How to Use Chlorine in Pool Water

Chlorine is used to prevent algae and other organic growth in the swimming pool. Specific amounts of chlorine keep the water sanitized and free from health allergens. Chlorine is odor free and safe for everyday usage. Below are some of the ways by which you can use chlorine in your pool water.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Pool vacuum
• DPD kit
• pH balancing salts
• Chlorine tablets or granules

1. Buy a DPD kit to measure alkalinity, acidity and chlorine levels in the pool. Fill the device with a little water from the pool and check the basic levels of chlorine every day.

2. Use a pool vacuum to clear out any visible debris from the pool surface. Scrape off any algae particles before adding chlorine to the pool.

3. Add 1 to 3 ppm (parts per million) of chlorine to your swimming pool every other day to keep it disinfected. One way to add the chlorine is to put tablets in the skimmer and let it dissolve on its own.

4. Purchase solid chlorine granules from a local pool supply store if you need to give a chlorine shock treatment to your pool water. Mix 3 tbs. of granular chlorine to a half-filled bucket of water for a medium-sized pool. For extra large pool surfaces, add chlorine at the rate of 5 ppm or 1 pound for every 10,000 gallons of pool water.

5. Put the granule solution in the skimmer which will distribute the chlorine to the entire pool water. Put pH balancing salts in the pool to bring chlorine levels back to normal (below 3 ppm).

Tips & Warnings

• Always follow the manufacturer's direction whether you use liquid or solid chlorine.
• Shock your pool water with chlorine every week.
• Never pour chlorine directly in the pool water. Mix separately and then add.