Answer to Question #60438 in General Chemistry for john

Question

what will cause swimming pool water to leach calcium/chemicals from fresh concrete ?

Answer 1

During the process of leaching, water-soluble compounds of concrete dissolve in water. High permeability and high concentration of calcium hydroxide in the concrete increase leaching rate. Carbon dioxide naturally dissolved in water enhances leaching of calcium and magnesium ions in the form of corresponding hydrocarbonates. Low hardness of water shifts the equilibrium of concrete dissolution increasing concrete leaching rate. The most important factor among the listed above is the permeability of concrete in the interfacial zone depending on the pore size distribution and total calcium content.