If you have a pool, you probably already know that you need some way to help keep your pool clean. Chlorine is a typical chemical for sanitizing your pool’s water and keeping things clean. If you have a chlorine system in your pool, you’ll need to be sure that you are testing your water on a regular basis. It needs to be kept at a consistent level in order to maintain the cleaning benefits.
Chlorine Myths
No, you can’t smell when there is too much chlorine in your pool. Chlorine helps to break down the oils, bugs, leaves and anything else that builds up in the pool. This produces chloramines, which is actually what you are smelling when your pool smells like chlorine. Free chlorine, or the chlorine that is not combined with the stuff it is breaking down, does not have that pool smell when still fresh. It is also a myth that chlorine is what stings your eyes. It is actually the chlorine that is combined with the organic matter, referred to as combined chlorine, that stings your eyes and causes that red look.
Dangers Of Too Much Chlorine
If the chlorine level in your pool is too high, it can start to damage things. High chlorine levels cause the pH to become off balance, which can cause the acidity of the water to become really high. It will eat away at the lining of your pool and bleach out the colors, and can cause corrosion in the pipes. It can also bleach out your clothes, your bathing suits and anything else that comes in contact with the water.
How To Lower The Chlorine Levels
If the chlorine level in your pool is too high, there are several different ways to get it back to normal. You’ll want to avoid having anyone swim in the pool until the levels are back to normal.
- Stop adding chlorine to the pool. That should be the first step to reducing chlorine levels. Turn off any automatic flow, and take out any floating chlorine devices.
- Let the pool get some direct sunlight. Pull off any solar covers, and let the sun evaporate the extra chlorine off the top of the water.
- Add a chlorine-neutralizing chemical to the water. Ask your pool company about the best one for your pool system.
- Drain some of the pool water and replace it with fresh, new water.
Take the guesswork out of balancing your own chemicals and give us a call. We’d be happy to help you install and automated system that makes pool care simple and easy. If you’ve got a pool problem, we’ve got a solution for you!
