Calcium Chloride Dihydrate effect on SWG reading

[Col77]

Backstory: My pool was replastered 35 days ago. After 28 days, I was instructed by the plaster company to add salt, which I did. My salt levels were ideal (confirmed with multiple tests). Now, the plaster company has instructed me to increase the calcium hardness. It was 300 ppm - they are instructing me to raise it to 400 ppm. I added 17 lbs of calcium chloride dihydrate yesterday which brought my hardness level up to 350 ppm; However, my SWG is now showing a very high salt reading. I fear that adding the remainder of calcium will push the salt reading to the "High Salt" zone, and the SWG will shut down.

Has anyone experienced this before? Will the reading on the SWG eventually come down? Is there a way I can add the remaining calcium chloride dihydrate without increasing the salt level readings? (other than draining/refilling).

Thanks for the help.

 

[Newdude]

Hey Col and Welcome !!!

My salt levels were ideal (confirmed with multiple tests)

How did you test? We only trust one of them.

How soon were the levels ideal after adding ?

 

[Col77]

Hi - I added half the salt one day with the SWG off. The next day I added a couple more. Waited another day, then tested with an electronic salt tester I purchased off of Amazon, a salt test strip, and the pool store test. I think I may have had to add another 1/2 bag to get to where I was comfortable (certainly not the max). When I turned on the SWG, everything seemed to generally agree. I was at about 3200. Now after adding the calcium, my SWG reads 3400, pool store shows 3350, and my Amazon tester still shows about 3200 (?). Normally I would just think the SWG needs calibrating or something like that, but I am concerned that the pool store agrees with that reading.

 

[reggiehammond]

K-1766 Taylor drop based test is very wise to own.

 

[Newdude]

+1. Spend $30 and stop guessing which of the non preferred methods are less wrong.

 

[Col77]

K-1766 Taylor drop based test is very wise to own.

Yes, believe it or not, I use the Taylor kit for everything else except for salt.

 

[mknauss]

Calcium chloride will show up in your 'salt' reading as it measures chloride. But the amount of chloride is minimal versus that needed to satisfy the SWCG.

 

[Col77]

+1. Spend $30 and stop guessing which of the non preferred methods are less wro

Calcium chloride will show up in your 'salt' reading as it measures chloride. But the amount of chloride is minimal versus that needed to satisfy the SWCG.

Thank you, that is helpful. Then is it safe to say that because I have reached my salt level max (3400) on the SWG, another 16 lbs of Calcium Chloride will push it over the limit and my only option is to partly drain/refill?

 

[mknauss]

You do not have your pool information in a Signature so I do not know how much 16 lbs of calcium chloride will raise your CH ppm.

 

[Col77]

You do not have your pool information in a Signature so I do not know how much 16 lbs of calcium chloride will raise your CH ppm.

I was unaware how to add that information. I did just update that info; however, it doesn't seem to be loading on this thread.

26,000 gallons - According to my calculation, it takes 3.25 lbs to raise 10ppm, therefore 16 lbs would raise approx 50 ppm

 

[mknauss]

Thank you, the signature is showing. If on a mobile device, turn it landscape to see it.
That amount of calcium chloride is insignificant to the salinity reading. Well within the test range of error. Ignore it.

 

[Newdude]

I was unaware how to add that information. I did just update that info; however, it doesn't seem to be loading on this thread.

On a mobile device, turn it sideways for the signature(s) to show. *edit. Marty beat me

And THANKS. It *really* helps us help you.

 

[Col77]

Thank you, the signature is showing. If on a mobile device, turn it landscape to see it.
That amount of calcium chloride is insignificant to the salinity reading. Well within the test range of error. Ignore it.

Thank you. This has been helpful. The reading on the SWG did go down a little bit after I turned it off and turned it back on. I will just add those last 16 lbs of calcium in increments and keep an eye. Thanks again.