Have you ever seen your pool water getting cloudy just days after swimming pool cleaning? It can even be more frustrating when unsightly, white residue builds up around the edge of your pool.
These problems may be caused by an abnormal amount of mineral deposits in the pool, known as calcium hardness. Managing calcium hardness is an essential aspect of pool maintenance to keep it clean, comfortable, and pristine.
This blog will explore calcium hardness, what it does to your pool, and how to resolve this issue to clear your swimming oasis.
What is Calcium Hardness?
Calcium hardness refers to the concentration of calcium ions in your pool water. It’s measured in parts per million (ppm), and the ideal range for most pools falls between 200 ppm and 400 ppm. But why is calcium even present in your pool water in the first place?
Water naturally contains minerals, including calcium and magnesium. When you fill your pool with tap water, these minerals come along for the ride. Calcium hardness is essential because it helps to maintain water balance, preventing corrosion of your pool equipment and damage to the pool’s surfaces.
The Effects of High Calcium Hardness on Your Pool
While minerals are naturally infused in tap water, high concentrations can cause many problems for swimming pools. Here are some of the expected effects of high calcium levels:
Cloudy Water: As calcium levels rise, the water can become cloudy, making swimming less appealing. This cloudiness is caused by the formation of calcium carbonate particles that can scatter light, giving your pool water a dull appearance.
Scaling: As the calcium ions in the water combine with carbonate ions, they precipitate out of the water and cling to surfaces. Over time, this results in scale buildup on your pool’s walls, floors, and equipment. Scale deposits look unsightly and can damage your pool and its components.
Reduced Water Flow: Scaling isn’t limited to pool surfaces; it can clog your pool’s plumbing and filtration system. Reduced water flow affects the pool’s circulation and makes maintaining the water’s cleanliness harder.
Algae Growth: High calcium hardness can create an environment conducive to algae growth. Algae thrive in areas with abundant minerals, and they can quickly turn your sparkling pool into a green, murky mess.
Resolving High Calcium Hardness
Now that you understand the adverse effects of high calcium hardness, let’s explore some practical ways to resolve this issue:
Drain and Refill: The most straightforward method to lower calcium hardness is to drain your pool and refill it with fresh water partially. This dilutes the concentration of calcium ions in the pool. However, this approach may not be suitable for regions with water restrictions.
Use a Reverse Osmosis (RO) System: RO systems are designed to filter water at a molecular level, effectively removing excess calcium ions and other impurities. This can be costly but highly effective at reducing calcium hardness.
Chemical Treatment: You can also use specialized chemicals to lower calcium hardness. These chemicals bind to the excess calcium ions, allowing them to be filtered out of the water. Following the manufacturer’s instructions and maintaining proper water balance when using these products is essential.
Maintain Proper Water Balance: Regularly test and adjust your pool’s pH, alkalinity, and calcium hardness levels to ensure they are within the recommended ranges. This proactive approach can help prevent calcium-related issues from arising in the first place.
Preventive Measures: Consider using a sequestering agent or a water softener to minimize calcium buildup. These products can help prevent scale formation and keep your pool surfaces and equipment in better condition.
Say Goodbye to High Calcium Hardness With Weber Pools’ Puripool
High calcium hardness levels can lead to cloudy water, scaling, reduced water flow, and even algae growth. Fortunately, Weber Pool offers a proven solution to combat calcium hardness. The best part is: that it is also good for the environment.
Puripool by Weber Pools is a reverse osmosis swimming pool cleaning solution that offers an eco-friendly way of filtering minerals from pool water. It is proven to be very effective in preventing high calcium hardness levels in residential and commercial pools.
Contact us today to try our Puripool solution.