Detergent compositions effective for controlling hard water scale accumulation are disclosed. Detergent compositions employing phosphinosuccinic acid and mono-, bis- and oligomeric phosphinosuccinic acid (PSO) derivatives with alkali metal carbonate and/or alkali metal hydroxide reduce hard water scale accumulation on treated surfaces at alkaline conditions between about pH of 9 and 12.5. Methods employing the detergent compositions and preventing hard water scale accumulation are also provided.