Caltreat for lowering calcium hardness in pools

[Linda needs help]

Has anyone heard of this product or used it to reduce calcium levels? Saw it online but not really sure if it works or we are throwing money away.

[Watermom]

I know nothing about it. Maybe Ben has heard of it, but I sorta doubt it or I think we would have had it mentioned on the forum before now. I'll ask him.

[Linda needs help]

Are there other ways of eliminating/ significantly decreasing high calcium and hardness levels if you do not have the ability to vacuum to waste? Or are there companies you can bring in to vacuum to waste? We have been using Sustain for >10 years. Our pool is now cloudy, and the only measurement out of whack is the hardness/calcium. My husband already did 1 water exchange- drained most of the pool and refilled, but it is still high.
We are also considering changes chemicals. What chemicals work without adding calcium/hardness?
We have a vinyl pool/ Hayward filter (not allowed to use sand in our area), 22000 gal inground pool.
Is salt system better?

[aylad]

There are lots of choices for you that don't include calcium. However, we really need a little more info to accurately answer your questions. Can you post a complete set of water tests for us to see? Preferably drop- based results-- strips don't count!!

[Linda needs help]

Total chlorine 2.8
free chlorine 2.4
pH 7.6
Total alkalinity 90
Calcium Hardness 475
Stabilizer 30
Water appearance cloudy

We added 10 lbs of alka plus to raise alkalinity, which then looked OK by strip testing.
These numbers are after the drain/refill.
Cleaning filter on daily basis (filter is new). Get lots of white/ cloudy stuff/ milky coming off of filter when hosed down.
This has been with pump on 24/7 for about 1 1/2 -2 weeks, and still can barely see the drain on the bottom.

[PoolDoc]

Total alkalinity 90
Calcium Hardness 475

We added 10 lbs of alka plus to raise alkalinity, which then looked OK by strip testing.

Who in the world told you to add 10# of baking soda, with a calcium level of 475?? They did you no favors. Were you having scale or cloudiness problems with the pool before you drained & replaced, or did the same pool store tell "YOU HAVE TO DRAIN, OR THE SKY WILL FALL!"?

Anyhow, do all these things:

1. Add 4 gallons of PLAIN 6% household bleach, and then turn off your pump. Wait 24 hours and see if the stuff will settle.

2. If you don't have one, order a K2006 so you can test for yourself. Read the kit instructions, but IGNORE their water treatment guidelines!

3. Post your pool data again, but include what test kit you are using AND your EXACT pump and filter info (you're probably going to need a new cartridge!).

4. If at all possible, take some pictures of your pump, filter, and piping . . . and then mail them to poolforum@gmail.com. You may be able to vac-to-waste more easily than you think.

Regarding Cal Treat, United Chemical has NOT made an MSDS sheet available. Historically, that company has used both phosphates and oxalic acid in their products. Both can be used to precipitate calcium, but oxalic acid is toxic so I think they would have to make an MSDS sheet available. Consequently, I assume that Cal Treat is phosphate based. UC's products tend to work, but it's been my impression that they mostly are a devil's bargain: you get what you want, now, but you pay a price, later. Phosphate precipitation could work that way, helping you remove calcium at the price of a phosphate laden pool that is VERY algae friendly.

However, the calcium carbonate cloud you've got right now can also be filtered . . . . if you have a filter in good condition. Ironically, using Sustain to chlorinate would help get filter out out.

But, gimme the data, and I'll give you some more info, once I see what is likely to work on your pool.