What are ideal pool levels?

A pool that is "balanced" has proper levels of pH, Total Alkalinity, and Calcium Hardness. These are: pH: 7.2-7.8, Total Alkalinity: 80-120 ppm, Calcium Hardness, 180-220 ppm and Cyanuric Acid (Stabilizer): 30-50 ppm. Chlorine levels should remain constant in the 1-3 ppm range.

What is the ideal pH and chlorine level in a pool?

Chlorine is added to the water to kill germs. But it does not work right away. If used properly, free chlorine* can kill most germs within a few minutes. CDC recommends pH 7.2–7.8 and a free chlorine concentration of at least 1 ppm in pools and at least 3 ppm in hot tubs/spas.

Does pool algae like high or low pH?

Most Algae Grows in High-pH Environments

Most types of algae typically enjoy higher pH levels, ranging from 8.2 to 8.7. Once algae starts growing, it can further raise the pH level in your pool and cause more algae growth. Algae feeds off of CO2, which your pool needs in order to maintain a healthy chemical balance.

Is 5 ppm chlorine safe to swim?

The ideal level of free chlorine in the swimming pool is 2 to 4 ppm. 1 to 5 ppm is acceptable and 9 ppm is on the high side. 9 ppm would likely be safe to swim, but could be more of an irritant. Ideally, the level would be alllowed to come down to 5 ppm before swimmers are allowed to swim.

What is the desired ppm for a pool?

The ideal salt level is between 2700-3400 ppm (parts per million) with 3200 ppm being optimal. Before adding salt to your pool, test the water to check your salt level.

15 Levels of Pool: Easy to Complex | WIRED

Is 20 ppm chlorine too high?

When levels get too high, however, the chlorine works poorly and the water is again unbalanced. Ideal levels range from 30 to 50 ppm. At 150 ppm, only dilution -- draining and refilling your pool -- will lower the cyanuric acid and chlorine levels.

What pool ppm is too low?

If your free chlorine level is lower than 1 part per million (or ppm), then you need to take action to raise your chlorine levels. Chlorine levels at or below 1 ppm mean your pool water isn't sanitized, which can lead to algae growth and bacteria build-up.

Is 10 ppm free chlorine safe to swim in?

At chlorine levels over 10 ppm, swimsuits can begin to fade. Pool covers become damaged, and the water is generally uncomfortable and unsafe for swimmers. Close the pool and keep covers off until chlorine levels fall back below 5.0 ppm.

Can you swim in 10 ppm chlorine?

Chlorine is a chemical used to sanitise pool water to keep it free from nasties. Optimal chlorine levels are between 2-4 ppm, but as high as 10 ppm is still swimmable, just a little uncomfortable.

What ppm chlorine for pool shock?

The breakpoint chlorination value is 10 times the combined chlorine (CC) level. For example: 0.8 ppm (CC) from the above example × 10 = 8 ppm of chlorine to achieve breakpoint. Taking into account the free chlorine all ready in the pool, chlorine will have to be added to the level of 8 ppm.

What kills algae naturally?

Grab a brush and some baking soda. Bicarbonate, the active ingredient in baking soda, is an effective spot treatment to help kill the algae and loosen it from the wall.

What pH level kills algae?

If you're treating your pool for algae, you'll want the pH to be a little higher than you would typically want, at about 7.8. This will kill the bacteria or algae. Based on your levels, you will either have to lower or raise the pH.

Why does my pool turn green quickly?

If your pool is green and cloudy, it's likely an algae problem. Algae can persist in a pool even after shocking. A green pool – especially one that turned green overnight or after rain, can also be from a pool pump that isn't properly circulating water or an issue with your filtering system.

What is the ideal pH for shocking pool?

Only shock at dusk or night and leave the cover off. Ensure your pH is in the appropriate range of 7.2-7.4. It is important to run pump and filter the water for one hour after shocking the pool and vacuum the debris that falls to the pool floor after the shock the following morning.

How often should you backwash the pool filter?

As a general rule, you should be backwashing your pool about once a week or in conjugation with your scheduled maintenance. Another industry standard is to backwash when your filter's pressure gauge reads 8-10 PSI (pounds per square inch) over the starting level or “clean” pressure.

Should I add chlorine if pH is high?

Water with a high pH level reduces chlorine's effectiveness. This can lead to other problems like cloudy water and algae buildup.

Can you over chlorinate a pool?

Risks of Over-Chlorination. While slightly higher-than-normal levels of chlorine in your pool are harmless, exposure to an over-chlorinated pool can have adverse effects on your health and well-being. Excess chlorine can alter the pH level of the water in the pool, making it more acidic.

Will Shock raise free chlorine?

Shocking then releases the combined chlorine and off-gasses the contaminants, increasing the amount of free chlorine in your pool or spa. The question of whether to use a chlorinated or non-chlorinated shock will depend on how much total chlorine you have in your pool or spa.

Why is my pool clear but no chlorine?

If you test your pool water and can't get a chlorine reading, it may be due to your pool's high demand for chlorine. A high chlorine demand (sometimes referred as chlorine lock), simply means that although your water may appear clear and balanced, the chlorine in your pool is ineffective.

What level of free chlorine to shock pool?

As a general guide, you should shock your pool when: Algae begins to grow in your pool. The free chlorine level of your pool measures zero. The combined chlorine level rises above 0.5.

What free chlorine level is too high in pool?

The simplest step to bring down chlorine levels is to stop adding chlorine into the pool. Whether you have a chlorinator, chlorine feeder, or salt water chlorine generator, turn them off. If you put chlorine sticks in your skimmer, remove the sticks or reduce the amount of sticks you're using.

How bad is it to swim with high chlorine levels?

Exposure to high levels of chlorine can cause lung irritation, skin and eye damage, and provoke asthma. Not only is it bad for your health, but it can be bad for your pool due to the increase in chlorine. High chlorine levels decrease the pH of your pool's water, making it more acidic.

How do I increase ppm in my pool?

A rule of thumb is 1.5 lbs. of baking soda per 10,000 gallons of water will raise alkalinity by about 10 ppm. If your pool's pH tested below 7.2, add 3-4 pounds of baking soda. If you're new to adding pool chemicals, start by adding only one-half or three-fourths of the recommended amount.

Does rain water lower chlorine?

Rainfall dilutes pool chemistry levels and lowers the readings for pH, alkalinity, hardness, stabilizer, and chlorine. Rainfall does not contain chlorine. As well, rainfall brings with it small amounts of contaminants that are washed into the pool.

What is more important free chlorine or total chlorine?

When you test your pool or spa water, it's more important for the free chlorine level to be higher than the combined chlorine level in order to sanitize the water. Think of free chlorine as the arsenal you need in order to keep the contaminants at bay.