Pool water chemistry involves maintaining proper levels of chlorine (1-3ppm based on CYA), pH (7.4-7.6), alkalinity (60-120ppm), and calcium hardness (250-350ppm for plaster). Regular testing with quality kits and proper chemical dosing ensures safe, clear water.
Yes, you can shock your pool after adding calcium hardness increaser. Wait 2-4 hours for the calcium to fully circulate and dissolve before adding shock to prevent chemical interactions and ensure even distribution.
Salt water pools still require chemicals for proper water balance, including pH adjusters, stabilizer, and calcium hardness increasers. The salt chlorine generator only produces chlorine, not other essential chemicals needed for safe swimming water.
Yes, vinyl pools need calcium hardness maintained between 150-250 ppm to prevent equipment corrosion and water balance issues. This is lower than plaster pools which need 250-350 ppm.
You can typically swim 2-4 hours after adding calcium hardness increaser, once it's fully dissolved and circulated. Always test calcium hardness levels and ensure proper water balance before swimming.
Yes, liner pools need calcium hardness maintained between 150-300 ppm for proper water balance and equipment protection. While vinyl liners don't require as much calcium as plaster pools, maintaining adequate levels prevents corrosive water conditions.
IHG points are hotel rewards, not pool-related. However, pool water balance involves key chemistry points: pH (7.4-7.6), free chlorine based on CYA levels, total alkalinity (80-120), and calcium hardness (250-350 for plaster).
Fiberglass pools need calcium hardness maintained between 150-300 ppm for proper water balance and equipment protection. Lower levels than plaster pools are acceptable since fiberglass doesn't dissolve like concrete surfaces.
Yes, saltwater pools still need chemicals including pH adjusters, alkalinity increasers, stabilizer, and calcium hardness increasers. The salt chlorine generator only produces chlorine - you must manually balance all other water chemistry parameters.
Yes, saltwater pools absolutely need calcium hardness maintained between 200-400 ppm depending on surface type. Low calcium can damage equipment and surfaces, while high levels cause scaling on the salt cell.
You can typically swim 2-4 hours after adding calcium hardness increaser, provided the pool has circulated properly and the chemical has fully dissolved. Always test and balance other chemistry levels first.
Not all pools need calcium at the same levels. Plaster pools require 250-350 ppm calcium hardness to prevent etching, while vinyl and fiberglass pools need lower levels around 150-250 ppm to avoid scale buildup and equipment damage.
Vinyl pools do need calcium hardness, but at lower levels than plaster pools - typically 150-300 ppm compared to 250-350 for plaster. Too low causes corrosion, too high causes scaling and cloudy water.
Yes, pools need calcium to prevent equipment damage and surface deterioration. Ideal calcium hardness levels are 250-350 ppm for plaster pools and 150-300 ppm for vinyl/fiberglass pools.
Fiberglass pools do need calcium hardness, but at lower levels than plaster pools. Maintain CH between 150-300 ppm to prevent equipment damage while avoiding surface issues.
