Pool Reverse Osmosis in El Cajon: Real Water Analysis Results (2/25/2026)
This saltwater pool in El Cajon had high dissolved solids, elevated calcium, and overstabilized chlorine (high CYA). Instead of draining
and refilling, we used mobile pool reverse osmosis to restore water quality on-site — saving an estimated 23,500 gallons.
Quick Summary
- Location: El Cajon (East County San Diego)
- Pool Type: Saltwater
- Service Date: 2/25/2026
- Process: Mobile Pool Reverse Osmosis (no drain / no harsh acid wash)
- Goal: Reduce buildup (TDS / calcium / CYA) and rebalance water for clean, comfortable swimming
The Problem: “Tired” Saltwater With Buildup
When a pool stays in service year after year, dissolved solids and chemical byproducts can accumulate — especially in warm, dry areas like El Cajon.
The result is water that can become harder to manage, less comfortable to swim in, and more likely to scale plaster and equipment.
Starting Water Readings (Before RO)
- TDS: 4,500 ppm (recommended: 500–1500 ppm)
- Calcium Hardness: 1,000 ppm (recommended: 200–400 ppm)
- Cyanuric Acid (CYA): 150 ppm (recommended: 30–50 ppm)
- pH: 8.0 (recommended: 7.4–7.8)
- Total Alkalinity: 40 ppm (recommended: 70–90 ppm)
- Salt (Salinity): 3,000 ppm (saltwater operating range: 3000–3600 ppm)
Note: Salinity is shown as the final reading before any post-treatment adjustment.
The Solution: Mobile Pool Reverse Osmosis (No Drain)
Pool reverse osmosis works like a deep “reset” for your water. Our mobile RO system filters the pool water on-site,
removing dissolved buildup such as excess calcium, stabilizer (CYA), and other solids — while keeping your pool full.
Why homeowners choose RO vs. draining
- Save water: no full drain required
- Protect plaster: avoid exposure and cracking risks from extended dry time
- Faster recovery: less downtime and fewer “start over” chemistry headaches
- Better control: we can dial in balance targets after treatment
The Results: Cleaner, Balanced Water
After reverse osmosis, the water was dramatically improved and brought back into a healthy operating range:
Before → After Highlights
- TDS: 4,500 → 525 ppm
- Calcium: 1,000 → 200 ppm
- CYA: 150 → 50 ppm
- pH: 8.0 → 7.5
- Total Alkalinity: 40 → 90 ppm
- ORP: 615 → 840 mV (improved sanitation potential)
- Water Saved: 23,500 gallons (estimated)
Every pool is different — targets can vary based on finish type, equipment, and how you prefer to maintain your water.
Why El Cajon Pools Build Up Faster
East County pools often see faster concentration from heat and evaporation. As water evaporates, minerals and dissolved solids stay behind.
Over time, this can push calcium, CYA, and TDS higher — and make the pool harder to keep balanced.
- Higher evaporation = faster concentration
- Harder fill water can raise calcium
- Salt pools can accumulate dissolved solids over time
Need Pool Reverse Osmosis in El Cajon?
If your saltwater pool has high calcium, high TDS, or chlorine that “won’t hold,” we can often restore your water without draining.
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