Calcium

[waterbear]

Not sure I follow why this would be a problem, if you need calcium. The CaCO3 should dissociate and just result in CO2 off gasing assuming you don't add more than is needed.

only in an acidic medium.

[mwsmith2]

Well, you *could* use lime, but it is somewhat of a pain the the butt to do. Adding lime to water results in "kalkwasser" which is used to maintain Ca levels in marine aquaria. However, to do this properly, you need to add the lime, mix and let the cloudy bits settle out. The cloudy material is the insoluble calcium carbonate. Then the clear, calcium rich portion is decanted off. This has to be done as soon as possible after it settles, because the kalkwasser will react with air to form more carbonates. However, I don't think it's worth the trouble, and for sure is not as potent as calcium chloride.

Generally, Ca only needs to be adjusted once or twice a season, unless you get a LOT of rain (several feet worth). The cost for CaCl is worth it in time savings.

Oh, and please don't use ice melter. God only knows what's in that stuff, as it isn't designed for swimming in. Is your health worth it to save a few cents?

Michael

[waterbear]

Oh, and please don't use ice melter. God only knows what's in that stuff, as it isn't designed for swimming in. Is your health worth it to save a few cents?

Michael

What in it is 73-80% calcium chloride. If you look up most cacium increasers at the pool store they also say that they are calcium chloride in that same range. All I know is that is whay I was sold at the local Pinch a Penny pool store. Where is Ben when you need his knowledge?

[PaulE10]

Hi,
I'm still a little lost. I've been searching the forum for a solution to my low CH level ( 150, 22,000gal I.G. plaster). Adding lime seemed like a good ole Pool forum answer but the more I read, the less it sounded like a good idea. The ice melter seems to have an objection against it as well.
Is there an answer as to what to do? I just don't want to walk in to a pool store and get "pool stored".
I love the fact that we can use bleach, baking soda, Borax, etc. I have been following the forums advice very successfully for years so this is the first place I come to get answers. I've done repairs, fought algae, fix my CYA problems all very succesfully witht the info gotten here. Naturaly this is where I came to fix my CH problem. I figured I certianly wouldn't be the first with a CH problem.
I'll pay the pool stor price if that is the right thing to do but if there is a Pool solutions fix I'd love to try that first.

Thanks,

Paul

[mwsmith2]

I buy my CaCl at the pool store. I'd rather pay the little bit extra and know that I'm going to be going to dunk my most tender parts in something that's safe.

Michael

[waterbear]

I buy my CaCl at the pool store. I'd rather pay the little bit extra and know that I'm going to be going to dunk my most tender parts in something that's safe.

Michael

That's where I bought mine also and what they sold me was a bag of DowFlake! (This is NOT the pool store I work at part time!)

[PaulE10]

Thanks - I guess I'll will try to find some more info before making a move. The "fear factor" of dunking my sensitive parts in something unsafe makes for a good argument but "knowledge is power and can save you money" is pretty good as well.
Always looking to be smart and and not be "pool stored" but safety is not something to be comprimised.

Thanks,

Paul

[mwsmith2]

There's a .pdf of the stuff here:

http://www.dow.com/webapps/lit/litor...0.pdf&pdf=true

If I get a moment, I'll look up what the ASTM that they conform to is composed of. I think there's enough info there for me to see if it's a safe product. If you can find a MSDS on "pool type" CaCl, we can compare the two and see how they match up.

Michael

[DavidD]

Paul,

I noticed both Home Depot and Lowe's carries Calcium Increaser in 5 lb containers for around $7. Not real cheap but will keep you out of the pool store.....

[waterbear]

There's a .pdf of the stuff here:

http://www.dow.com/webapps/lit/litor...0.pdf&pdf=true

If I get a moment, I'll look up what the ASTM that they conform to is composed of. I think there's enough info there for me to see if it's a safe product. If you can find a MSDS on "pool type" CaCl, we can compare the two and see how they match up.

Michael

check out this PDF a lot of info on calcium chloride
http://www.omri.org/calcium_chloride_final.pdf