Swimming Pool Water Chemistry: How Much Chlorine to Put in Your Pool?

“How much chlorine should I put in my pool?” That’s one of the first things that a new swimming pool owner would ask. And of course, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer to this question.

To help you determine the right amount for your pool, here are 5 things that you should factor in:

1. The form chlorine comes in. Chlorine for pools come in different forms. Some manufacturers sell theirs by the stick or tablet. Shock chlorine, meanwhile, comes in granules or even liquid form. Because these chlorine sticks, tablets, and granules may have different formulations, it is best to consult the manufacturer’s website for the right dose for your pool.
2. Size of the pool. And by size, it’s more about the volume of water the pool can contain. For example, a 5,000-gallon pool may just need one chlorine tablet or stick per week. Meanwhile, if you don’t know how much gallons your pool can contain, you can simply compute for it. First, multiply the length, width, and average depth. Then multiply by these fixed values: 5.9 for a round pool, 6.7 for an oval pool, and then 7.5 for a rectangular pool.
3. Temperature of swimming pool water. Hotter water can breed more algae and bacteria, and hence, need more chlorine to remain clean. Water temperature also determines the reaction time of the chlorine in the pool—chlorine breaks down faster in hotter water. A warm pool, therefore, needs more chlorine.
4. The materials that the pool is made of. Chlorine can kill bacteria, but specific forms of it can damage a pool in the long run. This is particularly true for granulated shock chlorine, which are best used for white plaster pools only. The granules, if not dissolved properly, has a tendency to settle at the bottom of the pool. It then weakens a vinyl liner pool, creating pin holes, or bleach out the pool’s colored plaster finish.
5. Number of people using the pool. Chlorine is used to kill bacteria in the pool, keeping it clean. If there’s more people in the pool, more bacteria is introduced to it. Hence, there’s a need for a stronger dose if there are more people using the pool every day.

Of course, adding chlorine is just one of the many steps to keep your pool clean. For a comprehensive pool cleaning service in Dallas and Collin Counties, Texas, go with the pool experts. Go with Sterling Pool Service, the community’s choice for over 27 years. Call us now at 888-973-0274 for more information about our services. We specialize in the following areas: Sachse, Wylie and Murphy, TX