How To Raise Chlorine Level In Pool? 5 Proven Methods That Work

Maintaining a balanced level of chlorination is crucial for keeping your pool water clean and healthy. However, there can be instances where the chlorine level in your pool drops below the recommended range due to various reasons such as heavy usage or exposure to sunlight.

If you’re facing such an issue, it’s essential to take necessary measures to raise the chlorine level quickly before the water turns murky, promotes algae growth or causes skin irritations. Fortunately, there are several proven methods that you can follow to increase the chlorine level in your pool efficiently.

In this article, we’ve compiled five reliable ways to help you raise the chlorine level in your pool effectively. These steps will explain how to balance the pH level and alkalinity of your pool while increasing the chlorine levels, all using easy and quick methods that you can implement at home.

“A well-maintained pool is one that provides a safe and refreshing experience for swimmers.”

So, whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or just getting started with pool maintenance, stay tuned for actionable tips on how to keep the chlorine levels in your pool within the required range throughout the swim season.

Shock Your Pool

The Importance of Shocking Your Pool

If you have noticed that your pool water is cloudy, has an unpleasant odor, or causes skin irritation, it’s time to shock your pool. Shocking a pool means adding large doses of chlorine or other chemicals to eliminate bacteria, algae, and other contaminants in the water.

Shocking your pool regularly not only ensures crystal-clear water but also maintains healthy swimming conditions for yourself and anyone else using your pool. It can even help prevent some diseases from spreading through contaminated water.

“Inadequate chlorination was associated with outbreaks of cryptosporidiosis, legionellosis, giardiasis, E.coli O157:H7 infection, as well as many cases of recreational water illness” – World Health Organisation (WHO)

In addition to health benefits, shock treatments also prolong the life of the pool equipment by removing any organic matter that could corrode them over time. Regularly shocking your pool helps keep all essential components functioning correctly, which reduces maintenance costs.

When to Shock Your Pool

It’s best to follow a schedule when it comes to shocking your pool rather than wait until it becomes visibly dirty. A common rule of thumb is to perform this treatment every week during peak summer months, depending on how often people use it. You should also shock your pool after a heavy rainstorm or if there are frequent windy conditions because these events can carry unwelcome foreign particles into the pool.

The most important factor to consider when deciding whether or not to shock your pool is the free chlorine levels. The ideal range is between 1-3 parts per million (ppm), and anything below one ppm means your pool needs a shock treatment. To determine your pool’s free chlorine levels, you can use test strips or a liquid testing kit.

If the pool has undergone ample use, add more shock treatments to increase your chlorine levels further. Some products recommend aiming for at least 3-5 ppm of residual chlorine in the water after shocking it.

“When people are in the pool, they’re putting contaminants into the pool, and that’s going to break down the chlorine,” – Tiffany Napper, owner of Pool Professor

It’s worth noting that if your pH or total alkalinity falls outside the recommended range, this will also affect how effectively chlorine works, so testing all chemical levels is paramount before adding anything. Consult with experts on how to raise chlorine levels while balancing other chemicals properly to maintain healthy pool conditions.

To conclude, always remember that proper care and maintenance are necessary for a swimming pool that sparkles and promotes good health. Shocking your pool regularly helps keep it functioning properly, provides sanitation benefits, and ensures a refreshing swim every time!

Use Chlorine Tablets

If you own a pool, one of the most important things you need to do is maintain proper water chemistry. Maintaining a balanced and clean pool requires regular cleaning and keeping your chlorine levels at an appropriate level.

How Chlorine Tablets Work

To understand how to raise chlorine levels in your swimming pool, it’s important to first understand how chlorine works in general. When added to water, chlorine reacts with organic material such as bacteria, algae, sweat, and urine, breaking them down and killing harmful microorganisms that can cause disease or skin irritation. Chlorine tablets are simply slow dissolving solid forms of chlorine used for sanitizing pools.

The active ingredient in chlorine tablets is trichloroisocyanuric acid, which contains both a chlorine atom and a cyanuric acid molecule. Cyanuric acid stabilizes chlorine, protecting it from sunlight degradation caused by UV rays. This makes it possible to add less chlorine over time while still maintaining effective sanitizer levels. Additionally, these tablets usually contain around 90% available chlorine compared to other forms such as liquid bleach which has only about 5-6%. These properties make chlorine tablets a prime choice when aiming to effectively sanitize the pool water quickly and easily.

The Benefits of Using Chlorine Tablets

Nowadays there are many types of pool sanitizers in the market but chlorine remains the most widely produced and cost-effective method. Here are some benefits of using chlorine tablets:

• Effective against bacteria and algae, preventing health risks and unsightly conditions.
• Lasts longer than liquid bleach due to its slower dissolution rate, requiring fewer applications.
• Cheaper in long-term use compared to other methods like Ozone treatment systems due to their high upfront costs and energy requirements.

How to Use Chlorine Tablets Safely

Chlorine tablets can be hazardous if not handled properly, so it’s crucial to take the necessary precautions when handling them.

