Water chemistry
Scale
Scale is hard white or gray calcium buildup on tile, surfaces, and equipment.
Scale forms when water carries more calcium than it can hold. Heat, high pH, and high alkalinity all make it worse. You see it as a crusty line at the waterline, rough plaster, or white flakes at the heater and salt cell.
Left alone, scale cuts flow, clogs heat exchangers, and cuts the life of a salt cell. Fix the balance first by checking pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness. A pro can then remove built-up scale from tile and equipment.
Related terms
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