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High TDS Problems

When water gets saturated with dissolved solids

3,400
Monthly Searches
2000 ppm
Action Level
Drain Only
Solution
$400-1200
Replacement Cost

Quick Answer

High TDS (Total Dissolved Solids) over 2000 ppm makes water feel heavy, reduces chemical effectiveness, and indicates saturated water. TDS includes everything dissolved in water - minerals, salts, chemicals, and contaminants. Only solution is partial drain/refill; no chemical removes TDS. Calculate drain percentage: (Current TDS - 1000) ÷ Current TDS. Check local drainage laws first. Prevention through TDS monitoring and efficient chemical programs saves expensive emergency drainage.

Professional service recommended for this issue

Understanding Total Dissolved Solids (TDS)

What Is TDS?

  • • Everything dissolved in water
  • • Minerals, salts, chemicals, organics
  • • Measured in parts per million (ppm)
  • • Accumulates over time
  • • Cannot be filtered out

TDS Components

  • • Source water minerals (calcium, sodium)
  • • Pool chemicals (chlorine, acid, alkalinity)
  • • Salt (in salt systems)
  • • Bather waste and organics
  • • Environmental contaminants

Mid-Cities West of DFW Airport Water Reality: Southlake, Westlake, Grapevine area source water typically contains 300-500 ppm TDS from natural minerals. This means pools start with high TDS and reach problem levels faster than areas with soft water.

TDS Level Guidelines

Source Water + 0-1000 ppm - Good

Fresh water, chemicals work normally, no issues. For the mid-cities west of DFW Airport: 300-1500 ppm total.

Source Water + 1000-1500 ppm - Monitor

Slight decrease in chemical efficiency, water may feel different. For the mid-cities west of DFW Airport: 1300-2000 ppm.

2000-2500 ppm - Action Needed

Chemicals struggle, water feels heavy, foam increases. Consider partial drain.

2500+ ppm - Critical

Major chemical inefficiency, equipment stress, immediate drainage required.

Salt Pool Exception:

Salt pools can tolerate higher TDS (up to 3000 ppm) since salt contributes significantly. However, non-salt TDS should still follow regular guidelines.

What Increases TDS

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Source Water (Foundation)

Municipal water in the mid-cities west of DFW Airport contains 300-500 ppm TDS from natural minerals and treatment processes. This is your starting point that can't be avoided.

Management: Test your tap water TDS to establish baseline

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Chemical Additions

Every chemical added increases TDS: chlorine, acid, alkalinity increaser, calcium, salt, clarifiers. Granular chemicals add more TDS than liquids.

Efficiency: Use liquid chlorine and efficient chemical programs

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Salt Systems

Salt pools maintain 2500-4000 ppm salt constantly. While this TDS is intentional, other dissolved solids still accumulate on top of salt levels.

Monitoring: Test non-salt TDS separately for accurate assessment

☀️

Evaporation Concentration

Water evaporates, dissolved solids don't. Texas heat can evaporate 1-2 inches weekly, concentrating TDS by 10-20% without water addition.

Mitigation: Regular water addition dilutes concentrated TDS

High TDS Pool Drainage

  • Check local regulations before draining - many areas restrict pool drainage
  • Never drain pool completely - risk of structural damage or 'popping'
  • Drought conditions may prohibit any pool draining
  • Some areas require discharge to sanitary sewer, not storm drains
  • Fines for illegal drainage can exceed $10,000
  • Consider professional drainage service for compliance

How to Address High TDS

1

Test TDS Levels Accurately

Proper measurement determines need for action

⚠️ Warning: Test strips cannot measure TDS - digital meter required

2

Identify TDS Sources

Understand what's contributing to buildup

⚠️ Warning: High source water TDS makes problem worse

3

Assess Water Quality Impact

Determine if TDS is causing problems

⚠️ Warning: TDS problems often develop gradually

4

Check TDS Guidelines

Determine urgency of treatment

⚠️ Warning: Above 3000 ppm, chemicals become ineffective

5

Plan Water Replacement

Calculate drain percentage needed

⚠️ Warning: Illegal draining can result in heavy fines

6

Execute Partial Drain/Refill

Safe water replacement procedure

⚠️ Warning: Empty pools can pop out of ground or crack

Why No Chemical Can Remove TDS

The Physics Problem

TDS represents everything dissolved at the molecular level. No chemical can selectively remove dissolved minerals and salts without removing everything else, including beneficial chemicals.

Beware of "TDS Reducer" Products

Products claiming to reduce TDS are either ineffective or extremely expensive dilution systems. Save money - partial water replacement is the only practical solution.

Professional Options

  • Reverse osmosis mobile services (very expensive)
  • Professional partial drainage (regulatory compliant)
  • Water exchange services (where available)
  • Planned drainage during optimal conditions

High TDS Treatment Costs

🔧 DIY Attempt

Estimated Cost:$200-600
Time Required:2-3 days
Difficulty:Hard

⚠️ Risks:

  • Illegal drainage can result in heavy fines
  • Structural damage from improper draining
  • Difficulty rebalancing fresh water
  • Weather-dependent timing

👷 Professional Service

Service Cost:$400-1200
Completion Time:1-2 days

✅ Includes:

  • Regulatory compliance verification
  • Safe drainage procedures
  • Proper disposal routing
  • Complete water rebalancing
  • Future TDS monitoring plan
  • Efficient chemical program setup

Detailed Cost Breakdown

Item/ServiceLowHigh
TDS meter$25$75
Water cost (50% replacement)$150$400
Rebalancing chemicals$75$150
Pump rental (if needed)$50$100
Professional serviceFull service$400$1200
Total Range$700$1925

💰 Value Tip: CoOpPools offers transparent pricing with no hidden fees. Our worker-owned model means fair prices and invested service.

Preventing High TDS

Prevention Tips

TDS builds slowly over years. Prevention and monitoring avoid expensive emergency drainage.

1

Monitor TDS Monthly

Test TDS levels monthly and track increases. Normal pools gain 200-300 ppm annually. Salt pools increase faster. Early detection prevents emergency draining.

Frequency: Monthly
Homeowner Friendly
💰Saves: $500-1000/year avoiding emergency drains
2

Minimize Chemical Additions

Use efficient chemical systems that don't add dissolved solids. Liquid chlorine adds less TDS than granular. Minimize clarifiers and other additives.

Frequency: Ongoing
Some Experience Needed
3

Manage Water Loss/Addition

Track water additions from rain, refills, and backwashing. Fresh water dilutes TDS. Consider harvesting rainwater for non-potable pool use where legal.

Frequency: Ongoing
Some Experience Needed
4

Professional TDS Management

Regular service includes TDS monitoring, efficient chemical programs that minimize buildup, early intervention planning, and regulatory-compliant drainage when needed.

Frequency: Monthly monitoring
👷Professional Recommended

🏊 Pro Tip: Regular professional maintenance prevents 90% of pool problems.Get your maintenance quote today

When to Call a Professional

Call Immediately If:

  • • TDS exceeds 2500 ppm
  • • Unsure about drainage regulations
  • • Pool has structural concerns
  • • Need efficient chemical program
  • • Rapid TDS increase detected

Professional Benefits:

  • • Regulatory compliance
  • • Safe drainage procedures
  • • TDS monitoring programs
  • • Chemical efficiency optimization
  • • Long-term cost reduction

Need Professional Help?

High TDS reduces chemical effectiveness and wastes money. Our technicians provide regulatory-compliant drainage and efficient chemical programs to prevent future TDS problems.

Mention "high TDS levels" when calling for faster service

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