Adding Calcium to Plaster Pools: Understanding Its Impact

We forget that we need calcium to keep a plaster pool in optimal condition. Plaster pools are constructed from a mixture of cement and other products and require a precise balance with regard to chemical levels in order to extend their life and quality. One such necessary element is calcium, which is required to ensure everything works properly. Let's examine the benefits of calcium for plaster pools, the proper method of adding it, and what the right (or wrong) levels mean for the health of your pool.

A plaster pool is made of concrete and it can slowly degrade over time, especially if the pool water is not properly balanced. Calcium is used in the operation that manages the hardness of the water, preventing numerous complications that can occur thanks to water that is too soft or too hard.

The central regulator of water hardness, which is chemically the concentration of dissolved calcium and magnesium, is calcium. Too little calcium means the water becomes "aggressive." This abrasive water will begin to leech calcium from your pool's plaster, which will cause the surface to dull and roughen. Excess amounts of calcium in water, on the other hand, could contribute to scaling and deposits accumulating on the pool's surfaces and equipment.

Super-corrosive water emerges with a drastic drop in calcium levels. This means the water will try to move in and out of the plaster pool surface, causing erosion. Over time, this can cause a rough pool surface, as well as stains and cracks. Hazy water is also contributed by low calcium levels. As it does, vigorously trying to dissolve whatever calcium it can, particles can form in the water, making the pool look dirty and cloudy.

If calcium is left too low for too long, it can also affect the efficiency of your filtration system. A failure in such will create debris from the spoiling plaster which can block the filter making it impossible to circulate and filter the pool. That can also create further problems with water clarity and cleanliness.

While not enough calcium is worrisome, too much calcium is also an issue. When there is too high a concentration of dissolved calcium, the water becomes "hard," and when calcium is excessive, it goes soft. This can cause scaling on the plaster surface and other pool areas. The deposits can make the pool feel gritty to the touch and look like white, chalky substances.

In addition to the pool surface, high calcium levels can also affect the elasticity of the pool's piping and equipment. Build-up can cause pipes to clog and the pool pump and heater to work less efficiently. It's also worth noting that calcium build up can also accumulate on the waterline tiles, which can be difficult to remove without a good scrub.

If you find that your pool is low in calcium, then you can easily add calcium and rebalance. However, you first need to see where you currently are in terms of calcium hardness by testing your water. You can get a basic kit for this, too. For plaster pools, in an ideal world, you would want calcium levels to be between 200 and 400 ppm (parts per million).

So, now that you know the calcium level in your pool, you can determine how much calcium to add. Calcium chloride is a very popular option to get more calcium, and it is readily available as granular or liquid product. If you have granular version, it is important to evenly pour it around the pool to ensure proper dissolution.

Use your pool test kit to determine the current calcium hardness level.

Check the calcium chloride packaging for specific information on the amount you need to add according to your pool's size and current calcium levels.

Slowly add the calcium chloride to the pool starting from the deep end. This enables it to be dissolved evenly throughout the water.

Engage the pool pump to help circulate the water and speed up the process of dissolving calcium. After adding the calcium, allow the pump to run for a few hours.

After about 24 hours, retest the calcium level to double check that the level is frequent to the preferred range.

Calcium is not only an element that can leach from or etch the plaster in your pool; it is also an essential element for balance in pool water chemistry. Calcium helps to keep pH levels steady and contributes to other key factors like alkalinity and chlorine efficiency.

Calcium is a key part of maintaining proper pH levels in your pool. Calcium hardness: Low calcium levels will lead to changing pH that can harm the pool and the equipment.

Calcium also helps keep alkalinity in check. If calcium is low, it becomes more challenging for the pool to maintain stable alkalinity, which can further throw the water's pH out of balance.

Balanced calcium concentrations help chlorine do its job better. With the correct balance, chlorine will work better at sanitizing the pool and cleaning the water.

The key to a healthy plaster pool is maintaining it on a consistent basis. This does not exclude tracking the calcium levels of the pool. Ensure to test your pool's water and furthermore, at least once a month, then adjust the calcium accordingly. If the calcium is persistently high, you may require conducting a partial drain and refill process to dilute the water. Be cautious not to drain too much at once since this may put a strain on the pool structure. If the calcium is too low, you can fix that by adding calcium chloride. Also, ensure that the pool's filter is regularly and properly cleaned since a clogged filter can make maintaining calcium levels harder.

To summarize, calcium is critical to maintaining a plaster pool. By raising the calcium to prevent erosion and lowering it to prevent scaling, it is clear that maintaining proper calcium levels is a crucial part of pool maintenance. Regular testing and adjusting these levels will allow you to have your pool around for much longer.

While keeping an eye on the calcium level may feel like an additional hassle, it is one of the least demanding and impactful methods to secure that your pool remains in great shape. A well-balanced pool is more than just appealing; it is also more beneficial to both the plaster and the swimmers.

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