What is Chlorine

Chlorine is the superhero of pool sanitization, protecting your water from all sorts of undesirable nasties. From micro-organisms that cause diseases to unhygienic substances like sweat and pee, with just a bit of prep work you can keep swimming safe for everyone! It even fights against any unwelcome algae growths or dirt in the water so you don't have to worry about anything 'cropping up' while splashing around.

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How to balance Chlorine levels in a Pool?

Here is a guide

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How does chlorine work

This superhero battles bacteria and other microorganisms with the power of chemical reactions. When chlorine is added to the water breaks down into different chemicals, like HOCl (Hypochlorous acid) which acts very fast taking out baddies in seconds, or OCl-(hypochlorite ion) which takes up to 30 minutes before finally knocking them out. They get the job done by attacking bad guy cell walls, destroying their enzymes and structures so they can't cause any trouble anymore.

Once the pool is sanitized by the chlorine the result produces Combined chlorine also known as Chloramine, which is basically chlorine that lost most of its effectiveness, once combined chlorine levels increase is necessary to shock the pool

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The ideal chlorine level in a pool

The chlorine level in a Pool should be between 1 - 3 ppm. For Spas should be at least 3 ppm. Having a balanced pH of 7.4 - 7.6 ppm is key for the proper function of chlorine. Here is more information about pH

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Importance of balanced Chlorine in a Pool

Balanced chlorine in pool water = happy swimmers!

Too much chlorine? For some people, it can even cause their skin to become annoyingly irritated and itchy - not ideal if you're trying to enjoy a swim or soak in the sun. In addition, it will damage the pool structure and equipment.

Not enough can be just as dangerous, no one wants bacteria or algae ruining the party.

Here is a guide on how to balance chlorine in a pool

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Forms of chlorine

Chlorine comes in a few different forms - tablets, powder, or liquid. Each type of chlorine offers its own unique benefits

•Liquid chlorine:

Liquid Chlorine is an economical choice for keeping your pool clean. But, beware - its high pH level means it needs special tending to balance the water. It's also a great pick for bigger pools that need more chlorine as you can add large doses in no time!

•Chlorine tablets:

This is the easiest form to use, is recommended to use with a dispenser, they protect your water from algae through consistent release so you don't have to worry. Plus these handy tablets come loaded up with other great stuff such as algaecide and clarifier - talk about an all-in-one!

•Powder chlorine:

Whether you sprinkle it in the pool or dissolve and pour it, this granular form of chlorine gives you more control over your desired levels

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Types of Chlorine

Each form of chlorine comes with the option of being Stabilized or Unstabilized

•Stabilized chlorine:

Is basically Chlorine with sunscreen, this type of chlorine comes with Cyanuric acid (Stabilizer) which protects the chlorine from being burned away by UV rays, making this type essential for pools that are exposed to the sun. Don’t forget to check your cyanuric acid levels when using stabilized chlorine, as they might increase over time.

•Unstabilized chlorine:

This type can be used in pools that are not exposed to sunlight or can also be used at night. You can control the burn rate, if needed you can add cyanuric acid, that’s it. This type is commonly used to shock pools.

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Chlorine pools vs Salt water pools

One needs chlorine to be added directly while the other needs Salt, which transforms into chlorine with a process called electrolysis

Here is more information about Chlorine pools vs Salt water pools