CALCIUM

The chemical element calcium is a malleable, light, silver-white metal, a member of the ALKALINE EARTH METAL group. Calcium reacts readily as a reducing agent with most nonmetals. It reacts with all halogens and the halide film formed on the surface of large pieces of metal protects the interior atoms from further reaction. Calcium reacts spontaneously with water and acids to liberate hydrogen gas. Ordinary mortar and some plasters are a mixture of calcium hydroxide, sand, and water. Exposure to air causes evaporation of the water; the mortar hardens, and in the course of time reaction with the carbon dioxide of the atmosphere reforms calcium carbonate, the starting material. Calcium carbonate, is one of the most widespread minerals. It is the chief constituent of LIMESTONE, its most abundant source, as well as MARBLE, and is a component of other metamorphic and sedimentary rock. Blackboard CHALK is a form of calcium carbonate mixed with a claylike binder. A pearl consists of layers of calcium carbonate deposited on a foreign particle within an oyster. Calcium is one of the base substances the pool is composed of. Well water many times is called "soft" and is lacking in calcium. If the level of calcium is not raised to meet minimum requirements, severe pitting of the surface of the pool will occur. If the levels of calcium are too high (hard water), scaling on the walls, tile, in the plumbing, and formation of "rocks" in your filter will occur. Not to mention, almost unclearable cloudiness of the water! Add calcium only as needed, as many city water supplies have sufficient calcium in the water.(NOTE: many sanitizers use calcium as the bonding agent. These forms are NOT stabilized and have a short shelf life.) SEE ALSO Ideal Chemical Balances