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  2. Chlorine: Buyer's Guide & FAQ
Chlorine FAQs

CHLORINE: BUYER’S GUIDE & FAQ

Pool FAQs YOU ASKED
WE ANSWERED

Beach Ball How often should I add chlorine to my pool? [open]
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During swim season, you should regularly check how much chlorine is in your pool. You’re looking to maintain a balance of 1 to 3 ppm of free chlorine. If your level begins to dip below this, you’ll want to add more chlorine. You should expect to add chlorine weekly. [Shop All Chlorine]
Beach Ball How much chlorine should I add? [open]
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To do that, you’ll need to know how large your pool is as well as how much chlorine is already in your pool. From there, you’ll be able to follow the instructions for your pool size on the package and how much you need to raise your chlorine level.

In general, we recommend a 3” tablet or 1 oz of granular chlorine for every 5,000 gallons of water be added weekly. As this lacks the specificity of how much you need to raise the chlorine levels of your pool, it is best to calculate how much to add based off of your current chlorine levels. [Shop All Chlorine]
Beach Ball How many gallons does my pool hold? [open]
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You’ll need to find the volume of your pool. Here’s a quick formula you can use:

Length x Width x Average Depth x Multiplier = Volume in Gallons
  • Multiplier for rectangular and square pools is 7.5
  • Multiplier for oval pools is 6.7
  • Multiplier for round pools is 5.9
Note: All measurements should be in feet, including the depth. For above ground pools, assume that the water depth is 6” less than the wall height, so if your pool is 48”, assume the depth is 3.5’, and for a 52” pool, use 4’.

If math isn’t for you, take a look of the chart below featuring common pool sizes and how many gallons of water each size holds.

Swimming Pool Gallons Swimming Pool Gallons


For more help with calculating your pool size, visit our blog, How to Calculate the Number of Gallons in Your Pool.
Beach Ball How does shock fit in with adding chlorine? [open]
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Shocking your pool is a way to quickly raise your chlorine level or treat algae. We recommend mixing shock with water before adding it to your pool. Adding shock directly into your pool can result in stains or bleach damage to your liner.

You should be shocking your pool every 1-2 weeks or more frequently if you live in an area with a lot of rain, or if your pool is used frequently.

Remember, do not swim in your pool for at least 8 hours after adding shock. It is also recommended to shock your pool after the sun sets due to the UV rays diminishing the effectiveness of the chemicals.

Shock works hand in hand with chlorine, in addition to proper pool maintenance, these chemicals can lead to a clean and clear pool. [Shop All Shock]
Beach Ball How can I stay safe while working with chlorine? [open]
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To stay safe, always read and follow the instructions and never mix chlorine together or with other chemicals. When working with it, avoid breathing fumes or vapors from them. We also recommend using gloves, safety goggles, and a mask.

Swimming Pool Buyers Guide CHLORINE

Chlorine is the most common sanitizer used in pools since it is effective in killing bacteria and algae. Chlorine breaks down chemical compounds and maintains a pool's hygienic level. Be careful not to over use chlorine since it can cause bleaching, especially with swimsuits.

Due to contaminants entering water due to humans and nature, it is important to measure your chlorine and add as needed in order to keep your pool safe and clean. For proper maintenance, chlorine needs to be measured regularly and periodically added to your pool.

For more information about the importance of chlorine, visit our blog, Why is Chlorine Important for Your Pool.
Beach Ball Understanding Chlorine [open]
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As you measure chlorine, there are 3 figures taken: free chlorine, combined chlorine and total chlorine.

Free chlorine is the effective chlorine available to sanitize your pool water and kill contaminants. Combined chlorine is non-effective chloramines that form when there is too little free chlorine. The total chlorine is the measure of both types.

It should be a goal to have no combined chlorine in your pool. Instead, the total chlorine should match the level of free chlorine. [Shop All Chlorine]
Beach Ball Adding Chlorine [open]
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To maintain a proper chlorine balance, you’ll need to add chlorine. With granular chlorine and chlorine tablets, PoolSupplies.com offers numerous options to keep a balanced clean pool.

We offer premeasured chlorine tablets and that come in 1” or 3” pucks. The 3” tablets are the most popular and 1” are best for spas. These can be added to your pool through either type of chlorinator or by being placed in your skimmer basket. These tablets will then be dissolved and circulated through your pool.

Granular chlorine is a powdered form of chlorine. Some types can be added straight into the skimmer basket to be dissolved and dispensed through the pool. Large grain chlorines need to be dissolved in water first before added to your pool through the skimmer. [Shop All Chlorine]
Beach Ball Floating & Automatic Chlorinators [open]
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Chlorinators are an easy and convenient way to add chlorine to your pool but are not necessary.

Floating chlorinators dispel chlorine throughout the pool without placing anything in your skimmer. Place your slow-dissolving tablets in the chlorinator and let it work on its own. Floating chlorinators are an inexpensive way to disperse chlorine in your pool, however, a downside of floating chlorinators is that they can get stuck behind objects such as ladders or stuck in the corners of the pool.

A slightly more expensive option is an automatic chlorinator. Using liquid or granular chlorine allows you to set your desired rate and level of chlorine releasement. There is also an in-line option which installs into your existing filter system. These particular automatic chlorinators save on chlorine usage while regulating the chlorine level. [Shop All Chlorinators]
More Questions?
If you still have some chlorine related questions or need help deciding what to purchase, call our in-house pool experts at 1-800-356-3025.

WE RECOMMEND CHLORINE
FROM Rx CLEAR®

Rx Clear® knows chemicals and strives to provide the best options and solutions for your inground or above ground pool. Their chlorine and chlorine feeds are no exception. With Rx Clear® chlorine products, you’ll get:
  • Options from stabilized, unstabilized and granular or tablets
  • A clean, sanitized pool
  • Your prescription to crystal clear water®

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