What type of water do most natural and municipally treated sources tend to be?

Most natural and municipally treated water sources tend to be classified as corrosive or scale-producing. This is primarily due to the presence of various dissolved minerals and the overall chemistry of the water.

When water is assessed for its characteristics, factors like pH balance, hardness, and mineral content play vital roles. Corrosive water typically has low pH levels, which means it is more acidic and can dissolve metals from pipes and fixtures, leading to corrosion. Conversely, scale-producing water usually has high hardness levels due to an abundance of calcium and magnesium. This type of water can lead to scale buildup in plumbing and equipment, causing maintenance issues.

Understanding these characteristics is essential for pool operators, as they directly influence water chemistry management and maintenance protocols to ensure the safety and comfort of swimmers while also preserving the infrastructure of the pool system.