The Cheapest Way to Increase Calcium Hardness in a Pool

Altering your pool’s water chemistry isn’t going to cost you an arm and a leg, and one element of balanced water is to have calcium hardness. One cannot ignore the importance of calcium hardness in pool water in order to protect the pool and avoid various issues. But how can you do that? Let’s find out the cheapest way to increase calcium hardness in a pool, why it’s essential, and the steps to do it right without overspending. Save money while keeping your pool in excellent condition!

What Is Calcium Hardness?

Calcium hardness is defined by the dissolved calcium ions bonded with anions. The measure would be expressed in parts per million (ppm) as the amount of calcium carbonate (CaCO3) in a water body. The calcium total hardness in pools is the base of the balanced entire pool chemistry. Minimum calcium content in the water or soft water will corrode metal parts or etch plaster and grout. High calcium content in water or hard water produces cloudiness, and scales deposit on pool surfaces and in the equipment. One may use a calcium hardness reducer for the required maintenance. The recommended calcium hardness level in swimming pools is 200-400 ppm.

Cheapest Way to Increase Calcium Hardness in Pool

The cheapest way to increase calcium hardness in pool is by using bulk or hardware store calcium chloride, often sold as de-icing salt. It may be the least expensive method to increase the hardness of calcium in pool. Ensure that the product is mostly calcium chloride with no unwanted contaminants.

How to Add Bulk Calcium Chloride to Your Pool

Many de-icing products or bulk calcium chloride can be dramatically cheaper than pool-branded chemicals. Here’s how you can add bulk calcium chloride to your pool.

Step 1: Test Your Water First

Acquire a reliable test kit or use strips relative to the existing pool calcium hardness levels. Further, the target calcium hardness level, as far as normally expected, should be between 200-400 ppm.

Step 2: Calculate the Amount Needed

Use a formula or chart when determining the amount of calcium chloride required to raise hardness into the desired ppm.

Step 3: Pre-Dissolve in a Bucket

Pre-dissolve calcium chloride in a bucket of water before adding that directly to the pool. This prevents clumping and also protects your pool’s surfaces. Remember, safety comes first.

Step 4: Add Gradually & Circulate

You must pour the dissolved solution slowly around the pool’s perimeter while running the pump. You are advised to add the solution in stages to avoid overshooting.

Step 5: Re-Test & Adjust

You must wait at least a few hours or overnight before re-testing. Adjust as necessary, adding more calcium chloride in small increments if needed.

Safety Tips

Calcium chloride is handled safely by wearing gloves and goggles. This composition should remain dry, cool, free of all other substances, and away from moisture at room temperature.

Other Common Methods to Increase Calcium Hardness

Using calcium chloride solution to increase calcium hardness in the pool is the cheapest method. There are other methods available, but all of those might not be as predictable and practical as the former.

Partial Draining and Refilling With Hard Water

The simplest way is if your tap or well water is naturally high in calcium, draining a portion of the pool and refilling it with hard water can help increase calcium levels.

Downside: The downside is that this can be laborious, and you must confirm the calcium level in your local water supply. Also, repeatedly adjusting other chemicals (like alkalinity, pH, or stabilizer) can become necessary after significant water changes.

Using Calcium-Rich Pool Finish or Plaster

You may consider a newly plastered or re-plastered pool, as they can gradually raise calcium hardness levels over time.

Downside: This is not a short-term solution and may lead to uneven plaster wear or staining.

Calcium Sulfate

Calcium sulfate is ideal for adjusting calcium hardness levels in commercial pools without impacting other factors.

Downside: Less common in residential pools due to the complexities of dosing and the potential for sulfate buildup.

The Wrapping Up

The calcium hardness maintains the well-balanced water in a swimming pool, helping prevent various equipment damages. Bulk calcium chloride is the best and cheapest way to increase calcium hardness in pool, making it effective, affordable, and easy to use when proper steps are taken. Make sure to test your water regularly and be cautious when handling chemicals. To keep your pool water balanced and pleasant all summer long at a bargain price, do the following:

• Test your swimming pool’s calcium levels today.
• Take the first step toward balanced, crystal-clear water today.
• You may also want to invest in a pool cleaner for effortless daily maintenance and long-term savings.