Here s why it happens.
Calcium hardness in vinyl pool.
If calcium hardness goes above 400 ppm you will likely see a white flaky crust on the liner and pool equipment.
Calcium hardness is also very important to the chemical balancing of your vinyl liner swimming pool.
For vinyl pools calcium should be between 150 250 ppm.
Calcium for a liner pool can be a bit lower than a plaster pool in the range of 150 250 ppm.
Low calcium as is often the case will cause long term serious damage especially to plaster vinyl liners grout in between tiles metal rails and even concrete decking around the pool.
Low calcium levels in the pool.
In general the whole saturation index thing the pool industry has wasted so much paper on doesn t apply to most pools.
If a vinyl liner s calcium level is too low this soft water situation could lead to foaming and other water problems and can harm the vinyl.
Fortunately calcium hardness changes rather slowly so a once a month testing and adjustment should be all you need.
Calcium on the low and high end of the scales will eventually cause problems and when they do be ready for some serious problems.
If you have a concrete or plaster pool keep the level between 200 ppm and 275 ppm.
Hardness at any level is only an issue in a plastic pool pvc pipes vinyl liner polymer pump if it s high.
The ideal reading for calcium hardness in pool water is about 200 to 400 parts per million.
A low level can result in foaming which is unpleasant but shouldn t harm the liner.
A hardness of 10 is fine in a plastic pool.