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SWIMMING POOLS
TOTAL/FREE/COMBINED CHLORINE
Raising Free Chlorine Level (6/23/98)
Chloramines (6/22/98)
Chemical To Lower Free Chlorine? (5/26/98)
Raising Free Chlorine Level (6/23/98)
Q:
I am getting no reading on my AquaChek test strips for free chlorine, but when I use the OTO test drops it indicates chlorine level between 1 and 1.5. PH is 7.8 and Alkalinity is 60. How do I raise the free chlorine level?
D.M. - Newark, OH
A:
OTO measures total chlorine which is the sum of combined chlorine and free chlorine. In your case it seems the free chlorine is zero.
Free chlorine is the active germicidal form. Combined chlorine is odorous and ineffective and is one of the reasons pools are shocked.
To raise the free chlorine you need to shock the pool. This should raise the free chlorine and destroy some of the combined chlorine.
Using a product such as SUN Brite Non-Chlorine Shock is an excellent way of destroying the combined chlorine (chloramines) , while increasing the Free Chlorine. Usually there is no need to wait for chlorine levels to drop before resuming swimming.
Keep the pH in the 7.2-7.6 range, pH readings above 7.6 will diminish the effectiveness of chlorine. A total alkalinity of 80-120 will help stabilizer the pH and keep it in range for longer periods.
I hope that I have been helpful.
Sincerely,
Alan
Chloramines (6/22/98)
Q:
Every time the water is tested I have Chloramines.... Have used CASES of Burn Out (Shock) chloramines keep coming back. I am tempted to switch to a non chlorine system, but I haven't heard too much good about the non chlorine systems. Your advise would be appreciated.
K.S. - Library, PA
A:
Virtually all pools that are being maintained on chlorine will test positive for chloramines. The reaction of chlorine with nitrogenous wastes will produce chloramines. In other words, put people in a pool containing chlorine and you'll form chloramines.
Ideally, it is desirable to minimize the chloramine level because they are irritating, odorous and ineffective forms of combined chlorine. A chloramine (combined chlorine) reading of 1 PPM is considered ideal. It sounds like you have been trying to get it down to zero. Higher levels of chloramines may not be avoidable, in a practical sense, and may not require drastic action. If your water is clear, shows no sign of algae, is not offensive in terms of odor and there are no signs of bather irritation, I think that you should concern yourself with enjoying the pool.
A good free chlorine reading is paramount!!!!!! When a pool smells like it is loaded with chlorine, it is most likely chloramines that are being smelled. That's a good time to shock to help destroy chloramines. You might consider using a non-chlorine shock such as SUN Brite. These products will help reduce the chloramine content by converting them to Free Chlorine.
I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan
Chemical To Lower Free Chlorine? (5/26/98)
Q:
How can I speed-up lowering my free-available chlorine? I have approx. 60 ppm total alkalinity, 7.4 pH, and over 10 ppm free chlorine at 67-degrees, clear and clean. I have put in 6 lbs. of baking soda over the last two days to raise the alkalinity with some success. I had used lithium chloride and calcium chloride when I closed the pool. All seems to be well except the chlorine level. I know a few more 85-90 degree days with the cover off might do the trick, but if I wanted to open swimming tomorrow, what would I use to lower the free chlorine?
P.B. - Newfane, NY
A:
There are products available for those occasions when the chlorine level is too high. Such a product is SUN Chlor-Out.
Follow directions on the label.
I hope that I have been of assistance.
Sincerely,
Alan |
