Hardness is a term often used in referring to the mineral content of the water in a swimming pool. All water supplies have varying amounts of calcium and magnesium, which make pool water hard.
While many people prefer it for household use, soft water can be disastrous in a swimming pool or spa. People often think they have very hard water in their homes, but chances are their water would be too "soft" for the pool. Pool water must have a high degree of hardness, otherwise the pool itself and its equipment will deteriorate. The recommended range for calcium harness is between 200 and 500 ppm/mgl. Calcium hardness can be raised by adding calcium chloride and lowered by replacing old pool water with fresh water.
The Pool Pump • The Filters • Sand Filtration • D.E. Filtration • Cartridge Filtration
Water Chemistry • Popular Disinfectants • Chorine • Calcium Hypochorite • Sodium Hypochlorite • Stabilized Chlorines •
Bromine • Other Disinfectants • Water Balance • pH • Total Alkalinity • Calcium Hardness • Total Dissolved Solids •
Balancing Pool Water • Water Testing • Pool Vacs & Sweepers
Pool Maintenance • Daily Chores • Weekly Chores • Solving Common Problems • Cloudy, Milky Water • Malodorous, Irritating Water
Green Water • Red or Brown Water • Blue - Green Water • Blue or Black Water • Pump Problems • Sand in Pool •
Excessive Water Loss • Excessive Foaming