ve identified the cause of the white flakes in your pool water, it’s time to take action to fix the problem. Here are some steps you can take to resolve the issue:

1. Test Your Pool’s Water Chemistry

The first step in resolving the white flakes issue is to test the water chemistry. Check the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels. Make sure that all of these levels are within the recommended ranges:

• pH: 7.4 to 7.6
  

• Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
  

• Calcium Hardness: 200 to 400 ppm
  

Testing the water will help you determine what adjustments need to be made to balance the water chemistry.

2. Lower High Calcium Hardness

If you find that your calcium hardness is too high, you can lower it by using a calcium hardness reducer or draining a portion of the water and replacing it with fresh water. This will help dilute the calcium levels in the pool.

• Calcium Hardness Reducer: Products are available that can help lower calcium hardness levels in your pool water.
  

• Dilution: Draining some water and refilling your pool with fresh water can help lower calcium levels.
  

3. Balance pH and Alkalinity

If your pH or alkalinity is out of balance, you can adjust the levels by adding the appropriate chemicals. To lower the pH, use a pH decreaser or muriatic acid. To raise the pH, use a pH increaser. If the alkalinity is too high, use an alkalinity reducer.

• pH: 7.4 to 7.6
  

• Alkalinity: 80 to 120 ppm
  

4. Stop Using Calcium-Based Pool Chemicals

If you’ve been using calcium hypochlorite or calcium chloride too frequently, consider switching to a different type of pool shock or sanitizer that doesn’t contain calcium. This will prevent excess calcium buildup and the formation of white flakes.

5. Use a Metal Sequestrant

If metal contamination is the cause of the white flakes, use a metal sequestrant to bind with the metals and prevent them from reacting with pool chemicals. This will help clear the white flakes from the water.

• Metal Sequestrant: A metal sequestrant will help keep metals in the water from precipitating and causing issues like white flakes.
  

Preventing White Flakes in Your Pool

To avoid dealing with white flakes in the future, here are some preventative steps to take:

1. Regularly Test Your Pool Water: Test your pool water chemistry frequently to ensure that the pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness are in balance.
   

2. Use the Right Pool Chemicals: Avoid overusing calcium-based chemicals, and be sure to use the correct type of pool shock or sanitizer for your pool.
   

3. Maintain Proper Filtration: Regularly clean and maintain your pool’s filtration system to ensure that it’s functioning properly and removing contaminants from the water.
   

4. Monitor Calcium Levels: Keep an eye on your pool’s calcium levels, and adjust them as needed to prevent buildup.
   

How to Keep Your Pool Flake-Free

White flakes in your pool water are typically a sign of an imbalance in your pool’s water chemistry, often related to high calcium hardness, incorrect pH levels, or overuse of calcium-based chemicals. By testing your water, balancing your chemicals, and using the right pool products, you can resolve the issue and keep your pool clear and inviting.