High Calcium Levels - How to drain safely

[Nburns1]

Hi all,

I have a few things going on, hoping you can help make sure I’m on the right path.
Bought a TF-100 kit and did these tests today:
Alk: 60ppm (will raise tonight with sodium bicarbonate)
CYA: 40ppm
PH: 7.8
Chlorine: was high but I shocked yesterday
CH: 525

Last year I had my pool replastered and was using Leslie’s to help with tests. I accidentally screwed up the start up and put in way too much calcium into the pool and ever since then have been fighting scale that I can’t seem to get rid of along with chasing PH levels as the pool off gasses from the plaster.

My plan is to drain the pool to below my pool light, leaving it there for about 4-6 hours as I do some work on the light and then fill it back up again. I want to make sure that I don’t cause a ring from having the pool not completely drained or any other adverse effects on the plaster. Any tips on how to ensure I don’t screw up the plaster during this process?

Also I’m assuming this will help get my calcium hardness to an acceptable level but let me know if I’m off track

Thank you!

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Alk: 60ppm (will raise tonight with sodium bicarbonate)

No. TA is fine

CH: 525

What's the CH of your fill water? You should be fine after draining down to the light and refilling.

 

[Nburns1]

What's the CH of your fill water? You should be fine after draining down to the light and refilling.

I just measured the water at my kitchen faucet and CH was ~25ppm. Could be even less, it took only 1 drop to change the color to blue per the test instructions

 

[Rancho Cost-a-Lotta]

Without doing any of the math, I think you'll be okay after you drain and refill with the low CH fillwater. Should be no issues leaving the pool partially filled for a short amount of time. As I mentioned earlier, just leave TA alone for now. Take a look at your recommended levels here.

What Are My Ideal Pool Levels?

Use our tool to find ideal chemical levels for any swimming pool. Check TFP recommended levels on pH, free chlorine, cyanuric acid, and more.

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[Nburns1]

Thanks for the advice!

And noted on the TA I was going to try to raise it to 80ppm but will leave it alone for now

 

[pjt]

And noted on the TA I was going to try to raise it to 80ppm but will leave it alone for now

A non-trichlor pool (like yours) will likely never need baking soda. What's the TA of your fill water? As you approach TA of 50, keep the MA additions small, just enough to get the pH into the high 7s. That way, your TA won't go below 50. With TA of 50-60, your pH rise will be minimal.