Total Hardness
Water hardness is the concentration of the calcium, magnesium, carbonates and other mineral salts in your water. The only slightly complicated thing here is to understand the difference between Total Hardness and Calcium Hardness.
Most test strips test for the Total Hardness of your water, that is the concentration of all dissolved mineral salts. The Calcium Hardness is the element of the Total Hardness attributable directly to Calcium Carbonate.
Total Hardness too low (soft water)
• Corrosion of your equipment will occur
• Staining of surfaces may occur
• Cloudy water
• Foamy water
Total Hardness too high (hard water)
• Cloudy water
• Scale formation
• Skin and eye irritation
• Foamy water

Ideal Total Hardness
200 – 400ppm
• Lower Hardness by draining 1/3 to 1/2 of the water. Add Stain and Scale control 1 oz per 500 gallons .
• Raise Hardness by adding Calcium Hardness Increaser per label directions

Patio Pleasures offers free water testing and our experts will be happy to make suggestions or offer advice on what to add and when to add products to improve your spa water and your spa experience. For more information on balancing your water chemistry stop at either of our showroom locations in Sun Prairie or West Madison. Call 608-825-6200 if you are in need of further service.