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How to Make Pool Water Soft and Gentle on Skin

by 
Jennifer Davis
  Aug 13, 2023 9:29 PM
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Diluting high calcium makes pool water feel soft. When mineral levels climb too high, water turns scratchy, dries out skin, and leaves crusty white scale along tiles. The permanent fix is to partially drain and refill with fresh water to drop mineral levels. After that, adding gentle pool borates or switching to a salt chlorinator creates that silky, smooth swim texture without irritating your eyes.

The right approach depends on your current water balance. If your tap water is already packed with minerals, draining alone will not solve the problem, so you may need a hose filter during refills. Swimmers who already have balanced calcium might only want conditioners to get that soothing feel, while standard chlorine setups require different care than saltwater systems. Here is how to check your water, lower stubborn minerals safely, and protect your skin all summer.

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Exploring the Need for Soft Pool Water

First, it's crucial to understand why one would desire to have soft pool water. Water hardness is primarily a measure of the concentration of calcium and magnesium ions. High hardness levels can lead to a variety of issues, including calcification of pool equipment, cloudy water, and a less enjoyable swimming experience due to the water feeling harsh on the skin and eyes. The hardness of your pool water can significantly impact the enjoyment and longevity of your pool, with softer water being preferable.
On the other hand, water that is too soft can also cause problems, including corrosion of pool equipment. So, the goal should be to strike a balance, achieving soft but not excessively soft pool water. A typical range for water hardness in swimming pools is 200-400 ppm (parts per million). Outside this range, pool owners can face issues.
By understanding this balance, pool owners can ensure that they maintain their pool water in the optimal range. It not only helps to maintain the lifespan of the pool equipment but also enhances the swimming experience for users. 
It is, therefore, imperative to know how to make pool water soft without making it too soft. The process isn't overly complicated but does require some care, attention, and the right tools and chemicals.

Starting with the Basics: Testing Your Pool Water

To determine if your pool water is hard, you need to test it. Several testing kits are available on the market, which can quickly tell you the hardness level of your water. They usually involve adding a reagent to a water sample and then comparing the color change to a chart.
A digital tester can also be used, which measures the electric conductivity of the water to determine its hardness. They are more precise than chemical kits but also more expensive. Regular testing is recommended, especially in areas with naturally hard water, as the hardness level can change over time.

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Once you know the hardness level, you can determine the best course of action. If your water is within the optimal range, no action is needed. But if it's too hard, you will need to make it softer.

The Process of Softening Your Pool Water

There are a few different methods available to make pool water softer. The simplest and most straightforward method is through dilution. This involves partially draining the pool and then refilling it with softer water. While this method is easy, it can be wasteful and may not be possible in areas with water restrictions or where the refill water is also hard.
Another method is to use a water softener, a device that removes hardness ions from the water and replaces them with softer sodium or potassium ions. These can be attached to the water supply when refilling the pool. However, they are expensive and may not be necessary unless your water is very hard.
Finally, there are chemicals available that can reduce water hardness. These sequestering agents bond with the hardness ions, preventing them from causing problems. While they don't remove the hardness ions, they neutralize them, effectively making the water softer.

Regular Maintenance for Lasting Softness

Maintaining soft pool water is not a one-time activity. It requires regular maintenance and testing to ensure that the water stays within the optimal range. Depending on the hardness of your refill water, you may need to periodically add sequestering agents or use a water softener.
Moreover, it's also essential to maintain the balance of other chemicals in your pool, as these can impact the effectiveness of hardness reducers. For instance, high chlorine levels can oxidize sequestering agents, making them less effective.
In conclusion, the process of making your pool water soft involves a careful balance of testing, possibly diluting hard water, possibly using a water softener, and regular maintenance. With these steps, you can ensure that your pool water remains in the optimal range, providing a better swimming experience and helping to maintain the condition of your pool and equipment.

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Jennifer Davis
WRITTEN BY
Jennifer Davis
Jennifer is a 45-year-old interior organizer and cleaning pro from Georgia. Drawing from her background in upscale home services, she evaluates premium vacuums and bathroom cleaners. Her expert tips on deep cleaning and odor elimination make her reviews essential for achieving that fresh, sparkling finish.