What about Chlorine?

Calm Water Pool

Pool owners should acquaint themselves with the ins and outs of handling chlorine. They should know the facts about this chemical to properly and safely maintain a swimming pool. For example, a clean pool shouldn’t smell of chemicals at all! In fact, an unsanitary pool usually reeks of chlorine! Let’s delve in, shall we?

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What Does Chlorine Do?

Pool owners use this chemical as a means to eliminate their pools of harmful bacteria and other germs. This usually occurs in a two-step process. The chlorine first acts as a disinfectant, killing bacteria or algae. Then, it oxidizes, chemically destroying dirt or other foreign materials found in a pool.

How Much Chlorine Should You Use?

On average, a swimming pool contains anywhere from 3 to 5 ppm of chlorine. You can calculate how much chlorine you need to sanitize your pool with a standard measurement. An above ground swimming pool that is 48 inches tall and 15 feet wide contains 4,978 gallons, whereas an in-ground pool can hold 31,000 gallons or more depending on its size. You can also determine the number of gallons your swimming pool can hold by calculating the volume of the pool, then converting that amount into gallons. Since chlorine tablets are the most common form for dispensing chlorine, determine the size of your pool to find the number of tablets needed.

Test the appropriate amount of chlorine by measuring a pool’s pH level. The pH level measures the acidity in the water; this level can affect vital chemical reactions occurring inside the pool during the cleaning process. A normal pH level for a swimming pool ranges between 7.2 to 8.0 pH.

Is Chlorine Harmful?

If it’s misused, chlorine can be very harmful. About 10% of homeowners fail routine pool inspections, so it is imperative that pool owners adhere to using the correct amount of chlorine needed for the size of their pool. Chlorine reacts with other organic materials such as urine, feces, sweat, and saliva all commonly found in a pool. This creates disinfection byproducts also known as chloramines that have a distinct smell. While many consider clean pools to be bright blue in color, it may actually be a sign of an unsanitary pool.

How To Safely Use Chlorine

There is a safety requirement for each of the seasons. Both winterizing your pool and preparing for spring’s pool opening requires the same amount of care as during the summer season.

Experts recommend keeping all of these tips in mind to make sure you have a safe and enjoyable pool season.