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Water Hardness

Water hardness in a pool is a very important part of balancing water chemistry. If water has too little hardness, it will be aggressive water. This aggressive nature of water will need to satisfy its mineral appetite. If there are not enough minerals in solution to satisfy it, the water will look places to satisfy its mineral hunger. The surface of plaster pools and spas are very vulnerable to this search for minerals. Pool heaters are also very vulnerable. Pool water should seek a hardness rating of 175 - 225 PPM.

How Temperature affects Hardness

The aggressiveness of the water changes with the temperature of the water.

When the water is cold, it looks to dissolve calcium from the surface and equipment. This will result in corrosion or etching of the pool surface.
When the water is warm, it forces the minerals out of the solution and is more likely to form scale.

If hardness is high, the water will tend to form scale on the surfaces of the pool such as the plumbing, equipment, liner, and heater; especially if the water temperature is high. The only way to lower the hardness is to drain some of the water and add water from a new water source, or to use a chemical product.

For decreasing the hardness in your pool, American Sale recommends Proteam Metal Magic. If the hardness is low, the water will corrode the pool equipment and plumbing and may also etch the pool surface. This tendency is also intensified if the pH and the total alkalinity are low. Plaster pools are very susceptible because the surface is very rich in calcium. For increasing the hardness in your pool, American Sale recommends Proteam Calcium Up.

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