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										| Managing the Chlorine level, of pool 
										water!!! |  
						
										| Chlorine 
										is the most popular pool water 
										sanitizer.
										
										
										
						
										Sanitizing is a must, for proper pool 
										water management.  
										
										Salt Chlorine generators are a 
										better way to utilize chlorine, producing 
										more controllable results. They 
										eliminate the need to handle, measure or 
										store chlorine products, while reducing 
										buildup problems.  An
										
										Electronic 
										PockeTester Kit is a convenient 
										way to monitor the salt level. |  
						
										| 
											
												
												| Salt Chlorine Generators - 3 models | Testing The Salt Level | Salt Chlorine Generator - No 
												Installation |  
												
												|  |  |  |  
												
												| Product and Ordering Information | Product and Ordering Information | Product and Ordering Information |  
												| If you have a pool or spa water 
												testing need, we should have the 
												product.
 ►
												
												
												Scroll down to read through some 
												Question & Answer information.
												
												
												◄
 
 |  
												| A 
										
										ColorQ 2X is a 2nd generation, 
												Bluetooth, Waterproof, all-digital tester,  
										 
												
										
										
												
												that can 
										measure all the common test factors. There is a model, for every sanitizing 
										need. 
												
												The Circulator is a 
												replacement return jet fitting, 
												that dramatically improves 
												circulation, by creating a 
												spiral return flow.  Better 
												circulation helps sanitizers 
												work more effectively.  The
												
												
												WaterLink SpinTouch Labs 
												are the ultimate tester, doing 
												up to 10 different water test 
												factors, in just 1 minute.  
												Voted product of the year. |  
												| ColorQ All-Digital Water Testers | Circulation Boosting Return Jet 
												Fittings | WaterLink SpinTouch Labs |  
												|  |  |  |  
												| Product and Ordering Information | Product and Ordering Information | Product and Ordering Information |  
												| If you have a pool or spa water 
												testing need, we should have the 
												product.
 ►
												
												
												Scroll down to read through some 
												Question & Answer information.
												
												
												◄
 
 |  |  
						
										| How to use chlorine, as 
					a pool sanitizer? |   Chlorine is the 
								most popular and cost effective pool water 
								sanitizer. It is available in variety of 
								chemical types including: calcium, sodium and 
								lithium hypochlorites, and the stabilized 
								Dichlor and TriChlor. Products are available in 
								liquid, granular or solid forms and can be added 
								by feeders or manual application. Which product 
								to use will depend upon pool usage conditions, 
								cost considerations, type of equipment, source 
								water chemistry, type and size of the pool. 
								Over the past few years, the industry has come 
					to recognize some of the negative aspects of cyanuric acid 
					build-up.  Yes, cyanuric acid can help protect 
					chlorine, from being destroyed, by the Sun's UV rays.  
					However, that is not a major consideration, for pools that 
					are indoors.  Cyanuric acid levels, over 50 PPM, have 
					been shown to lessen the effectiveness of chlorine and 
					increase the likelihood of negative consequences.  The 
					regular use of stabilized chlorine will result in a 
					relatively rapid build-up of cyanuric acid, resulting in a 
					decrease in sanitizer effectiveness and overall water 
					quality. If you want to use chlorine and avoid the negative 
					effects of a rising cyanuric acid level, chlorine can used 
					in another entirely different and better way: a 
					salt 
								chlorine generator uses ordinary salt and 
					converts it into chlorine. This eliminates the build-up 
					problems, associated with rising levels of cyanuric acid, 
					and the need to handle, store or measure chlorine products. 
					 Salt chlorine generators can used as a backup sanitizer or 
					oxidizer or in conjunction, with an
					
					Ultraviolet Sterilizer or ozonator, to improve sanitizing and reduce 
					chlorine consumption.  To get the most out of chlorine, 
					it is important to maintaining good pool water circulation 
					and test the water on a regular basis, with a reliable 
					tester.  If problems 
					arise, refer to the Pool 
					Problems Page, as a source of problem-solving 
					information, broken down into various categories.  Scroll 
					down the page and click on the linked
								keywords,
								catch phrases 
								or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or product. 
										
											
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								▼   
								 Helpful, 
								Problem-Solving Information, in a question and 
								answer format. 
								    
