Importance of CH Level (Have soft water)

[praz]

Hey Everybody!

Our tap water here comes super soft, I think 40ppm in the last water quality report. I am guessing that is near what it is in my pool. I now have a TF-100 test kit, but just received it and haven't tested CH yet.

I know this sounds stupid, but I don't know what kind of pool (fiberglass, vinyl, plaster) I have. I'm guessing plaster, but hopefully someone can confirm, knowing it has a Pebble Tec finish, what the pool is? I can't imagine that Pebble Tec finish would go on fiberglass or vinyl, but I really have no idea. I don't have any significant metal in the pool (no ladders, etc.) just a single light.

My local pool store tested CH (don't remember the level) and wants me to buy a $45 bucket of whatever it is that increases the calcium/hardness.

Can someone tell me:
1) Do I have a plaster pool?
2) Is it worth it/necessary to increase the hardness, or is the soft water OK?

Thanks!

- Paul

 

[jblizzle]

It only matters what the pool surface is. Treat yours as plaster.

You should definitely raise the CH up to at least 250ppm and check your CSI in PoolMath.

 

[pinguy]

You have plaster.

It's important to A) get your own test kit (see links below my post) and B) Keep your CH in the 350-450 range.

If your CH is too low, it can cause damage to your finish over time from the water leeching calcium out of the pool surface.

 

[spinPHD]

That's is interesting, you're the first person in the valley that I have ever heard has soft water. Usually, we have hard water. I guess things are different over on the west side.