Water hardness in Pula
322 mg/L very hard
Tap water in Pula is very hard: 322 mg/L (18.8 gpg · 18 °dH · 32.2 °fH).
Source: Vodovod Pula zone analysis B, NZZJZIZ lab, Prnjani 2024 (2024) · data checked 2026-10-22
Vodovod Pula publishes analysis reports per measurement point. The figure here is 322 mg/L CaCO3 from the 2024 report for Prnjani (Rakonek zone), a single point and not the whole city. Newer 2025 and 2026 reports may exist but could not be opened, so the value may be out of date. Ask the utility which zone serves your address.
Croatian suppliers report total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃ or °dH.
Water data
| Total hardness | 322 mg/L |
|---|---|
| Utility | Vodovod Pula d.o.o. (now Vodovod Pula Labin d.o.o.) |
How Pula compares
- Tap water in Pula is 5 % softer than the median of the 13 cities we track in Croatia (339 mg/L).
- By hardness it ranks 9 of 13 in Croatia (1 = hardest); 33 % of these cities have softer water.
- Nearest city with clearly softer water: Rijeka, 69 km away (161 mg/L).
What it means at home
- Severe scale: heater elements and washing-machine heaters fail early.
- Detergent use is very high; taps and screens coat within days.
- Dishwasher at maximum salt setting.
- An ion-exchange softener is practically essential; RO for drinking water.
How much salt will you use for softening?
Yes. At this hardness a softener pays for itself through appliance life and detergent.
Descale a coffee machine or kettle about every 1 months (typical manufacturer guidance for this hardness).
Estimates for planning, not a quote. Check your appliance manual for exact settings.
Dishwasher setting in Pula
| Brand | Setting for this water |
|---|---|
| Bosch | H05 |
| Miele | 18 °dH |
| AEG / Electrolux | 4 |
| Beko | 5th |
| Hoover | S3 |
| LG | H3 |
From each brand's manual for the model family named in the source; your model may differ, so check its manual. All brands and how to change the setting →
FAQ
Is Pula water hard or soft?
It is very hard: 322 mg/L as CaCO₃ (18.8 gpg, 18 °dH). The usual bands are soft < 60, moderately hard 60–120, hard 120–180 and very hard > 180 mg/L.
Is tap water in Pula safe to drink?
Hardness is not a health issue; it is about limescale, taste and appliances. Mains water must meet national drinking-water standards. Croatian suppliers report total hardness in mg/L CaCO₃ or °dH.
How many grains per gallon is Pula water?
18.8 gpg, equal to 18 °dH, 32.2 °fH or 322 mg/L calcium carbonate.
What dishwasher salt setting should I use in Pula?
For 322 mg/L (18 °dH) check your manufacturer's table: maximum level (5–7).
Do I need a water softener in Pula?
Yes, unless you are only passing through: scale damages appliances within a few years.
Source
Source: Vodovod Pula zone analysis B, NZZJZIZ lab, Prnjani 2024 (2024). Method: own measurement. Vodovod Pula zone analysis B, NZZJZIZ lab, Prnjani 2024 · Outdated figure? Tell us