What cordless tool for removing calcium buildup from pool tiles ?

Kev

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Nov 7, 2011
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Hi All,

I'm thinking something like a multi master with a oscillating abrasive surface or the like. First pass possibly with a flat scraper blade.

(most important is not to damage the ceramic surface of the tiles or overly agitate the grouting)

Cordless - because of electrical safety - avoiding pneumatic because of the hassle adding a compressor.

Dust collection isn't important in this.

Has anyone done anything like this before?

If I didn't already have a mains Fein Multi Master, I'd probably grab a cordless one. Bosch, Dremel, Milwaukee all seem to offer cordless tools that have similar function.

Dilemma  [unsure]
 
Kev,

I don't know how bad your build up is, but vinegar will usually dissolve / soften calcium.

Peter
 
Peter Halle said:
Kev,

I don't know how bad your build up is, but vinegar will usually dissolve / soften calcium.

Peter

I'll give it a go Peter, but I did attempt some nasty specific calcium killer stuff that did very little. I'll report back on the vinegar.

Kev
 
Kev,

If you have tried one of those products which are usually heavy duty acids without success, vinegar will probably work as well as shooting at an elephant with a BB gun.  [eek]
 
I am not certain these are available down under but is it possible to use something like "Lime Away" or "CLR"?

If the build-up is significant, you may need a method for allowing the product to stay in contact with the calcium while it does its thing.

Other than that, I have nothing... :(

Kev said:
Hi All,

I'm thinking something like a multi master with a oscillating abrasive surface or the like. First pass possibly with a flat scraper blade.

(most important is not to damage the ceramic surface of the tiles or overly agitate the grouting)

Cordless - because of electrical safety - avoiding pneumatic because of the hassle adding a compressor.

Dust collection isn't important in this.

Has anyone done anything like this before?

If I didn't already have a mains Fein Multi Master, I'd probably grab a cordless one. Bosch, Dremel, Milwaukee all seem to offer cordless tools that have similar function.

Dilemma  [unsure]
 
GreenGA said:
I am not certain these are available down under but is it possible to use something like "Lime Away" or "CLR"?

If the build-up is significant, you may need a method for allowing the product to stay in contact with the calcium while it does its thing.

Other than that, I have nothing... :(

Kev said:
Hi All,

I'm thinking something like a multi master with a oscillating abrasive surface or the like. First pass possibly with a flat scraper blade.

(most important is not to damage the ceramic surface of the tiles or overly agitate the grouting)

Cordless - because of electrical safety - avoiding pneumatic because of the hassle adding a compressor.

Dust collection isn't important in this.

Has anyone done anything like this before?

If I didn't already have a mains Fein Multi Master, I'd probably grab a cordless one. Bosch, Dremel, Milwaukee all seem to offer cordless tools that have similar function.

Dilemma  [unsure]

The calcium build up I'm talking about laughed at CLR - hence my desire to get a bit more brutal.

I've been cruising the local suppliers online tonight while watching a cliff hanger of an Astralian Open match. I'm thinking the cordless Dremel multi - not the biggest horsepower cordless, but I'm not concerned if it takes a bit longer (would seem silly to get anything bigger when I have the mains Fein multimaster). I'll use it in conjunction with a flat scraper blade.
 
You could also try the LS130 with scraper. The scraper is about 3" wide, and runs in a straight scraping motion. Maybe that would be helpful compared to the oscillation or maybe not? But it is another option to consider especially since you need to avoid damage.

I have the scraper but have not had an opportunity to use it, so I can't say how well it works. I just figured since I had the sander it would be good to have available. 

It would add another tool cost , but certainly has additional uses.

Seth
 
Ooops , forgot you said cordless  ::) Oh well.

Seth
 
Check your local hardware store. You should be able to find muriatic acid (hydrochloric acid) that is used for etching floors, etc. I guarantee your calcium will not scoff at this. It's like lime-away/CLR on steroids. (CLR is just a weak (diluted) acid.)

Dilute it with a water, because it is far too strong at full concentration, and wear gloves. You'll be able to wipe your calcium off with just a sponge. The tile will be safe, but if you need to clean any metal, dilute it more and rinse it off immediately.
 
As noted, muriatic acid wil work better than an off the shelf cleaner like CLR. I think anything you use mechanically is sure to cause SOME damage to the tile or grout. Some sort of rechargable car polisher with a scrubbing pad might help
 
SRSemenza said:
You could also try the LS130 with scraper. The scraper is about 3" wide, and runs in a straight scraping motion. Maybe that would be helpful compared to the oscillation or maybe not? But it is another option to consider especially since you need to avoid damage.

I have the scraper but have not had an opportunity to use it, so I can't say how well it works. I just figured since I had the sander it would be good to have available. 

It would add another tool cost , but certainly has additional uses.

Seth

seth have you more info on this . im on the fence over that sander and dont have a 'next festool to buy ' slot open [wink] [eek]

i dont see the scraper part on th euk or irish sites
 
Citric acid works somewhat better than vinegar. Muriatic acid is dangerous, be very careful and start off very dilute if you try this.

Glass bead, walnut shell or Epson salt blasting is the best way to handle pool calcium deposits. Messy though. You may be able to rent a machine.

 
Been a long time since I managed pools, but the muriatic/hydrochloric acid might do the trick for you.

You do not want to get it on your skin, eyes or clothing. You do not want to breathe the vapors. You do not want to pour water into it to dilute it.

Repeat those three lines. Often.

Don't try to apply it by hand. Get several stiff brush heads (you'll likely lose a few to disintegration along the way) that you can screw a pole to, then dip and scrub.
 
andvari said:
Glass bead, walnut shell or Epson salt blasting is the best way to handle pool calcium deposits. Messy though. You may be able to rent a machine.

Plus one on the high pressure blasting, but let the pro do it or you can damage the tile glazing.
 
GPowers said:
andvari said:
Glass bead, walnut shell or Epson salt blasting is the best way to handle pool calcium deposits. Messy though. You may be able to rent a machine.

Plus one on the high pressure blasting, but let the pro do it or you can damage the tile glazing.

I've got a monster high pressure blaster ... but it's certain to destroy the grouting.

Going to give this a go (Dremel 8300)

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Picked it up this morning. I figure once I've agitated enough of the rough weather baked/hardened surface, I can get away with a mild chemical to dissolve the remainder.

Looked into some of the various nasty acids - can be dangerous stuff. I have the added added complication of natural sandstone - spilling acid on it will write if off!

I was going to use a scraper blade in the Dremel, but I'm going to try some tape round a narrow blade (to add ~1mm height), then guide it flush to the tile face as an initial experiment.

Kev.

 
Tried it - works great - just need to drop the water levee a couple of inches. Dremel is cordless ... but probably no good under water  [big grin]

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The little Dremel is a handy size ... the 8300 is a 10.8v Lithium unit. The batteries are small too (1.3Ah), so the charge wouldn't last that long. It makes a nice little baby brother for the Fein Multimaster.

A quick trial on soft wood with the same narrow cutting blade I taped up here was reasonable impressive too.

$AU180 with the accessory set of blades - so I'd guess $US130(ish) street price.

Dremel 8300-1 set and 5 bade accessory pack.

 
What's that old adage,

Always Add Water?      When diluting acid.  Be careful. [smile]
 
Though it does not qualify as a cordless tool, I'll go ahead and place my vote for Muriatic Acid. From an internet search, It seems as though that is Pool industry's standard solution.
 
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