The total mineral that contains in the pool water such as calcium, magnesium, iron, manganese and sodium are responsible for Total hardness. On the other hand, pool calcium hardness means the amount of calcium ions concentration in water express as CaCO₃. Both high and low levels of calcium hardness create problems in swimming pool. The perfect level of calcium hardness in pool water is 150-350 ppm. This range is also true for the salt water pool system. The water condition at all state in USA is not same. The water of some areas is very soft whereas some areas are very hard. For example, the calcium hardness in Central Oregon is about 1ppm-5ppm; on the other hand, it is 200ppm-350ppm or higher in Arizona, Southern California, Florida, and Nevada.

How to test calcium hardness

It should be routine work to test pool calcium hardness for keeping it at proper levels. Then, you can able to keep your pool, pool water, equipment, even yourself risk free. To test you need a test kit or test strips. It is an occasional test not a regular, because it does not change dramatically. It is better to test twitch a month or one time in a month. If you add other chemicals that contain calcium or adding water into your pool, then it needs more frequent testing.

TAYLOR TECHNOLOGIES INC K-2006 TEST KIT COMP CHLORINE FAS-DPD

Problems for high calcium hardness in pool
If the pool calcium hardness is too high, then you have to face many problems. A scale will be formed on the pool surfaces. It will hamper the plumbing system; scales may form in pipes and filter and they become clogged. As a result the water flow and filtration effectiveness will be reduced. When the amount of hardness too much, then the water turns into dull and cloudy. High calcium levels will also causes sore eyes; irritate Skin and eyes of the swimmers.

Pool Calcium hardness reducer
It is very hard to reducing calcium hardness in pool water. You can reduce it by replacing some portion of pool water with fresh water. But in this case, you have to face others chemical problems as they also drain. So alkalinity, chlorine level, pH etc also affected. The other method is using Pool Calcium hardness reducer which is more effective seems to me. It solves the pool calcium hardness problems; same time does not effect on other chemicals. Prevent it from depositing out. You can also try to reduce calcium hardness in pool water by using zeolite in your sand filter. In addition any resin based water softening filter can also reduce calcium hardness. Otherwise you can consult with pool experts.

Doheny’s Calcium Hardness Reducer – 4 Quarts (4-1 Qt. Bottles)

Problems for low calcium hardness in pool water
If the pool calcium hardness is too low, it is also harmful to pool and its equipments. The pool water turns into corrosive. As a result the pool’s surface like plaster becomes pitting and etching. The metal equipment such as pipes, filter, pump will be oxidized and rust rapidly. It can create stains of the pool’s walls and floor.

Pool Calcium hardness increaser
Low calcium hardness can easily be increased by using pool Calcium hardness increaser. Calcium chloride is the popular Calcium hardness increaser. How much calcium chlorides will needs it can be calculated by the analysis of calcium hardness level and amount of water. It is recommended that Calcium Chloride should not mix in a bucket as it is rising temperature. Moreover, should not use all calculated amount of Calcium Chloride at a time. Add half or one third amount for 1st time and circulated the water for 3-4 hours. Test the water and add more if needed. At first it may makes the water cloudy; after for a while it will clear. It may take about four hours.

In The Swim Pool Calcium Hardness Increaser – 25 lb. Pail

Calcium hypochlorite is another solution of the pool calcium hardness but it can also increase the chlorine level. If the chlorine level of your pool is lower, then you can easily use it as Calcium hardness increaser.

Leisure Time CB Calcium Booster, Quart