Keeping the water in your pool clean and free of any pathogens is the key to getting the most out of it. But this task is not as simple as it seems. It is not enough to randomly throw a few chlorine pebbles into your pool, quite the contrary. Adding the right amount of chlorine to your pool water can be a real balancing act. But it is absolutely necessary if you want to maintain a healthy pool.
Carry out a chlorine shock treatment
First of all, if a lot of dirt has accumulated in your pool, normal doses of chlorine will not solve the problem. You will have to “shock” the water, you must have heard of this chlorine shock treatment which consists of adding large amounts of chlorine for a short period of time to completely destroy all bacteria and organic matter in your water. of swimming pool. If the pool has not been treated for a while or has just been refilled, do this shock treatment first so the chlorine can do its job. Keep in mind that you should wait at least 8 hours before entering the pool after performing such chlorine treatment. If you want to keep a swimming pool and its water healthy, it is recommended to carry out a chlorine shock treatment in your pool every one to two weeks.
Check the pH level of the water
Next, you need to measure the pH level of the water. Because even if your chlorine level is correct, if the pH level is too high, it will not be enough to guarantee you safe swimming. Because chlorine loses its effectiveness in acidic water. Aim for a pH that is between 7.2 and 7.6. If your pH is too high, it’s time to add hydrochloric acid to the deep end of your pool – while running the pump. This will circulate the compound quickly and you can test it again six hours later. Don’t try to lower the level too quickly. Because the levels will fluctuate and it will frustrate you.
Chlorine in the form of pebbles or sticks
Once the water is ready, that is to say that it displays an almost neutral pH, between 7.2 and 7.6, start adding chlorine. Pool chlorine is sold in tablets or sticks that can be placed in floating or automatic dispensers. Try to avoid those that require water running over them to dissolve, as this will introduce very low pH water into your pumping system and cause it to fail prematurely. Also avoid tablets that crumble and fall apart. Good quality tablets will dissolve at a more or less even rate and will simply get smaller over time while retaining their shape.
The automatic chlorine dispenser solution
There are also automatic chlorine dispensers that are very popular with pool owners because of their ease of use and the help they provide with maintenance. The chemicals are automatically dosed and the right, precisely measured quantities are released into the pool. Therefore, this system allows you to precisely control the quantities dumped into the pool. The distributor is to be installed next to your filter system and it works thanks to pressure differences. With a control dial, you can adjust the level of chlorine delivery as you see fit.
The consequences of too much chlorine in your swimming pool
Regardless of how often or what system you use to add chlorine to the water, your pool’s chlorine level should stay between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm) if you want to maintain healthy pool water. Anything higher will put you at risk of either getting red eyes or itchy rashes. Even with a high level of chlorine, its smell should remain very light. If there is a strong odor, it is a sign that you need to shock treat the pool to remove accumulated bacteria and germs.
How much chlorine in the pool?
Calculating how much chlorine to use involves some math, but nothing too complicated. Many pool suppliers provide online calculators to help you. Be sure to check the pH levels every two to three days as the pH level will affect how the chlorine sanitizes your pool. And, keep in mind that chlorine is neutralized when it interacts with a contaminant and is also rendered neutral by sunlight.
The importance of the stabilizer product
Some chlorines are sold with their stabilizer, which is predominant. Those that are not must therefore be supplemented. Because as previously written, under the action of the sun for example, chlorine loses almost all of its power, if it is not stabilized. If your chlorine is not accompanied by a stabilizer, you will need to add some because stabilized chlorine lasts longer and retains its disinfectant effect more durably.