[throwaway789]

Hello, I'm doing my IA on titrations involving different types of waters effects on the calcium hardness of pool water.

My issue is that I have to incorporate calculations for the titrations but I just really don't know where I'd even begin. Chemistry is really starting to become a weak point for me and this IA is showing me that.

Here is my question:

How do different sources of water affect the hardness of a saltwater pool?

And here is my procedure:

1. Ensure the saltwater pool water has been perfectly balanced by collecting a water test sample and submitting it to a pool water testing center. Once the water has been deemed perfectly balanced, it is best to begin experimenting as soon as possible.
2. Obtain a pair of safety goggles and put them on before beginning the experimentation.
3. Collect a large sample of the perfectly balanced pool water into the first empty jug, do not use an old sample of the pool water, all experimentation must be conducted immediately after taking the sample of water as the water will no longer be actively filtered.
4. Use the two remaining jugs to contain the hose water and well water samples as the distilled water will come in a container/jug of its own.
5. Use the 10 cm3 graduated cylinder to measure 25 cm3 of the pool water and pour it into into the 50 cm3 beaker.
6. Place the 50 cm3 beaker onto the hot plate and put the magnetic stirrer into the beaker.
7. Add 1 cm3 of Calcium Buffer to the beaker and turn on the magnetic stirrer
8. Add 5 drops of Calcium Indicator Liquid to the beaker and let the magnetic stirrer fully mix the solution.
9. Titrate with hardness reagent until the solution turns blue. Count each drop used in the titration, the number of drops used of hardness reagent times ten is equivalent to the calcium hardness of the water in parts per million (ppm).
10. Pour out the 50 cm3 beaker wash it as well as the graduated cylinder and fully dry them before reuse.
11. Use the 10 cm3 graduated cylinder to measure 70 cm3 of pool water from the 1,000 cm3 beaker into the 250 cm3 beaker. Wash the 10 cm3 graduated cylinder out after measuring out the pool water and fully dry it.
12. Measure 30 cm3 of the hose water using the 10 cm3 graduated cylinder and pour the contents into the 250 cm3 beaker and swirl the water in the beaker for thirty seconds.
13. Now, take a 25 cm3 sample of the water in the 250 cm3 beaker and pour it into the 50 cm3 beaker, place the 50 cm3 beaker onto the hot plate with magnetic stirrer and once again turn it on.
14. Begin the process of adding 1 cm3 of Calcium Buffer to the beaker as well as the 5 drops of Calcium Indicator Liquid.
15. Wait for the magnetic stirrer to fully mix the Calcium Buffer and Calcium Indicator Liquid into the water before proceeding to titrate. Then titrate with the hardness reagent until the solution turns blue. Count each drop used in the titration, the number of drops used of hardness reagent times ten is equivalent to the calcium hardness of the water in parts per million (ppm).
16. Empty the 250 cm3 and 50 cm3 beakers, wash them, and fully dry them before testing the other types of water. Repeat steps 11-15 for the remaining two types of water being sure to accurately record your observations in your data sheet.
17. Repeat the experiment four more times for a total of five trials. Do all of your trials at the same time so the pool’s filter and other third-party variables do not have an effect on the pool water.
18. Clean all beakers and graduated cylinders thoroughly and pour out any extra water.
19. Review your data sheet and take note of the changes in the hardness of the water in each trial.


Please don't provide actual work for me, that is my job as taking work would be a direct violation of IB's honor code.

I just ask for help in moving in the right direction in my investigation.

Thank you so much