• Always store chlorine tablets in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight or moisture, as they can react with each other causing a fire risk.
• Use protective gloves and goggles while handling these tablets, avoiding direct skin contact at all times.
• To avoid over-dosing shock treatment levels stick to recommended quantity based on pool size- usually around 1-2ppm per gallon of water. This not only assures safe user experiences but also avoids wasting money on buying more than required amount.
• Distribute your tablets evenly throughout your skimmer basket so that you have consistent chlorination throughout all parts of the pool.
• Avoid contact between the chlorine tablets and any metal surfaces like rails, pumps or filters post usage as they could lead to corrosion over time.
• If the level exceeds the maximum limit of 5 ppm (parts per million), wait until it gets back down below this threshold before adding more.

“When handling anything with chemicals such as chlorine, it is important that safety protocols are followed to ensure no one is exposed to the potential hazards associated.” -Clear Comfort

Getting the right proportions of chlorine in the pool takes some effort, but eventually becomes routine once understood and well practiced. It’s essential to keep providing proper care for your swimming pool by pouring the chlorine into a dispenser or simply using tablet as mentioned above. Once comfortable utilizing chlorine tablets safely with knowledge how much chemicals are needed depending upon volume, making sure to maintain appropriate levels will be much simpler!

Add Liquid Chlorine

Keeping your pool clean and safe for swimming is no easy feat, especially when it comes to maintaining the right balance of chemicals. One key factor in achieving this balance is maintaining an adequate level of chlorine in the water. If you’ve tested the water and found that your chlorine levels are low, one option for raising them is adding liquid chlorine.

What Is Liquid Chlorine?

Liquid chlorine, also known as sodium hypochlorite, is a common type of pool shock treatment used to sanitize and disinfect the water. It’s a highly concentrated solution that can quickly raise chlorine levels, which makes it a popular choice for pool owners who need to bring their levels back into balance quickly.

One important thing to note about liquid chlorine is that, unlike other types of pool shock treatments like granular or tablet chlorine, it does not contain any stabilizing agents. This means it will not help protect your chlorine from being broken down by UV light, so you may need to use additional stabilizer if you rely on liquid chlorine as your primary sanitizer.

How to Add Liquid Chlorine to Your Pool

If you’re ready to add liquid chlorine to your pool, follow these steps:

• Put on protective gloves and goggles.
• Calculate the amount of chlorine needed based on the size of your pool and current chlorine levels. You can use a pool calculator tool to make this easier.
• Pour the calculated amount of chlorine slowly into the skimmer basket while the pump is running.
• Run the pump for at least eight hours after adding the chlorine to ensure proper distribution throughout the water.
• Test the water again after a few hours to make sure the chlorine level has risen to the appropriate range (1-3 parts per million).

Pros and Cons of Using Liquid Chlorine

Like any pool chemical, liquid chlorine has both its benefits and drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons to consider:

“Liquid chlorine is a fast and effective way to boost your chlorine levels when they’re low,” says Alice Robertson, founder of The Outdoor Appliance Store. “It’s also relatively easy to find at big box stores or online.”

• Pros:
• Fast-acting: Liquid chlorine can quickly raise chlorine levels in the water.
• Easy to use: Simply pour the recommended amount into the skimmer basket while the pump is running.
• Readily available: You can buy liquid chlorine at many pool supply stores, home improvement stores, and online retailers.
• Cons:
• No stabilizers: Liquid chlorine does not contain stabilizing agents, so you may need to use additional products to protect your chlorine from being broken down by UV light.
• Corrosive: Liquid chlorine can be highly corrosive and may damage certain types of surfaces if not handled carefully.
• Hazardous materials: Sodium hypochlorite is classified as a hazardous material due to its potential for causing skin irritation and other health issues, so it must be stored and used with caution.

How to Store Liquid Chlorine Safely

When storing liquid chlorine, it’s important to take proper precautions to prevent accidents. Here are some tips for safe storage:

• Store liquid chlorine in a cool, dry area away from direct sunlight and sources of heat.
• Keep the container tightly sealed and locked away from children and pets.
• Avoid storing liquid chlorine near other pool chemicals or fuels, as this can increase the risk of a chemical reaction or fire.
• If you spill any liquid chlorine while handling it, be sure to clean it up promptly with absorbent materials and dispose of them according to local regulations.

By following these guidelines, you can safely and effectively use liquid chlorine to maintain your pool’s cleanliness and keep your water safe for swimming.

Use Chlorine Granules

If you own a swimming pool, then one of the most important things to ensure is that your pool water remains clean and safe for use. One way to achieve this is by maintaining the right level of chlorine in your pool water. Chlorine granules happen to be a popular choice when it comes to keeping chlorine levels in check due to their convenience, affordability, and ease of use.

What Are Chlorine Granules?

As the name suggests, chlorine granules are small pellets or crystals of concentrated chlorine. They dissolve easily in water, making them a flexible option for adjusting chlorine levels. There are different types of chlorine granules available on the market. The first type is calcium hypochlorite, which contains between 60-75% pure chlorine. The second type is sodium dichloro-s-triazinetrione, and it contains around 62% of free chlorine. Both these types come with specific instructions from the manufacturer regarding usage.

