Chlorination Levels

About Chlorine

• Chlorine is a chemical made through the electrolysis of salt water. In swimming pools, chlorine is used to sanitize the area so that it is safe for multiple swimmers to use the pool. Pool owners should know the chlorine levels in the pool to ensure the safety of all users. The chlorine effects on pool water depend on water temperature and the water's pH balance. These also should be monitored by pool owners to ensure the chlorine's effectiveness.

Normal Levels

• When pool water tests at normal chlorine levels -- ideally between 1 and 3 parts per million-- it means that the right amount of chlorine has been added to the pool. In addition, it usually means the water's pH balance is normal, along with the temperature of the water. The optimum pH level is between 7.2 and 7.8, and the water temperature should be between 75 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Pool owners should aim for normal chlorine levels each day to protect swimmers' health and reduce the impact on sensitive skin.

Low Levels

• Low levels of chlorine can be caused by lack of sunlight and cold water, as well as minimal usage of the pool and a high stabilizer level. Typically, if a pool owner notices that chlorine levels are too low, a little bit of extra chlorine should be added to the pool. It is important that chlorine levels do not get too low, or else bacteria and other germs will be able to grow in the pool. The chlorine then will not sanitize the pool, and it may be unsafe for use by swimmers.

High Levels

• High levels of chlorine can be caused by sunny weather and warm water. In addition, if a pool is used often, it may increase the amount of chlorine in the system. Low stabilizer levels may also yield high levels of chlorine. Chlorine levels that are too high may also be ineffective in sanitizing and could prove dangerous for swimmers. Chlorine can be a skin irritant and also a bleaching agent. To help lower chlorine levels, pool owners should use a pH down balancer. This chemical works to lower the pH level in a pool and, consequently, the chlorine level as well.