You spend a lot of time in the pool and are pleased with its benefits, but something is nagging at you. Maybe you are worried about the water quality or about the look of the pool itself. Maybe you just want to try something new. Whatever your concern, you need to understand what is the total hardness of the pool water.
Table of Contents
What Is Total Hardness?
Total hardness is the combined total of calcium and magnesium hardness in the water. The chemical formula for these two elements is roughly Ca x Mg x H2O, where H2O is the ordinary form of water (i.e. H2O).
The presence of these two elements in water contributes to its overall hardness. Calcium is an excellent buffer and a necessary part of human bones. Without calcium, bones will deteriorate and become weak. Calcium is also present in many important structures inside human cells such as mitochondria, ER, and nucleus. Magnesium is the second-most abundant mineral in our bodies and is necessary for a number of chemical processes inside cells.
Why Is Total Hardness Important?
Total hardness is important for several reasons. First, the total hardness of the pool water determines how well it absorbs sunlight and heat. Pool water with a high total hardness content will absorb more sunlight and heat than water with a low total hardness content. This makes the water in the pool warmer for the whole day and warmer water is always a good thing!
Second, the total hardness of the pool water influences the amount of chlorine needed to disinfect it. When the chlorine concentrations in the water are too low, the water will become more susceptible to harmful bacteria and algae growth. Bacteria and algae will grow quickly in waters with a high total hardness content and this makes the water less desirable for swimming. Therefore, having a high total hardness content is both good and bad. It is good because the water will stay pure for longer, but it is bad because you will have to keep an eye on the chlorine levels in the pool to make sure they stay at a safe level.
Finally, the total hardness content of the pool water determines the type of filter media that can be used to purify it. Generally speaking, harder water requires stronger filters. Therefore, if you are concerned about the appearance of the pool or the amount of bacteria in it, you will need to install a filter with stronger capability. These are the factors that make total hardness important in the pool environment.
What Is The Difference Between Hardness And Alkalinity?
Many people are familiar with the term “alkalinity”, but not all of them know exactly what it means. Alkalinity is the opposite of acidity and it measures the ability of the water to neutralize and adjust to a pH level of 7. More specifically, alkalinity is the ability of water to buffer the pH levels of the surrounding air.
The total hardness of the pool water measures the combined effects of its acidic and alkaline constituents. The presence of these two chemicals in the water will make it more or less difficult for you to keep the pH level of the water around 7.5-8.5, depending on the pH level of the surrounding air. You should keep in mind that if the pH level of the air is higher or lower than 7.5-8.5, then the acidity (or alkalinity) of the pool water will determine whether or not the fish and other aquatic animals can survive there.
The amount of alkalinity in the water will also determine how well it absorbs light and heat. Therefore, if you want to keep the water warm for the whole day, you will need to add more alkalinity to it. On the other hand, if you want to keep the water cool, you will need to reduce the amount of alkalinity present in it.
How Can I Test For Total Hardness?
When you test for total hardness, you will need to use a meter that can measure the two major ions present in it, calcium and magnesium. You can choose from a variety of cheap and easy-to-use meters on the market, but if you want to get the most accurate reading possible, then you should invest in a HACH certified Total Hardness tester. These are the individuals responsible for making sure that all water meters are calibrated and that they are accurate. If you buy a HACH certified Total Hardness tester, you can be sure that you will get a reliable and accurate result every time you test for total hardness.
To test for total hardness, simply follow the instructions that come with the equipment. For best results, you should do the test in a well-lit area with good ventilation. Ensure that the pH level of the water is at a comfortable level before you start testing. Start by filling the pool with water and waiting for it to settle down. Then, take a small sample of the water and place it in a glass. Wait for a few minutes for the water to settle down again and then measure the pH level of the water using the appropriate pH paper.
If the pH level of the water is higher than 7.5, then it’s an indication that the alkalinity level is high and you need to add more acid to the pool to reduce it. On the other hand, if the pH level of the water is lower than 7.5, then it’s an indication that the alkalinity level is high and you should add more alkaline substances to the pool to increase it.
When Should I Test For Total Hardness?
As mentioned above, you should test for total hardness when you first fill the pool. This will give you an idea of how much chlorine and other alkaline ingredients will be needed to maintain the proper pH level of the pool. You should do this test at least once per week and more frequently if the pH level of the pool is becoming less consistent. Testing for total hardness every time you use the pool is also advisable to ensure that the proper amounts of chlorine are always being added to the water.
What Is The Proper Way To Add Chlorine To Pool Water?
Chlorine is an excellent chemical for killing microorganisms in the water, including bacteria, algae, and fungus. The problem is that too much chlorine will do more harm than good. For this reason, the proper way to add chlorine to the pool water is with a chlorine generator. A chlorine generator provides a steady stream of chlorine molecules to the surrounding waters. Therefore, instead of a sudden spike in the amount of chlorine as with most other methods, the chlorine is added continuously by a chlorine generator.
When you use a chlorine generator, it is important to remove all of the chlorine from the water before letting the pool air out. Otherwise, you will pollute the air and damage the environment. To remove the chlorine from the water, you will need to use a good quality pump and filter media. A good quality pump will remove large amounts of water for you, so be sure to get one that is large enough to handle your daily water usage. The filter media should be clean, replaceable material because eventually, you will need to change it to maintain proper water quality.
If you want the best possible swimming experience in your pool, then you need to do everything in your power to make sure that the water is always clean. For this reason, testing for total hardness and proper chlorination are two essential tasks that you must perform on a regular basis. If you perform these tasks diligently, then you won’t have to worry about your pool becoming too dirty to use. You will also be doing your part to protect the environment by keeping the water clean.