The Importance of Managing Calcium Hardness Levels
While we’ve covered balancing your pool’s pH and alkalinity levels previously, there is one other important measurement worth watching—your calcium hardness level. This level is all about maintaining ideal water quality and avoiding corrosion on your pool’s plumbing or surface. Here’s everything you need to know to manage it well.
Simply put, calcium hardness is a measure of how much calcium is dissolved in your water, which will determine how hard or soft your water is. Generally, the level for a plaster pool should be between 150 and 400 ppm, with a level of 200 to 275 ppm being the most ideal.
The Negative Effects of Unbalance
If you level falls below these benchmarks, your water will become too soft and corrosive. At this point, it will start to eat away at different areas of your pool, leading to costly repairs later on. If your level rises above this range, your water will become too hard, leaving you with cloudy water that doesn’t clear up with chlorine or shock. This will also lead to visible calcium buildup on your pool walls or in your pipes.
How to Balance Your Calcium Hardness Levels
Before running any tests, make sure that your pH and alkalinity are balanced. After that, check your calcium hardness level and take the appropriate action. If your level is too low (below 150 ppm), add calcium hardness increaser to your pool, being sure to follow the instructions provided with the product.
If your level is too high (above 400 ppm), there are a couple of routes to take. You can start by replacing a portion of your water with fresh water. Another option is to use a flocculant to cause the calcium to gather together. Afterward, clean your pool’s surface and then clean your pump filter and backwash.
If neither of these tactics gets you to the level you need, you can add muriatic acid to your pool to raise the saturation levels. This won’t reduce your water’s hardness, but the rise created will bring your water into balance according to the saturation index. This method is best done only at the instruction or with the assistance of a trained pool service provider.
While it requires some extra effort, maintaining the proper calcium hardness level in your pool is worth it. By staying on top of your maintenance and adding the right chemicals at the right time, you can save yourself the money and headache that comes along with calcium buildup or corrosion. If you found this article useful, share it with a friend. And if you have any pool needs of your own, don’t hesitate to contact us today.
