What To Do When A Pool Doesn't Make Enough Chlorine

Low chlorine in a swimming pool means unsafe water.

A saltwater pool uses a chlorine generator to produce the chlorine that keeps the water clean. Sometimes the chlorine levels are not high enough to keep the water safe and need to be adjusted.

Balance

If the water is not properly balanced, the chlorine that is produced will just evaporate or will not be effective. Keep the pH at 7.2 to 7.6, the alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm and the stabilizer at 60 to 80 ppm.

Time

The generator only produces chlorine while it is running. Run the generator for a longer period of time each day to increase chlorine production and raise the levels. If your levels are very low, run the generator for an extended period of time or shock the pool to raise the levels.

Salinity

If there is not enough salt dissolved into the pool water, the generator will not be able to produce chlorine. Keep the salinity between 2,500 and 3,500 ppm and test the levels periodically to maintain.

References

• Pested: Water Chemistry and Pool Water Balance
• Intec-America: Problems with Salt Water Pools
• Swim a Lot: Chlorine Generator for Salt Water Pools