Quote Originally Posted by elsie View Post
Carl,

For those of us with a vinyl liner and no heater, we don't need to measure for or concern ourselves with calcium, do we? While I'm at it, my understanding re: TA is that the primary reason for keeping it in line is to keep your water clear vs. cloudy. In the first three of the five seasons I've had my inherited pool, my TA was always running high, around 180. Last year and this year it's naturally hovering around 110. In both scenarios my water has been/is always sparkling clear, so I've just quit testing for it altogether other than when I first uncover and just curiosity's sake (it's 110 this season). In fact, the only things I test for anymore are FC/CC and pH (and occasionally CYA). The only chems I use are 6% household bleach and a bit of acid every two weeks -- love the simplicity. Would appreciate knowing your thoughts as to calcium & TA.
You don't need to worry about calcium unless it hits 500ppm. Then you'll have to probably drain and replace water.

T/A's PRIMARY function is to prevent fluctuations of pH. However, if it gets VERY high, like 200ppm when Calcium is high, you can get milky water.

With your pool, though, T/A up to 180ppm is FINE. Normal range is 80- 125, but in vinyl without heaters you can go to 200ppm with no problem. However, at 200, if Calcium goes up (even as much as 400) you can get cloudy water. So I like 180 as the top for margin of error.