								▼ |  
					► 
					Chlorine Lock?
 I have 
					a saltwater vinyl pool around 24k gallons. The past 3 years 
					when I open, I have had chlorine lock and gave to shock with 
					6 gallons of liquid chlorine. And, repeat if needed.  
					Any suggestions on how to break the lock a better way?  
					Thanks,
 
 Tony B., 4/14/2018
  "Chlorine 
					Lock" is a mythical term. All it means is that the demand, 
					for chlorine is so high, that a large amount of chlorine is 
					required, to establish a 
					persistent free chlorine level and destroy the combined 
					chlorine. This is typical at pool opening time. The
					salt chlorine 
					generator, simply cannot produce enough chlorine, fast 
					enough to catch up. Adding supplemental chlorine, as you 
					have done, is the right thing to do. Once there is a free 
					chlorine level and the water clears, the salt chlorine 
					generator should be better able to maintain a suitable 
					level.  We hope that the information provided was 
					helpful. If we were helpful, please return the favor and 
					tell your pool or spa owning friends, about our website.
 Sincerely.  Alan Schuster, 4/14/2018
 
 
 ► Chlorine In 
					A Small Pool?
 
 We have an above ground pool: 15' 
					diameter X 4' deep. I have been told that the amount of 
					chlorine, that a pool requires, is more dependent upon the 
					bather usage that it is upon the actual gallons. Is that 
					true and what do you suggest? Thanks.
 
 John G., Bloomfield, NJ, 6/29/2020
 
 It is true that the amount of bather wastes is not just 
					dependent upon pool size. A small above ground pool will 
					require less chlorine than a big inground pool. The chlorine 
					requirements, of a pool, are not strictly based upon the 
					water volume. Actual 
					pool usage must be fac
  tored into the maintenance procedures. 
					Smaller pools can be depleted of chlorine more quickly than 
					larger pools, if the bather usage is similar. In order to 
					maintain a more uniform chlorine level, a chlorine feeder is 
					a worthwhile consideration. Smaller pools can get by with a 
					floating feeder, although there is a risk of vinyl liner 
					damage, if the floating chlorinator remains in prolonged 
					contact with the pool walls. An inline chlorinator is always 
					a better choice. To regulate the amount of chlorine, it is 
					important to test for Free Chlorine on a daily basis and 
					even more often during periods of high bather usage. In 
					addition, it may be necessary to supplement a chlorinator 
					with periodic additions of a quick dissolving chlorine or 
					shock, during or after periods of high bather demand. In 
					short, small pools do require more diligent attention, if 
					problems are to be avoided. New and 
					affordably priced ways 
					to chlorinate a pool include the Reliant
					Salt Chlorine 
					Generators 
					or MegaChlor Salt 
					Chlorine Generator. They works well in most 
					above ground pools, installation is minimally simple and no 
					plumbing is required. It can make all the chlorine your pool 
					requires, without handling or storing chlorine. I hope that 
					I have been of assistance. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 
					6/29/2020
 
 
 ► Trying To 
					Decide?
 
 Dear Alan: We are considering a 
					salt 
					water chlorinator. Could you answer a few questions. Is this 
					a reliable pool water sanitizing method? Is it easy to use? 
					Will it save money? Do you favor a particular brand? Are 
					there any negatives? Thank you for the help.
 
 M & L, Jupiter, FL, 
					2/4/2019
 
 A salt chlorinator is as a reliable a sanitizing method as 
					any other form of chlorine. The big difference is that it 
					avoids a lot of the chemicals and makes the overall pool 
					water chemistry easier to maintain.  So far as the economics 
					are concerned, I really don't have all the information 
					necessary to make that determination. However, I would 
					suspect that there is not a major difference over time, but 
					the convenience factor is significant. My long-term, 
					personal experience was very satisfactory and I know the 
					product category has been improved over the years.  I hope 
					that I have been helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 
					2/4/2019
 
 
 ► What To Use 
					In An Indoor Pool?
 
 What's the best sanitizer to use in an 
					indoor pool (with little to no sunlight) with the use of an 
					inline chlorinator? Will Cal hypo dissolve too rapidly in a 
					chlorinator? Thanks in advance for your help.
 
 Martha S., 2/10/2012
 
  Glad that you asked which product would be best. The one you 
					are considering would be absolutely 
					the worst. You cannot 
					use calcium hypochlorite in any enclosed inline feeder, as 
					it will dissolve too rapidly and can result in an explosion. 
					If you want to use the inline feeder, the only chlorine 
					product that you should use are trichlor tablets. The 
					absence of Sunlight has nothing to do with this decision. 
					Being that the pool is indoors, there are better choices for 
					sanitizing. Bromine can be used with a bromine feeder and 
					will produce less odor than chlorine. Better yet would be a 
					salt chlorine generator. It is highly controllable and 
					reduces the chloramine odor that is sometimes associated 
					with chlorine, by destroying these odorous byproducts, as 
					water passes through the salt-cell. I hope that I have been helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/11/2012
 
 
 ► 
					Hydrotherapy Pool?
 
