How To Increase Free Chlorine In Swimming Pools? [Fact Checked!]


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Is your pool not maintaining the appropriate level of salinity?

Do you face serious water maintenance issues such as scaling, algae growth, and unpleasant tastes that keep surfers and swimmers away?

Has your pool passed its optimum performance life and is costing you a fortune in costly repairs?

If you answered โ€œyesโ€ to any of these questions, then it’s time for an upgrade. Answering โ€œyesโ€ to any of these questions means that you are operating your pool in chlorosis and are not enjoying the benefits of a properly maintained pool. In this case, increasing the free chlorine level in your pool is the key to restoring its optimum performance.

Why Should You Try To Increase The Free Chlorine Level In Your Pool?

The free chlorine levels in your pool are the primary indicator of how safe and appealing the water is for swimming and surfing. The free chlorine is a by-product of the water treatment process and it forms when water is exposed to air. As air is a source of oxygen, the oxygen in the air readily combines with the organic material in the water to form chlorine. The chlorine will then go on to sanitize the water and make it safe for swimming and surfing. When the free chlorine level is high, it indicates that the water is fresh and appealing to swimmers. On the other hand, when it is low, it means the water is nearing the end of its useful life and swimming and surfing in it could be dangerous.

How Can You Increase The Free Chlorine Level In Your Pool?

Since chlorine is unstable and highly reactive, it is highly susceptible to breakdown and contamination. To prevent this from happening, the free chlorine level should always be maintained above a certain limit. However, keeping a constant eye on the free chlorine level can be quite challenging since it is easily affected by multiple factors such as temperature, sunlight, and biological growth. The good news is that there are ways you can easily increase the free chlorine level in your pool without being overwhelmed by the task. Here are some of the best tips.

Outsource The Labor-Intense Tasks

One way to easily increase the free chlorine level in your pool is to outsource the labor-intensive tasks. For example, if you have a pool cleaner that regularly visits your pool to clean it, you could consider hiring a pool maintenance company to do the dirty work for you. Hiring a professional cleaner comes with many advantages. Not only will they take care of all the dirty work for you, but they will also make sure the pool is always clean and safe for swimming. You won’t have to worry about anything other than chilling by the pool and taking a break from your busy schedule. Hiring a pool maintenance service provider is also less expensive in the long run than maintaining a pool yourself. Keeping tabs on all the different chemicals and keeping the pool clean are two things that most people cannot accomplish alone. Hiring a pool management company takes the stress out of keeping a pool clean and safe while also allowing you to enjoy your time off work. More and more people are recognizing the value in this approach and are looking to outsource the responsibilities of household chores so that they can focus on what matters most to them.

Add More Chlorine

Adding more chlorine to water is another way to increase the free chlorine level in your pool. When you add more chlorine to the water, it will react with the existing chlorine quicker, creating an overall better reaction and higher free chlorine level. You can buy chlorine in granular form and then mix it with water to create a strong stream that will help cleanse the pool. Another popular method is to use a pool chlorinator which is a device that allows you to add chlorine without the aid of a person. These devices usually contain a chemical compound that releases chlorine on contact with water, eliminating the need to manually add it. Although it’s not recommended to completely replace the chlorination process with chemical compounds, these devices are handy in situations where there is no access to electricity or in remote areas where electricity is costly.

Use Chemical Reagents

One of the simplest and most straightforward methods of increasing the free chlorine level in your pool is to use chemical reagents. Chemical reagents are substances that react with water by changing its physical or chemical properties. The most common chemical reagents used to increase the free chlorine level in pools are citric acid and vinegar. The reaction between these two compounds and water is quite complex, but it effectively improves the chemical properties of the water and makes it safer for swimming. The downside to using chemical reagents is that they can damage the pool walls and lead to corrosion. The solution is to be sure that you always test the water before and after applying the reagent and to clean up any spills promptly.

Monitor The pH Level Of The Pool

The pH level of the pool is another factor that influences the stability of the free chlorine. Acidity or alkalinity of the water will determine whether the chlorine will be readily absorbed by the water or will just hang around and cause potential health complications. The most effective way to increase the pH level of the pool is to use proper pool filters which will stop all the dirt and residue from clogging the pool’s plumbing system. For instance, sand filters are effective in removing calcium levels which would otherwise make the water acidic. Using proper pool filters will not only stop the acidity but it will also make the water more transparent, improving the aesthetic appeal of the pool.

When Should You Try To Increase The Free Chlorine Level In Your Pool?

Since the safety of the pool is contingent upon the free chlorine level, it is essential to determine when this level should be increased. In most situations, the free chlorine level should be checked twice a week and then amended as needed. Checking the free chlorine level and adjusting it as necessary is quite easy and can be accomplished with little effort. However, if you have a very large pool and the job of checking the chlorine level is labor-intensive, then you might want to consider hiring help or getting an automated pool chlorinator so that you can sit back and relax while the pool keeps getting cleaned. Remember, proper hygiene is vital in keeping your pool clean and appealing to all swimmers and surfers. Regularly cleaning the pool with water and soap is essential for maintaining a good balance between all the different elements that make up the water’s chemistry. Never use harsh chemicals to clean the pool or you will end up harming the environment.

Is your pool not keeping the appropriate level of salinity? Do you face serious water maintenance issues such as scaling, algae growth, and unpleasant tastes that keep surfers and swimmers away? Has your pool passed its optimum performance life and is costing you a fortune in costly repairs? If you answered โ€œyesโ€ to any of these questions, then it’s time for an upgrade. Answering โ€œyesโ€ to any of these questions means that you are operating your pool in chlorosis and are not enjoying the benefits of a properly maintained pool. In this case, increasing the free chlorine level in your pool is the key to restoring its optimum performance.

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