How to adjust your pool's Total Alkalinity & Calcium Hardness

Maintaining proper Total Alkalinity (TA) helps prevent 'pH bounce" when in a range of 80 - 125 ppm. Low TA can cause difficulty in bringing and keeping pH in its proper range as well as corrosion. High TA leads to scaling. Proper Calcium Hardness - between 250 - 350 ppm - prevents long-term corrosion (low CH) and scaling of pool surfaces and equipment (high CH).  If you live in an area of "hard water," be sure to have your water tested frequently. Special adjustments will need to be addressed including pH & Total Alkalinity to prevent scaling & damage to your pool & its equipment.

How to Increase the Total Alkalinity in Your Pool
Test Results	ADD	Pool Volume in U.S. GALLONS
		7,500	10,000	12,500	15,000	17,500	20,000	22,500	25,000	27,500	30,000
40 ppm	Balance Pak 100	9 lbs.	12 lbs.	15 lbs.	18 lbs.	21 lbs.	24 lbs.	27 lbs.	30 lbs.	33 lbs.	36 lbs.
60 ppm	Balance Pak 100	7 lbs.	9 lbs.	11 lbs.	13 lbs.	16 lbs.	18 lbs.	20 lbs.	22 lbs.	25 lbs.	27 lbs.
80 ppm	Balance Pak 100	4 lbs.	6 lbs.	7.5 lbs.	9 lbs.	10 lbs.	12 lbs.	13 lbs.	15 lbs.	16 lbs.	18 lbs.
100 ppm	Acceptable Range! Vinyl/Fiberglass Pools:  125 - 150 ppm Concrete/Gunite Pools:  100 - 150 ppm
120 ppm
160 ppm
200 ppm	Lo 'n Slo	5 lbs.	6 lbs.	7 lbs.	9 lbs.	11 lbs.	13 lbs.	14 lbs.	16 lbs.	18 lbs.	20 lbs.
220 ppm	Lo 'n Slo	7 lbs.	9 lbs.	11 lbs.	14 lbs.	17 lbs.	19 lbs.	21 lbs.	24 lbs.	27 lbs.	30 lbs.
240 ppm	Lo 'n Slo	9 lbs.	11 lbs.	14 lbs.	19 lbs.	23 lbs.	25 lbs.	28 lbs.	32 lbs.	36 lbs.	40 lbs.

All dosages are approximate. Remember to retest the Total Alkalinity the following day, letting the filter run continuously & adjust as necessary.   Learn about the importance of Good Water Balance here.

Buy Balance Pak 100 here

How to Increase the Calcium Hardness in Your Pool
Test Results	YOU NEED	Pool Volume in U.S. GALLONS
		7,500	10,000	12,500	15,000	17,500	20,000	22,500	25,000	27,500	30,000
50 ppm	Balance Pak 300	15 lbs.	20 lbs.	25 lbs.	30 lbs.	35 lbs.	40 lbs.	45 lbs.	50 lbs.	55 lbs.	60 lbs.
100 ppm	Balance Pak 300	9 lbs.	12 lbs.	15 lbs.	18 lbs.	21 lbs.	24 lbs.	27 lbs.	30 lbs.	33 lbs.	36 lbs.
150 ppm	Balance Pak 300	4 lbs.	6 lbs.	8 lbs.	9 lbs.	11 lbs.	12 lbs.	14 lbs.	15 lbs.	17 lbs.	18 lbs.
200 ppm	Acceptable Range! Vinyl/Fiberglass Pools:  200 - 250 ppm Concrete/Gunite Pools:  250 - 300 ppm
250 ppm
300 ppm
Over 350 ppm	Calcium Hardness too high, cloudy water and / or scaling may occur. Draining SOME water will help. NEVER completely drain your pool.  Serious damage will occur.  Always check with your local pool builder.

All dosages are approximate. Remember to retest the Calcium Hardness 24 - 48 hours, letting the filter run continuously & adjust as necessary.

Buy Balance Pak 300 here

Remember that the source water for filling your pool can have certain properties that can cause chemical changes as you top off your pool; especially calcium hardness & metals & minerals.  If your tap water is "soft" or "hard", those chemical make ups, make a difference.  The use of water softeners makes a difference.  PLEASE tell us this information when you contact us so that we can better help you.

US Water Hardness Map

If you still need help, here's how to reach us:

Telephone (during store hours): Stratford  203-377-0100
                                             
FAX: (24 hrs) 203-375-7787
Email: techhelp@parpool-spa.com

Returns	Shipping	Privacy & Policies		Recycling	Contact Us	Site Map
Copyright ©, Par Inc. of Conn., Par Pool & Spa, 2000 - 2010. All international rights reserved.