How to Add Chlorine Granules to Your Pool

The process of adding chlorine granules to your pool water is relatively straightforward:

• Assess the current level of chlorination: Before adding any chlorine granules to water, ensure you know what the current chlorine level is. This can help guide how much you need to add to the pool to attain the desired level of chlorination. You can purchase an inexpensive testing kit specifically made for checking chlorine levels.
• Add desired amount of chlorine granules: Once you determine the correct amount needed, sprinkle it directly into the pool water. Alternatively, you could mix the granules with water before pouring it into the pool.
• Distribute evenly: Using a brush or pool net, distribute the granules evenly throughout the pool to ensure that they dissolve quickly and efficiently.
• Wait: Avoid swimming in the pool immediately after adding chlorine granules. Wait for about 30 minutes or more before using the pool once again to give the granules time to react with the water.

Pros and Cons of Using Chlorine Granules

“Chlorine granules are a popular choice among pool owners due to their convenience, affordability, and ease-of-use.”

• Easy to use: Simply add it directly into the pool water as per instructions.
• Versatile: Ideal for different types of pools regardless of size.
• Long shelf life: Chlorine granules from reputable suppliers have extended shelf lives provided proper storage methods, making them cost-effective over a long period.
• Kills bacteria—The primary function of chlorine is to kill harmful microorganisms such as bacteria and viruses in the pool water, ultimately providing a clean, safe swimming environment.

• Granule build-up: High concentrations of granules can cause a buildup on the bottom of your pool, leading to surface stains.
• Harmful if misused: As with any chemical agent, improper usage can lead to harmful health effects.
• Stabilizer content: In the case of certain granular products, stabilizers could be added to slow down chlorine degradation due to sunlight exposure. Nonetheless, excessive amounts of stabilizers may poorly impact how effective these chemicals are at killing bacteria and keeping pH levels balanced.

How to Store Chlorine Granules Safely

Proper storage of chlorine granules is just as important as correct usage. Improperly stored granules can become unstable and, even worse, ignite. Ensure you keep your granules in a dry place away from any other chemicals or flammable materials, such as gasoline.

• Avoid exposure to moisture: Moisture triggers the release of harmful gasses that could be dangerous on inhalation.
• Air tight containers: Place opened packages of chlorine granules carefully into an air-tight container, or sealed plastic bags to avoid contamination by water vapor that could cause clumping or off odor problems.
• Away from direct sunlight: Direct sunlight accelerates the breakdown of sodium hypochlorite when left exposed. Keep these covered and store them inside the house properly.
• Check expiration dates regularly: Always ensure your stock stays current so that chemical efficacy doesn’t get compromised due to age.

With these tips, you now know how to raise chlorine levels in pool using chlorination granules properly – from what they are, their advantages and disadvantages, proper additions to safe storage practices! Don’t forget always to test daily with quality testing kits to assure balanced chemistries!

Consider a Salt Water Chlorinator

If you’re wondering how to raise the chlorine level in your pool, consider switching to a salt water chlorinator. Not only does it help maintain proper chlorine levels, but it also comes with several benefits that make it worth considering.

How Salt Water Chlorinators Work

Salt water chlorinators use an electrolysis process to produce chlorine from ordinary table salt dissolved in the swimming pool’s water. The system consists of two parts: a control unit and an electrode cell.

The control unit is typically installed near the pool equipment and connected to the existing plumbing. It regulates the amount of electrical power used to operate the electrode cell, which generates chlorine from the saltwater passing through it.

The generated chlorine disinfects the pool’s water by killing bacteria, algae, viruses, and other contaminants present in the water. Once the chlorine has done its job, it reverts back into salt, completing the cycle.

The Benefits of Using a Salt Water Chlorinator

• Ease of Maintenance: Unlike traditional chlorination systems, salt water chlorinators don’t require daily monitoring or frequent addition of chemicals. After initial setup, they need occasional inspection and adjustment as needed.
• Cheaper Over Time: Although salt water chlorine generators are slightly more expensive initially, they end up being cheaper over time because they avoid the costs associated with buying and using conventional pool chemicals. In fact, estimates show savings between $250 to $500 per year on average for maintenance costs alone.
• Gentler on Skin and Eyes: Because salt water pools have lower chlorine concentrations than typical pools, swimmers experience fewer skin and eye irritations. Additionally, the salt content of the water makes it feel softer on the skin and enhances buoyancy.
• Less Chemical Handling: Traditional pool cleaning systems use a variety of chemicals that may be harmful if not handled properly. With a salt water chlorinator, there are no dangerous chemicals to handle or store in your backyard.
• Fights Algae Growth: Salt water chlorinators help keep algae growth at bay by continuously and consistently adding enough chlorine to the pool’s water, reducing the risk of unsightly and slippery buildup along pool walls and floors.

“Switching to a salt water pool has been one of the best decisions I’ve ever made for my family’s health and wellbeing. Not only is it much more gentle on our eyes, but we love how low-maintenance it is during summer.” – Mary R., happy customer.

Opting for a saltwater chlorinating system not only helps maintain proper chlorine levels but also offers several advantages over traditional pools that make them worth considering.

Frequently Asked Questions