Vinyl Pool Calcium Hardness

[southernpool1]

Just wanted to double check my information...I'm still trying to unlearn everything the pool store taught me:

The pool store told me that calcium is optional for vinyl pools, but adding calcium hardness increaser extends the life of the pool pump. If I'm understanding pool school and the TFP forums, I'm pretty sure I can translate this to "extends the life of my pool store" and assume that I never need to add calcium...

Is this correct?

 

[woodyp]

Ignore them and extend your wallet instead!

 

[Richard320]

You are correct!

You also don't need a weekly shock, nor do you need algaecide or phosphate remover or filter cleaning solutions, or new sand. As you're discovering, pool maintenance is pretty darn troublefree when you have a little understanding and a test kit. Easier on the wallet, too.

 

[southernpool1]

Yes, I see! What finally closed the deal for me was when the pool store guy told me that it was impossible to get an at home test to check CYA and CC. He said home kits only test PH and Total Chlorine.