The Chlorine Secret: Why More Isn’t Always Better
Balancing your pH can save you money, protect your salt cell, and keep your water crystal clear.
Keeping your pool chlorinated is essential for a healthy, sparkling swim—but there’s a catch. In our experience, most pool owners actually over-chlorinate. Ironically, excessive chlorine can lead to rising pH, increased acid demand, cloudy water, and scaly salt cells. If you are constantly spending money at the pool shop, then over chlorination may be the issue.
The chlorine “Sweet Spot” for Safety
While the Australian Standard (AS 3633) suggests a minimum of 1ppm of free chlorine, we recommend maintaining 2–3ppm. This provides a vital buffer against heavy rain, hot days, and high bather loads that can suddenly strip your protection. Remember, 2-3ppm, not 5-10ppm!!
The pH Secret
Did you know that high pH can “turn off” your chlorine? If your pH climbs above 8.3, the killing power of your chlorine is almost completely disabled—even if your test kit says the levels are “correct.” We have cleared countless algae-ridden pools simply by balancing the pH, without adding a single drop of extra chlorine.
Chlorine types matter
Understanding the chemistry of your pool doesn’t require a science degree, but you do need to know the difference between the three “faces” of chlorine. If you’ve ever tested your water and wondered why it smells like bleach even though the levels look “high,” the answer lies in these three terms.
Free Chlorine (The “Hero”)
Free chlorine is the most important number on your test strip. This is the “active” chlorine that is currently floating in your water, healthy and ready to work. Think of it as your pool’s immune system. Its job is to seek out and destroy bacteria, algae, and organic waste (like sweat or sunscreen).
The Goal: For a safe, sparkling pool, you want to maintain a Free Chlorine level of 2.0 to 3.0 ppm. If this number drops too low, algae will begin to bloom almost immediately.
Combined Chlorine (The “Waste”)
Combined chlorine (also known as chloramines) is chlorine that has already done its job. It has latched onto a piece of debris or bacteria and “combined” with it.
Here is the irony: Combined chlorine has almost zero killing power, yet it is responsible for that strong “chlorine smell” and stinging red eyes. When people complain about “too much chlorine,” they are usually complaining about Combined Chlorine.
The Goal: You want this number as close to 0.0 ppm as possible. Anything above 0.5 ppm indicates that your pool is struggling to keep up with the waste in the water.
Total Chlorine (The “Sum”)
Total chlorine is simply the mathematical equation of the two. It is the sum of your Free Chlorine and your Combined Chlorine (FC + CC = TC).
By comparing your Total to your Free chlorine, you can find the “hidden” Combined chlorine. If your Total Chlorine is higher than your Free Chlorine, it’s a sign that your pool is “dirty” and needs to be shocked (oxidized) to burn off those smelly chloramines and get your water back to a healthy state.
Proper pH and Chlorine levels protect your pool
Most swimming pool stains are caused by unbalanced pH or chlorine levels. If these levels are kept in balance, then the chances that your pool will stain are dramatically reduced.
Also, the lifespan of your pool surface and equipment will be extended if the water is maintained correctly.
Did you know that many pool warranties are voided if prolonged unbalanced water is proven?
Our pool stain treatment products can remove all types of stains from swimming pools. We look forward to helping you.
Our Company Credentials
