Maintaining the right calcium hardness level is essential for protecting your swimming pool and keeping the water clear and comfortable. Whether you have a residential pool or a large 15x30 backyard pool, understanding how to use calcium correctly will save you money on repairs and improve overall water quality.
What Is Calcium Hardness?
Calcium hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium in your pool water.
This measurement is important because water that is too “soft” becomes corrosive, while water that is too “hard” creates scale.
The ideal calcium hardness range for most pools is:
200–400 ppm (parts per million)
Why Calcium Is Important for Your Pool
Keeping proper calcium levels helps:
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Prevent corrosion of pool equipment
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Avoid etching on plaster and concrete surfaces
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Reduce scaling and mineral deposits
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Maintain overall water balance
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Extend the life of pumps, heaters, and filters
How to Adjust Calcium Levels — Step by Step
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Test Your Water
Use a reliable test kit or reagent. PoolDepo carries the Taylor calcium indicator to help you measure calcium hardness. Pool Depo -
Determine How Much to Add
Calculate based on your pool volume and the difference between current and target calcium levels. -
Apply the Calcium Product
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Turn on your pump so the water is circulating.
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Broadcast the calcium incrementer evenly across the deep end.
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Avoid pouring the product directly into the skimmer to prevent localized precipitation.
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Brush the bottom to help it dissolve.
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Circulate, Then Test Again
Let the pump run for several hours (at least 4–6) and then re-test the calcium hardness after 24 hours to ensure it reached the desired level.
Recommended PoolDepo Product: Quantum Calcium Hardness Up
On your website, a very effective product for raising calcium is: Quantum Calcium Hardness Up, 15 lb. Pool Depo+1
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This premium-grade calcium increaser is designed to safely raise calcium hardness without introducing unwanted impurities. Pool Depo
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It's especially useful for maintaining balanced water chemistry and protecting your pool’s metal parts and surfaces.