Wondering how to fix calcium hardness in pools? Whether you’re battling scale buildup on your tiles or cloudy water that won’t clear, unbalanced calcium levels are likely to blame. Maintaining the right calcium hardness is essential to keeping your pool water safe, stable, and equipment-friendly. In this guide, M&M Pool & Spa Services — trusted pool care experts in Miami-Dade and throughout South Florida — explain everything you need to know to correct and maintain proper calcium hardness in your swimming pool.
Calcium hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in your pool water — essentially, how “hard” or “soft” the water is. The ideal calcium hardness level should be between 200-400 ppm (parts per million) for most pools. Levels that are too high can cause scale buildup on equipment and surfaces, while levels that are too low can corrode your pool’s plaster, tiling, and metal parts.
The first step to resolving calcium issues is testing the water. Use a high-quality pool testing kit or take a sample to your local South Florida pool supply retailer. Recommended testing kits will show your exact calcium hardness in ppm.
If your pool has high calcium hardness (over 400 ppm), you will need to take action to reduce it. Here’s how:
This is the most effective way to significantly lower calcium hardness. Drain 25-50% of the water and refill with softened or low-calcium water.
These products can bind excess calcium and help it settle out, so you can vacuum it up manually. This is a temporary fix but helpful when draining the pool isn’t an option.
Though more common in the Southwest, some high-end pool owners in South Florida may consider RO systems for water purity — effectively removing calcium hardness from your pool.
These chemicals bond with calcium in the water to prevent it from forming scale or stains. While they don’t reduce calcium levels, they help manage the problem until you’re able to lower it through draining or other methods.
On the flip side, if your calcium hardness is too low (under 200 ppm), here’s how to fix it:
This is the standard product used to increase calcium levels in pool water. Be sure to calculate the right dosage based on your pool’s volume and the current hardness reading.
Run your pool filter continuously for at least 8 hours after adding calcium chloride, and retest the water before swimming.
Humidity, heat, and water source variations make calcium hardness in pools a critical issue throughout Miami-Dade and South Florida. Municipal tap water in many areas of South Florida contains high inherent calcium content, making it more prone to scale formation and cloudiness.
Whether you’re in Coral Gables, Hialeah, Kendall, or Homestead, our locally based technicians understand the unique water chemistry challenges of our region. At M&M Pool & Spa Services, we provide tailored pool maintenance programs that help South Florida homeowners balance calcium hardness and extend the life of their pools.
Managing calcium hardness in pools isn’t always easy — and improper handling can cause more harm than good. That’s why South Florida homeowners trust M&M Pool & Spa Services for expert, reliable water chemistry management. We specialize in helping you reduce calcium hardness in pools and maintain optimal levels throughout the year.
Ready to take control of your pool’s water chemistry? Contact us today to schedule a free calcium hardness test or consultation anywhere in Miami-Dade or South Florida!
Knowing how to fix calcium hardness in pools is vital for every pool owner, especially in South Florida where hard water can become a stubborn issue. Whether you’re dealing with scale, corrosive water, or unclear readings, M&M Pool & Spa Services is here to help with expert knowledge, reliable service, and unmatched local experience. Contact us today and let your pool sparkle again.