Does Calcium Hardness Matter Vinyl Pool

When people see calcium scale or plaster problems that are white in color they immediately assume it s calcium s fault.

Does calcium hardness matter vinyl pool. These are symptoms of swimming pool water that is unbalanced. In addition to ph and total alkalinity calcium hardness must be kept in balance so that your pool water does not become too corrosive or end up scaling the surface of your pool. An edited version of this article originally appeared in the summer 2007 issue of the edge a publication of the northeast spa pool association. If your pool has a vinyl or fiberglass liner the calcium hardness level should be between 175 parts per million ppm and 225 ppm.

If calcium hardness goes above 400 ppm you will likely see a white flaky crust on the liner and pool equipment. A low level can result in foaming which is unpleasant but shouldn t harm the liner. If a vinyl liner s calcium level is too low this soft water situation could lead to foaming and other water problems and can harm the vinyl. Calcium on the low and high end of the scales will eventually cause problems and when they do be ready for some serious problems.

Fortunately calcium hardness changes rather slowly so a once a month testing and adjustment should be all you need. Low calcium as is often the case will cause long term serious damage especially to plaster vinyl liners grout in between tiles metal rails and even concrete decking around the. The recommended range is 150 400 ppm parts per million with an often cited stricter range of 200 400 ppm. It also produces itchy skin.

In reality calcium is actually your best friend for water balance as it is remarkably stable and able to help you keep your pool in lsi balance year. Calcium hardness must be actively managed along with ph and total alkalinity to keep water in proper chemical balance. Low calcium levels in the pool. Calcium hardness is also very important to the chemical balancing of your vinyl liner swimming pool.

If you have a concrete or plaster pool keep the level between 200 ppm and 275 ppm. Calcium for a liner pool can be a bit lower than a plaster pool in the range of 150 250 ppm. Calcium hardness has a bad reputation and that reputation is undeserved.