Protecting Your Pool from Hard Water in North Texas

Education

Feb 12

Understanding a Common Challenge

In North Texas, hard water is a common challenge for pool owners. While it’s safe to swim in, hard water can wreak havoc on your pool’s surfaces, equipment, and overall functionality if left unchecked.
At Foley Pools, we want to help you protect your pool from the effects of hard water so you can enjoy a clean, well-maintained backyard oasis for years to come.

What is Hard Water?

Hard water contains high levels of dissolved minerals, primarily calcium and magnesium. These minerals can accumulate over time, leading to:

Scale Buildup: A chalky residue on pool tiles, coping, and equipment.
Clogged Filters and Pipes: Mineral deposits can obstruct water flow, reducing efficiency.
Increased pH Levels: Hard water can elevate your pool’s pH, making it harder to maintain proper chemical balance.

The Effects of Hard Water on Your Pool

When hard water isn’t managed, it can lead to long-term damage, such as:

Stained Surfaces
Hard water can leave unsightly stains on tiles, walls, and fixtures, diminishing your pool’s aesthetic appeal.
Reduced Equipment Lifespan
Mineral buildup inside your pump, heater, and filter can strain these systems, leading to costly repairs or replacements.
Cloudy Water
Excess minerals can react with pool chemicals, causing the water to appear murky and uninviting.

How to Protect Your Pool from Hard Water

Regular Water Testing
Frequent testing helps you monitor calcium hardness levels, which should ideally range between 200–400 ppm. If levels are too high, adjustments can be made before problems escalate. ur expert team can handle everything from cleaning and chemical balancing to equipment checks.
Use a Sequestering Agent
Adding a sequestering agent binds to calcium and other minerals, preventing them from forming scale or deposits.
Lower pH and Alkalinity
Keeping your pool’s pH and alkalinity levels within the recommended ranges (pH: 7.2–7.6; alkalinity: 80–120 ppm) helps prevent scaling and buildup.
Professional Cleaning and Descaling
If scaling has already occurred, professional cleaning services can safely remove buildup from tiles, coping, and equipment without causing damage.
Consider a Water Softener
Installing a water softener system can reduce the hardness of your pool’s fill water, helping to minimize mineral-related issues from the start.

How Foley Pools Can Help

At Foley Pools, we’ve been helping North Texas homeowners tackle hard water challenges for decades. From regular maintenance to expert cleaning and repairs, our team is equipped to keep your pool looking and functioning at its best.