Langelier Saturation Index Calculator
In swimming pool waters, calcium bicarbonate is very soluble. When it breaks down it forms the insoluble calcium carbonate, the chief scale former. Scale generally appears as white or lightly colored rough blotches on pool walls. It also adheres to other objects in the pool. Calcium carbonate scale in the piping and filter system can restrict water flow and cause calcification of the filter bed, thus reducing filtration efficiency and shortening filter runs. Scale deposits are usually caused by the presence of excess calcium and magnesium in pool water. These minerals become insoluble and can form scale.
The factors which influence the formation of scale are:
- — pH Level
- — Water Temperature
- — Total Dissolved Solids
- — Calcium Hardness
- — Total Alkalinity
Preventing corrosion and scale-forming tendencies
These five factors can be given numerical values and applied to a formula known as the Langelier Index or Saturation Index. The formula indicates whether particular water has scale-forming or corrosive tendencies and what can be done to correct this condition. Following the Langelier formula, proper alkalinity balance and ability to resist scale-forming or corrosive tendencies can be obtained.
