You can measure the chlorine levels in your pool using a test kit. Note that chlorine levels in a pool are of three kinds.
Free chlorine: Also called residual chlorine, it is the level of chlorine in the pool that can disinfect or sanitize the water. This measurement is critical to pool chemistry.
Combined chlorine: This type of chlorine results in foul smell, which is due to undesirable and other irritating compounds that are formed in your pool because of insufficient free chlorine levels in the water.
Total chlorine: This is the total chlorine level in the pool and includes both free chlorine as well as combined chlorine.
Your aim is to find out the level of free chlorine in the water, which is the level of chlorine that will keep the water sanitized and clean. Apart from this, you will also have to test the alkalinity, hardness of water, pH level, and level of pool stabilizer.
What will happen if there is too much or too little chlorine?
When the level of chlorine is too little, bacteria and algae will start growing in the water, leading to waterborne illnesses, insufficient sanitation, and cloudy water.
Too much chlorine will irritate the nose, the eyes, and the skin. Pool chlorine is carcinogenic and so it has to be kept at the right level to ensure total disinfection.
How to test the chlorine
- The water sample should be taken from at least 10 inches deep and 12 inches away from the side of the pool.
- The water should be tested according to the instructions on the test kit.
- The free chlorine in the pool should be between 1 and 3 parts per million. The ideal level is 2 parts per million.
- Add chlorine according to the test results.
- Only regular testing can tell you how much chlorine is in the water.
- Maintain a log of your tests.