Stone Affecting Water Chemistry

dirt diggler

Tscar's thread reminded me of something that has bugged me for awhile



im not talking like waterfalls - but more like actually setting stones in water (or on rolled beams in lieu of tile/coping).


i haven't come across anyone wanting to do this .... but may get the opportunity here this Fall on a new one coming up


so, after that longwinded explanation - my question is: will natural stones have any effects on the chemistry balance? if they are placed in the water???

Can't see that they would. If anything - it would be the other way around ... water affecting the rocks .... I've had rocks on the bottom of water falls below the waterline - hasn't affected chemistry. No calcium deposits (which i did warn/disclaim the HOs about)

Tscarborough

Waterfalls over limestone will push the PH more than immersed rocks, but neither will have much effect in a pool. In a pond, it is a consideration.

ruskent

I remember reading something on some other site about saltwater hurting or damaging flagstone???

dirt diggler

let me clarify - not talking about water flowing over rocks on a waterfall


i mean rocks IN the pool



haha, man that statement, by itself and taken out of context is funny

Tscarborough

Either way, in a pool it won't matter, although some limestones will work as a sacrificial ph buffer, like a zinc on a boat shaft. The one thing they do that can be good is to provide calcium to the system, over and above the buffering capability. A lot depends upon your local water, though. For this area, I recommend granitic or sandstone rocks for PONDS, but I don't see it making a difference for pools.

Glasshousebltr

add a little scotch.

__________________
Bob

POOLMANinCT

oxiderizers will sequester iron from some rocks, red water & stained plaster

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......Less with the jaw & More with the paw.....

Poolman

Depends on the rocks. In general the pools we work with which have rocks in the water are fine. Only thing to watch for like ray said is ...the iron factor. This will make a mess on your plaster surface.
Scott