Why Water Hardness Matters in Pools and Spas in Australia
Many pool and spa owners focus on pH and chlorine, but forget one of the most important factors in water balance — calcium hardness.
Without the right calcium levels, you risk damage to your spa or pool’s surfaces, cloudy water, and inefficient chemical performance.
Understanding and managing hardness is key to keeping your system running smoothly and your water sparkling clear.
What Is Water Hardness?
Water hardness refers to the amount of dissolved calcium and magnesium in your water.
In Australia, water hardness varies depending on your location and water supply. Some areas have naturally soft water, while others are rich in minerals.
When water is too soft, it becomes aggressive — pulling calcium from your spa’s surfaces, which can lead to corrosion and pitting.
When water is too hard, you’ll see scale build-up on jets, heaters, and pipes, reducing efficiency and flow.
The Ideal Hardness Levels
For most pools and spas in Australia:
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Spas: 150–250 ppm (parts per million)
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Pools: 200–400 ppm
Testing regularly is essential because evaporation, topping up, and chemical treatments can all alter your water’s balance.
👉 Use one of our Water Testing Kits for quick, accurate readings.
What Happens When Hardness Is Too Low?
Low calcium hardness causes:
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Corrosion of metal fittings, heaters, and pump components
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Etching or pitting of spa and pool surfaces
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Cloudy water caused by dissolved materials
✅ How to fix it:
Add Bioguard Balance Pak 300 — a calcium hardness increaser — to bring your water into the safe range and protect your equipment.
What Happens When Hardness Is Too High?
High calcium hardness causes:
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Scale build-up on heaters, filters, and jets
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Rough pool or spa surfaces
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Cloudy or milky water
✅ How to fix it:
Partially drain and refill your pool or spa with fresh water, then retest.
Use Bioguard Lo’N’Slo to reduce overall hardness effects and balance your water.
Regular Testing Is the Key
Water balance isn’t a one-time job — it’s an ongoing process.
We recommend testing your pool or spa water weekly, especially after heavy use or weather changes.
Consistent testing helps prevent costly repairs and keeps your water crystal clear.
👉 Shop Our Full Range of Water Testing Kits
Why Choose Pool & Spa Shop?
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Tasmanian-owned and operated with stores in Kings Meadows and Glenorchy
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Supplying customers across Tasmania and mainland Australia
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Exclusive stockist of trusted Bioguard pool and spa products
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Fast, Australia-wide shipping with standard or express post options
Final Thoughts
Maintaining proper water hardness is essential for protecting your pool or spa and ensuring a clean, relaxing experience every time.
Whether you’re balancing hardness, testing water, or starting fresh, Pool & Spa Shop has everything you need to keep your water balanced and beautiful.