How to Keep Your Pool Properly (And Safely) Chlorinated

Of all the pool chemicals you may need to maintain the delicate chemical balance within your pool, chlorine is among the most important. The role of chlorine in your swimming pool is to keep bacteria and pathogens from infecting the water, as well as to prevent the growth of algae. When it comes to properly (and safely) chlorinating your pool, there are some tips worth keeping in mind.

How to Keep Your Pool Properly (And Safely) Chlorinated

Test Pool Water Weekly

Begin by investing in some quality pool water test strips, which will test for chlorine, as well as alkalinity and other important components. Be sure to test your pool water at least once a week and add chemicals as needed. Ideally, your chlorine reading should be between one and three parts-per-million (ppm).

Know When to Add Chlorine

If your pool’s chlorine levels are low, understand that the timing of adding new chemicals can make all the difference. Ideally, you should add chlorine to your pool either early in the morning or in the evening, as the sun is setting. This gives the chlorine the time it needs to properly dissolve into the water and do its job. On the other hand, adding chlorine in the middle of the day while the sun is high can cause the chlorine to evaporate before it has a chance to do its job, resulting in a waste of pool chemicals.

Choose the Right Type of Chlorine

There are numerous options available for chlorinating your pool, ranging from liquid chlorine to chlorine tablets and floaters. Generally, liquid chlorine is the most effective and safest option for chlorinating your pool. While it does tend to cost a bit more than chlorine pucks and floaters, it’s best for your pool’s pump system and will do the best job of sanitizing your pool water.

For more information on balancing your pool’s chemical levels, feel free to contact us!