What is a Calcium Indicator Reagent?
A calcium indicator reagent is a substance used during water testing to estimate water calcium hardness. The process to test calcium is officially called the Calmagite Colorimethic Method, but is typically referred to as a calcium hardness test. Typically performed by titration, a calcium buffer reagent and calcium indicator reagent are added to a water sample and mixed together. The sample will turn red indicating presence of calcium in the water. To determine the level of hardness, a calcium hardness reagent is added to the sample, which the number of hardness reagent drops added indicates the hardness level of the water sample.
[sc:ad_middle]How is a Calcium Indicator Reagent used for pools?
For swimming pools, you will find a calcium indicator reagent in most calcium test kits to help with the calcium hardness test. Calcium hardness is important to swimming pools, as an ideal hardness range needs to be maintained to keep the pool water balanced. Incorrectly having a high calcium hardness level can result in cloudy water and water scale on pool surfaces, and corrosion to concrete, stone, and metal surfaces if calcium hardness is too low.
Sources:
- Hach.com, Calcium Magnesium Indicator Solution.