How Important is Calcium Hardness?

Rick the Spa Guy

Just How Important is Calcium Hardness? 

First lets discuss what this product is and how it pertains to water. 


Calcium is a naturally occurring mineral that is frequently found in high concentrations:  such water is called "hard" water.  Calcium hardness chemistry is one of the important pool water parameters and its control is important, to help assure proper water quality and help avoid certain pool water problems.  The preferred ranges, in swimming pools, are 80-150 PPM in a vinyl pool and 150-200 PPM in a masonry finish pool.

  Low levels of pool water calcium hardness (soft water) can lead to the problems of corrosive water conditions.  Chemicals are available to raise the calcium hardness, as might be necessary.  High pool water calcium hardness levels, especially above 400 PPM, can lead to possible pool water clarity problems and scaling conditions. 

Chlorine products containing calcium hypochlorite raise the hardness level, each time the product is added. 

   Various chelating or sequestering Mineral Treating Products are available to help deal with the problems associated with high calcium hardness levels.   Pool water calcium levels can be determined by a simple water analysis.  This is especially important with well water, as other problematic minerals might be present and could require treatment. 


Now all this being said your water needs to have a proper level of Calcium, if not the water will try to draw the calcium from other items in the plumbing such as pump seals, in a pool it will draw it out from the concrete walls or vinyl liner and all these things will cause damage to the pool or spa.


Over abundance of calcium will cause cloudy water and scale deposits which feel like grit on the walls of the pool or spa. To lowel calcium levels you can add fresh water or use a metal sequestering agent, if you need to raise the level add Calcium Hardness Increaser.


Proper levels in a pool are stated above for a spa keep the level at 200-250 ppm (parts per million) By following this you will have nice balanced water as long as your PH and Alkalinity levels are good all will be well.


I hope this better helps you maintain your water, or at least understand why you are doing all this.


Until Next Time...