Common Chlorine Q&A

Zach | May 17, 2023

For new pool owners, understanding the appropriate amount of chlorine to add is an essential initial task. It’s common for beginners to find chlorine management overwhelming and may perceive regular chlorine level checks as burdensome. However, learning effective methods to accurately measure and apply chlorine is vital for maintaining a sanitized and algae-free pool.

Experiencing doubts during the initial process is natural. Dedicate some time to familiarize yourself with the essential knowledge required to effectively manage your pool.

What is Chlorine?

The addition of chlorine chemicals to pools plays a crucial role in preventing the spread of bacteria. When added in appropriate amounts, chlorine effectively eliminates germs in the pool water. Ultimately, chlorine is responsible for maintaining our health and safety while swimming in both public and private pools. By applying chlorine correctly, the risk of swimmers falling ill or transmitting diseases through the water is minimized.

How Much Chlorine Should Pool Owners Use?

To determine the appropriate amount of chlorine to add to a pool, there is no single measurement or rule. New pool owners should test the pool’s chlorine levels and adjust accordingly. Test strip kits can be purchased from pool supply stores or online. These kits are essential because various factors, such as body lotions, urine, and environmental elements, can affect chlorine levels in the pool. By using the test kits, pool owners can accurately measure chlorine levels and address any discrepancies.

What Does Chlorine Cost?

The price of chlorine has varied in recent years, influenced by market fluctuations. The cost of chlorine depends on the chosen form of purchase. The most affordable options are liquid chlorine and chlorine tablets. Liquid chlorine typically ranges from $7 to $10 per two-gallon jug. For chlorine tablets, pool owners can expect to spend approximately $60 to $70 for a 25-pound bag.

How to Add Liquid Chlorine

Residential pool owners and pool service professionals highly recommend the use of liquid chlorine in pools. It can be applied directly to the pool twice a week using a liquid feed system. Liquid chlorine is preferred by many due to its purity as a sanitizer and its environmental friendliness compared to chlorine tablets.

Liquid chlorine offers several additional advantages:

  1. Enhanced safety: Pool owners can handle liquid chlorine with greater safety precautions compared to other forms of chlorine.
  2. Cost-effectiveness: It provides the most cost-effective option for managing the pool.
  3. Absence of Cyanuric Acid: Liquid chlorine does not contain Cyanuric Acid, which, when present in high levels, can diminish the effectiveness of chlorine.
  4. Long-term quality: New pool owners, especially those who have recently become homeowners, will appreciate using liquid chlorine. This sanitizer helps maintain higher water quality, as well as preserve the condition of pool plaster and tiles.
  5. Minimized repairs: First-time pool owners who have just purchased their homes can benefit from using liquid chlorine to minimize unnecessary repairs around their property. By ensuring proper pool maintenance with liquid chlorine, they can avoid redundant and avoidable expenses.

What is the Chlorine Breakpoint?

Understanding the concept of the chlorine breakpoint is crucial for pool owners to comprehend the chemistry involved in pool maintenance. The chlorine breakpoint is reached when enough chlorine has been added to the water to meet the disinfection demand, effectively eliminating unwanted contaminants. It’s important for pool owners to avoid simply dumping chemicals into the pool without proper consideration. When using a higher concentration of chlorine, it’s recommended to first dissolve it in a bucket of pool water and then distribute the chlorinated water into the pool.

If you have further questions about pool chemicals or chlorine, we advise reaching out to a local pool professional or referring to our blog for valuable pool maintenance tips. Additionally, if you’re planning to install a pool soon, don’t forget to explore our selection of top-quality pool slides, handrails, and inground pool ladders, proudly made in the USA.

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