Cara's Pool School — calcium build up

Although only slightly different than Calcium Hardness, a Total Hardness test also includes magnesium as part of its reading and should be ideally maintained between 250 - 500 ppm. If Calcium Hardness levels are too low for any real period of time, water can become aggressive toward the pool surface, tile grout, and equipment components exposed to the water; which will result in permanent corrosion and damage that will require repair or replacement. When Calcium or Total Hardness levels get too high, the water can turn cloudy (referred to as precipitation) or deposits (referred to as scale) can form in/on...

Calcium hardness levels tend to be high throughout the southwest, when it comes to tap and fill water. Over time, that number only increases as calcium-based products are added for balance or treatment and also as water evaporates; since the calcium and other minerals contained within the evaporated water are left behind. Calcium is necessary for proper water balance, so there's no real and effective way to remove it from the equation all together. However, routine use of an effective scale control product -- sometimes referred to as a sequestrant or chelant -- can make a notable difference and impact...