Gaggia Baby de scale - frequency?

[Cafeconhielo]

I know there are always variables here but I currently de scale my Gaggia Baby every 3 months.

Yes I have hard water but considering I only use the machine once maybe twice a day for a double shot, do you consider this as being overkill and could I safely extend the period to twice a year?

Opinions valued. Thank you.

[bruceb]

I guess the only answer is to shine light into the boiler after 3 months of use and look in there to see how much scale has built up. It will depend wholly on how hard your water is and what kind of hardness (ratio of calcium to magnesium/etc.) there is. Since the chemistry is rather gray (because you probably don't know and may not be able easily to find out the variables) checking the boiler is most likely the best way to decide. Considering your usage descaling every 3 months does seem a bit much, but again that depends upon the quality of your water.