 I have just taken over the running of 
					a Hydrotherapy pool in London for a hospital. The sanitiser 
					they have always used here is sodium dichloroisocyanurate. I 
					have read recently that this is not suitable for shock 
					dosing as it is a weak oxidising agent or suitable for use 
					in indoor pools. The pool is indoor, with a glass roof. We 
					have to run it at 35 degrees centigrade to be warm enough 
					for our patients. I'm not convinced we need to use a 
					stabilised chlorine with the pool being indoors. Our water 
					supply is pH 7.7. We have sand filters. Dichlor granules are 
					mixed into a solution and dosed via automatic dosing system. 
					The pH minus we use is sodium bisulphate, dosed in the same 
					way. We shock regularly as our patients are incontinent plus 
					we have had issues with pseudomonas. In other pools, I've 
					always used calcium hypochlorite, but never had a water 
					supply with such a high pH. Our Langelier index usually 
					shows a balance of 0.3, so not too bad! What would you 
					recommend that we use? Bear in mind, we would not be able to 
					change any of the plant/dosing equipment. Kind Regards.
 
 Julie C., Putney, London, England, 2/14/2015
 
 Sodium dichlor is not a weak oxidizer! It is every bit 
					as strong as other chlorine products. The difference may be 
					in the concentration. It is not necessary to use a stabilized 
					chlorine in an indoor pool, as the stabilizer plays no role. 
					Sodium dichlor has the advantage of being co
  mpletely soluble 
					and essential pH neutral. Calcium hypochlorite on the other 
					hand is not completely soluble and contributes calcium 
					hardness to the water, which will cause the Langelier Index 
					to rise over time. As the stabilizer level builds up over 
					time, it may be necessary to replace some of the water. 
					Given the type of pool and it use, that would not be a bad 
					practice. Given the choice of calcium hypochlorite or sodium 
					dichlor, I would choose the latter. However, there are 
					better choices to consider, if not for the immediate time, 
					then for the future. I would give some serious thought to a
					salt chlorine generator and or an 
					ozone generator. Another 
					excellent choice would be chlorine or bromine and an 
					ultraviolet sanitizer. This will allow you to maintain a 
					satisfactory chlorine or bromine level and cut chemical 
					usage by as much as 85%. In addition, ultraviolet can kill 
					microorganisms that might have built up some resistance to 
					chlorine or bromine. You'll have less odor and more control. 
					I hope that I have been helpful. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/14/2015
 
 
 ► Testing 
					Free and Total Chlorine?
 
 I just purchased a 
					ColorQ 2057, test 
					tabs model, from your store, and have a question about testing for chlorine 
					levels. The test unit has two tests one called "free 
					chlorine" and the other "total chlorine". I am currently 
					testing for "free chlorine", DPD1 tablet, because it is easy 
					to test . However, if I want to test for "total chlorine" I 
					have to loop through all the tests and insert the DPD3 
					tablet. The levels seem to double by the time I loop around. 
					What test should I use? If "total chlorine" is what I should 
					be testing for, should I just insert both tablets to perform 
					the test? Should the levels change or be more stable? Thanks 
					in advance for your help.
 
 Al K., 10/14/2009
 
 Each test has its purpose, with free chlorine being more 
					important, in most cases. Free chlorine measures the active, 
					germicidal form of chlorine, which is virtually odorless. 
					1.5-3 PPM is considered ideal. Total Chlorine is Free Chlorine 
					plus Combined Chlorine.
  Combined Chlorine is odorous, 
					irritating an largely ineffective, as a sanitizer. To 
					measure Combined Chlorine, you subtract the free for the 
					total. The goal is as little combined chlorine, as possible. 
					Under 0.3 PPM is great. Under 1.0 PPM is marginal and odor 
					might be noticeable. Higher levels are odorous and 
					potentially irritating. Combined chlorine 
					(chloramines) forms when free chlorine treats with 
					nitrogenous wastes, such as sweat or urine. High combined 
					chlorine level require treatment. Oddly enough, the 
					treatment is to add more chlorine or non-chlorine shock. To 
					destroy 1 PPM of Combined Chlorine will require the addition 
					of 10 PPM of Free chlorine. The free chlorine destroys the 
					chloramines and nitrogen gasses off. This illustrates why 
					urine in a pool can be such a problem. I suggest that you 
					run both tests daily, to get a feel. Thereafter, run the 
					total chlorine less often or at first signs of a loss of 
					water quality or signs of odor. When you think you are 
					smelling chlorine, it is actually chloramines that you are 
					smelling.  It takes 30 PPM of chlorine to create a smell, 
					but only 0.1 PPM of chloramines.  The 
					ColorQ 2X All-Digital 
					Analyzers are small enough to hold in the palm of your hand, 
					but are big in capability. No color-matching and no 
					guesswork. I hope that this clears the air and thank you for 
					the purchase. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 10/14/2009
 
