A swimming pool can be a great way to beat the heat and enjoy the outdoors during the summer months. However, keeping a pool clean and well-maintained can be a challenging task, and one of the most important aspects of pool maintenance is keeping the water chemistry balanced. One key aspect of this is maintaining the appropriate level of total hardness in the pool water. In this article, we will discuss the right way to balance your pool’s total hardness.

What is Total Hardness?

Total hardness is a measure of the amount of dissolved minerals, such as calcium and magnesium, in the pool water. These minerals are naturally present in the water and can come from the source water used to fill the pool, as well as from other sources such as pool chemicals and debris that may accumulate in the water.

Why is Total Hardness Important?

Maintaining the correct level of total hardness in your pool is crucial for several reasons.

The impact of low total hardness on a pool’s surface and equipment is due to the aggressive nature of the water. When the water is aggressive, it has a low pH, and it will pull minerals from the pool’s surface and equipment to balance out the water chemistry. This process can cause etching, pitting, or roughness on the pool’s surface and equipment, leading to damage over time.

If the total hardness is too high, the water can become cloudy, and scaling can form on the pool’s surface and equipment. Scaling occurs when calcium and magnesium minerals come out of the solution and adhere to the pool’s surface. This scaling can make the pool’s surface rough, and it can clog up the pool’s equipment, such as the filter and heater, leading to reduced efficiency and higher maintenance costs.

Testing for Hardness

To maintain the appropriate level of total hardness in your pool, you must first test the water to determine the current level of hardness. You can purchase a pool test kit at most pool supply stores or have the water professionally tested. The test kit should include a test for total hardness, which typically involves adding a few drops of a testing solution to a water sample and observing the color change.

The appropriate level of total hardness for a pool varies depending on the type of pool and the type of surface material used. Generally, total hardness levels should be between 200 and 400 parts per million (ppm). If the total hardness level is below 200 ppm, it is considered too low, and if it is above 400 ppm, it is considered too high.

In addition to impacting the pool’s surface and equipment, the total hardness of the water can also impact the effectiveness of other pool chemicals. For example, if the total hardness is too low, it can cause the pH level to fluctuate, making it difficult to maintain the correct pH level in the pool. This can make other chemicals, such as chlorine, less effective at sanitizing the water, which can lead to algae growth and other water quality issues.

Balancing Hardness

• Before attempting to balance the total hardness, it is important to test the pool water to determine its current hardness level. This can be done using a pool test kit, which will provide a numerical value for the hardness level in parts per million (ppm).

• If the total hardness level is too low, you can increase it by adding a calcium hardness increaser to the pool water. This chemical will raise the calcium and magnesium levels, thus increasing the total hardness of the water. This chemical is usually in the form of calcium chloride, and it is available at most pool supply stores. Follow the instructions on the product label to determine the appropriate amount of chemical to add, based on the size of the pool and the desired increase in hardness level. After adding the calcium hardness increaser, allow the water to circulate for several hours before retesting the hardness level.

• If the total hardness level is too high, you can lower it by partially draining the pool and refilling it with fresh water. Be sure to monitor the total hardness level during the refill process to ensure that it does not become too low. The amount of water that needs to be drained will depend on the current hardness level and the desired reduction. It is important to monitor the hardness level during the refill process to ensure that it does not become too low. Another option is to use a water softener, which can be installed on the incoming water line to reduce the hardness level before it enters the pool.

Once the total hardness level has been balanced, it is important to maintain it at the appropriate level. Regular testing of the water, usually once a week, is necessary to ensure that the hardness level stays within the recommended range. If the hardness level begins to drift out of range, steps can be taken to adjust it as needed. Additionally, using a quality pool cover to keep out debris and preventing excessive water evaporation can help reduce the frequency of adding chemicals to the pool, which can affect the water chemistry.

Conclusion

Balancing the hardness of a pool is a critical aspect of pool maintenance that should not be overlooked. Maintaining the appropriate level of calcium and magnesium in the pool water is necessary to prevent damage to the pool’s surface and equipment, ensure water clarity, and maintain effective pool chemical balance.

Regular testing and adjustment of the total hardness level can help prevent costly repairs and maintenance issues down the line. By following the recommended guidelines and using appropriate pool chemicals, pool owners can ensure that their pools remain in optimal condition for years to come.

So, keep a close eye on your pool’s total hardness, and take the necessary steps to balance it when needed to ensure a clean and healthy swimming environment.

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