How much chlorine should I add to my swimming pool?
Chlorine is a chemical compound that kills bacteria and helps prevent algae growth.
The amount of chlorine needed depends on the size of your pool and the type of water you use.
You can adjust the amount of chlorine in your pool using two methods: adding chemicals or adjusting the pH level.
This article looks at how you go about raising or lowering pool chlorine and reminds you why you need to always remember to test your water before and after you have done anything regarding pool maintenance.
Raising The Level Of Pool Chlorine
Raising chlorine levels in your pool is a lot simpler than attempting to lower the chlorine levels.
You can raise chlorine levels by adding chlorine in the form of granular chlorine, chlorine tablets (see also ‘The 8 Best Chlorine Tablets Reviews‘), or even liquid or powder shock.
This will automatically increase chlorine content.
It is usually more beneficial to start with only a little chlorine when adding chlorine.
This is because you want to avoid putting too much chlorine in your pool before swimming (see also ‘ How To Chlorinate Your Swimming Pool Using Bleach ‘).
You should also remember to test your chlorine levels to judge whether the pool needs more chlorine after use.
There are several ways to adjust the amount of chlorine needed in your pool.
Some people prefer to use a combination of both methods while others only rely on one method.
As mentioned earlier, it is best to start with low amounts of chlorine and then gradually increase the amount as needed.
If you are unsure which method to use, it would be best to consult your local pool service professional.
They will know what the best way to adjust the chlorine levels is for your specific situation.
Adding Granular Chlorine
Adding granular chlorine is probably the easiest method to adjust chlorine levels.
You simply sprinkle granular chlorine into the pool and wait until the chlorine has dissolved.
Once this happens, you can begin testing your pool for proper chlorine levels.
If you are not sure how much to add, you can follow these steps:
1. Take a sample from the top of the pool.
2. Test the sample with a pocket scale.
3. Add enough granular chlorine so that the reading goes up 1-2 ppm (parts per million).
4. Repeat step three until you reach the desired level.
5. Wait until all the chlorine has dissolved before beginning step 6.
6. Begin testing your pool for chlorine levels.
Using Tablets
Tablets such as In The Swim 3 Inch Stabilized Chlorine Tablets are another easy way to reduce chlorine levels in your pool.
You just pop some tablets into the pool and let them dissolve. When they do, you can begin testing for proper chlorine levels.
However, once again, you must remember to test your pool before you add any tablets and test your pool at the end.
Lowering The Level Of Pool Chlorine
It is usually more tricky to reduce the chlorine amount.
One method of bringing it down is to leave your swimming pool alone and keep it uncovered but make sure it is getting hit with direct sunlight.
Sunlight eats the chlorine in the pool and lowers it naturally.
That is the reason that it is so important to test your pool water frequently in the summer or if you live in a warmer climate.
If you do not, and the chlorine levels get too low, your pool could turn green and off-color from lack of chlorine.
An alternate way to reduce chlorine when you do not live anywhere with direct sunlight or it is wintertime is to drain the water and add new water.
You could just drain a little water and a little freshwater. This will dilute the water you already have in your pool and the chlorine levels will be lowered.
Testing The Water
As we have mentioned, it’s important to test your water as irritation can be caused by a chemical imbalance as well as a high chlorine count.
If you are trying to increase your chlorine content by shocking your pool and you test it to find out that it still reads zero total chlorine, you could have a chlorine lock.
Try searching for test strips that will look for your TDS level and see what the test shows.
You can also try a Non-Chlorine shock such as GLB 71414A Oxy-Brite.
This can reset your pool water and will let the water accept the chlorine shock when you add it next.
Shocking The Pool After Overuse
If lots of people have been in your pool for a short period, you should shock your pool (see our guide to shocking your swimming pool) overnight or leave it for at least 12 hours.
This will increase the chlorine in your pool and will allow the chlorine to oxidize.
This will end up cleaning the pool water.
After you have shocked your pool (see also ‘Can You Shock A Pool Without The Pump Running?‘) you need to wait to swim in it again for at least 8 hours while the chlorine levels return to normal.
How Much Chlorine Is Needed Based On pH level?
You can adjust the amount of chlorination by either adding more chlorine or lowering the pH level.
Adjusting the pH level is an easy way to find out whether you need to lower or raise the amount of chlorine needed to keep your pool clean.
To do this, you’ll need to purchase a pH test kit from your local hardware store. You’ll also need to know your current pH level.
Mix 1 cup of vinegar with 4 cups of water. Pour it into your pool and let it sit for 24 hours.
After 24 hours, take a sample of the pool water and measure its PH level. The higher the PH level, the more acidic the water is.
If the PH level is between 7 and 8, you will want to increase the amount of chlorine in the pool.
If the PH level is below 6, you’ll want to decrease the amount of chlorine to reduce the risk of algae growth.
Final Thoughts
We hope after reading our article you have learned how to properly maintain your pool.
We’ve provided some helpful tips and tricks to help you out when it comes to raising and lowering chlorine levels so why not give them a go.
If you have any questions about maintaining your pool, you can always consult a pool specialist for further details!
And remember, always check your pool water before and after the pool maintenance!
