How to Test for Total Hardness in a Swimming Pool

A swimming pool in your backyard is great fun for the entire family. To keep your swimming pool water clean and crystal clear, maintain the proper chemical balance. Test your swimming pool water periodically for total hardness so you can keep your water calcium hardness levels in check.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Purchase some calcium hardness test strips. Use your calcium hardness test kit periodically to measure the amount of calcium hardness in your swimming pool.

2. Take a sample of your swimming pool water to a pool company for professional testing. Place your water sample in a glass or plastic container. Consult with a pool professional for expert advice if the calcium levels are extremely high and difficult to get under control.

3. Add calcium chloride to the water if you have low levels of calcium hardness to obtain the ideal range of 250 to 350 ppm.

4. Reduce the pool water's calcium hardness by replacing some or all of the water in the pool, or add chemicals to keep calcium in the solution and prevent it from depositing out.

5. Use the calcium chloride calculator (see Resources below) to determine the amount of calcium chloride needed for your pool.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep all pool chemicals out of reach of children. Follow the chemical manufacturer's directions and never add chemicals together.

Resources

• Calculate how much calcium chloride your pool needs.