Devastated - What Has Happened to Our Limestone?

[mjc]

We had limestone pavers installed by our pool builder.

Would really appreciate some feedback on this as the builder is blaming us for it, even though we have had nothing to do with the process.

They looked fantastic when we bought them and when they were installed. However, as the photos show they now have white marks all over them and look ruined.

The builder claims it's efflorescence, but we think they have damaged them somehow with an acidic product, or done something else to damage them.

Here are the facts as we know them:

• The pavers were never sealed before the builder installed them.
• The builder has used a Crommelin efflorescence removal product on them. The builder is adamant this product has no acid in it.
• The builder has used Aqua Mix Eff Ex to try and remove it. Nearly 2 x 4 litre bottles have gone on and the pavers look no different.

[automerge]1602893915[/automerge]
This is what they looked like as they were installed, before any grouting or anything done to them by the builder.

 

[Steve6690]

http://www.crommelin.com.au/assets/Uploads/TDS-Efflorescence-Remover-December-2017.pdf

The data sheet says the Crommelin is acid based and seems to suggest it's only for use on concrete and brick.

One question springs to mind - if the Crommelin is safe to use on limestone why switch to another product afterwards, that does the same thing.
I would be confirming product suitability with Crommelin direct and then confront the builder.

 

[mjc]

One question springs to mind - if the Crommelin is safe to use on limestone why switch to another product afterwards, that does the same thing.

Exactly.

The pavers first started looking different to the way we bought them after the builder came and cleaned up after the tiler had finished installation. Didn't look as bad as they do now, but they had noticeable white discoloration to the.

We complained about it and said whatever you do don't use acid on the pavers, they said the damage is just efflorescence and came back and cleaned it with the Crommelin product while I was at work, which I have since learned has acid in it.

The pavers looked horrible after that and we kicked up a fuss. They were then were told to use the Eff Ex product by a stone company they work with, so started treating it with that afterwards.