{"product_id":"pool-mate-calcium-hardness-increaser-for-pools-16-lb-bag-fast-dissolving-granular-formula-to-prevent-etching-staining","title":"Pool Mate Calcium Hardness Increaser for Pools — 16 lb Bag, Fast-Dissolving Granular Formula to Prevent Etching \u0026 Staining","description":"\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003ePool Mate 16-Pounds Premium Calcium Hardness Increaser is a fast-dissolving granular calcium chloride formulated to raise and stabilize your pool's calcium hardness to the recommended range.\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMaintaining proper calcium hardness prevents etching, staining, and corrosion on pool surfaces and equipment. This 16-pound bag supplies an easy-to-use dose of calcium chloride for routine adjustments—whether you have a vinyl, tile, plaster, fiberglass, or painted pool. Use a reliable test kit first to determine current levels, then follow the dosing guidance to bring your pool into the ideal hardness window.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow do I know when my pool needs calcium hardness added?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eTest your pool water with a trusted calcium hardness kit. Levels below recommended ranges indicate the need for this product to protect surfaces and metal fixtures. Low hardness can make water aggressive, which increases wear on finishes and causes etching.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eVinyl pools: target 200–300 ppm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eTile and exposed aggregate: target 200–400 ppm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eMarcite, fiberglass or painted pools: target 250–400 ppm.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eIf your reading is below the target, plan a measured addition of Pool Mate calcium hardness increaser.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eWhat is the correct way to add this product to my pool?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eDissolve the recommended amount in a plastic bucket filled with pool water before adding it to the pool to ensure even distribution and reduce the risk of local staining. Add up to 2 pounds of product per 5-gallon bucket of water. While the pump is running, slowly pour the dissolved solution around the pool perimeter.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAlways pre-dissolve in a plastic bucket—never add dry granules directly to the pool.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003ePour solution slowly around the pool with the circulation system on.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFor a 10,000-gallon pool, do not add more than 10 pounds every two hours.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eRetest after full circulation to confirm desired levels are reached.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eHow much will this bag treat and how quickly does it work?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe 16-pound bag contains concentrated calcium chloride that dissolves rapidly and begins adjusting hardness as soon as it is circulated. The exact ppm change depends on pool volume; the product description notes that 8 ounces raises calcium hardness by about 10 ppm in 5,000 gallons, which helps you calculate dosing for your pool size.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003e8 ounces ≈ raises 10 ppm per 5,000 gallons.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eUse dosing chart included with the product for precise amounts.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSmaller incremental additions help avoid overshooting target levels.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eAllow full circulation and retest before making additional adjustments.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003ch3\u003eCan I use this in all pool types and will it harm equipment?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003ePool Mate calcium chloride is suitable for common pool surfaces when used according to directions. Properly adjusted hardness helps protect plaster, tile grout, metal fittings and liners by reducing aggressive water conditions. Avoid over-dosing and follow circulation limits to prevent localized high concentrations.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eSafe for vinyl, tile, plaster, fiberglass, and painted pools when diluted correctly.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eHelps prevent corrosion and etching associated with low hardness.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eDo not add dry granules directly to the pool to avoid surface damage.\u003c\/li\u003e\n  \u003cli\u003eFollow pump run-time and maximum addition rates for your pool volume.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\n\u003cp\u003eWho is this for: Pool Mate 16-Pounds Premium Calcium Hardness Increaser is meant for pool owners and service professionals who regularly test water chemistry and need a dependable product to raise and stabilize calcium hardness. It's especially useful for older pools showing signs of etching or staining, new plaster jobs that require careful mineral balance, and anyone seeking to protect fixtures and finishes by maintaining recommended hardness levels.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003csection class=\"product-faq-snippet\"\u003e\u003ch3\u003eFAQ\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: How much calcium hardness does one 16 lb bag add?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: Amount added depends on pool volume; use the included chart. As a guideline, 8 ounces raises 10 ppm per 5,000 gallons.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\n\u003cdiv class=\"faq-item\"\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-q\"\u003eQ: Can I add the granules directly to the pool?\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"faq-a\"\u003eA: No. Pre-dissolve in a plastic bucket of pool water and pour slowly while the pump runs to avoid surface damage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e\u003c\/section\u003e","brand":"Pool Mate","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":54595326083411,"sku":"B00U2NOVSC","price":95.23,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1095\/4257\/2371\/files\/pool-mate-bag-front-label.jpg?v=1786793566","url":"https:\/\/findsworth.co.uk\/products\/pool-mate-calcium-hardness-increaser-for-pools-16-lb-bag-fast-dissolving-granular-formula-to-prevent-etching-staining","provider":"Findsworth","version":"1.0","type":"link"}