 
 ► A New Paint 
					Job And Chlorine Choice?
 
 We just finished painting our pool 
					(fiberglass) with Ultra Poly One Coat and it looks great! 
					But, we do have a question. Does it matter what brand of 
					chemicals we use? Now that were looking at filling the pool, 
					we thought we should ask the question
 
 Sara C., Knoxville TN, 4/17/2008
 
 Ultra Poly One Coat is 
					a hybrid-epoxy coating and is quite resistant to chemicals and 
					chlorine should be no problem. Looking past the hype, 
					chlorine is chlorine, but there are differences in how 
					uniformly tablets will dissolve, as an example. There is a
  better way to do chlorine. A 
					salt chlorine generator! It is 
					chlorine without all the negatives. No chlorine odor, no 
					handling, storage or buying chlorine and much better water 
					quality. You'll have to buy some salt - common, non-iodized 
					food grade or water softener grade - inexpensive! 
					Thereafter, you need to add more salt only to replace that 
					lost through pump out, splash out, backwashing or overflow. 
					With a salt chlorine generator, all you need to do is add an 
					initial dose to stabilizer to bring the level up to 40-60 
					PPM. Thereafter, more stabilizer is needed only to replace 
					that lost through pump outs, backwashing and splash out. The 
					overall water chemistry should be maintained in the usual 
					manner. Because salt chlorinators destroy chloramines so 
					effectively, you will find the swimming conditions more 
					pleasant and easier to maintain. Proper salt level is 
					important. Too little and not enough chlorine will be 
					produced. Too much could shorten the life of the salt cell. 
					PockeTesters are the easy way to test the salt level. I hope 
					that you will find this information helpful and thank you 
					for the on-line purchase of the Ultra Poly One Coat. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/17/2008
 
											► No Chlorine 
					Readings?
 I just opened my above ground pool 
					(18' X 4'). I added chlorine stabilizer and liquid chlorine. 
					I actually put in about 2-1/2 gallons of liquid chlorine and 
					still can't get a reading on my test strip. It is reading 
					the chlorine reading very low. Does liquid chlorine expire 
					over time? I bought several cases last year when I found a 
					good sale, but there is no expiration date on the bottles or 
					boxes. Thanks.
 
 Joan M., Brookfield, IL 6/1/2007
 
 Most liquid chlorine is labeled at a strength that is 
					probably lower than actual, in order to allow for loss 
					during storage.
  I doubt that the problem is the chlorine. 
					Instances of sub-potent product are rare. It is not unusual 
					for a just opened pool to require a lot of chlorine. I 
					suggest that you bring in a water sample for testing. This 
					will confirm your own test readings and uncover any other 
					water chemistry problems. Most likely you will have to add 
					more liquid chlorine, until you are able to maintain a 1.5-3 
					PPM level of Free Chlorine for an overnight period. This is 
					necessary in order to destroy all of the accumulations, that 
					have occurred since the pool was closed. Keep adding shock, 
					as needed, until this is achieved. The presence of 
					phosphates and nitrates can accelerate algae growth and 
					increase the chlorine demand. Some dealers can perform these 
					tests and it can be worthwhile. If phosphates or nitrates 
					are found, POOL REFRESH is a 
					convenient, 2-part way to solve the problem.  I hope that this information 
					will prove helpful. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 
					6/1/2007
 
 
 ► How Much 
					Shock Is Enough?
 
 This is incredible! Four pounds of 
					shock, plus another pound of granular chlorine, plus 3 
					gallons of liquid chlorine, added to almost 20,000 gallons 
					of water and no chlorine readings at all. This is a first 
					for me. I even took one of the test strips and put it into 
					some straight bleach to see if it was any good. It turned 
					instantly dark purple. So I know they're working ok. Is this 
					the first time you have heard of this happening?
 
 Dave, 4/18/2006
 
 NO!!! A woman once told me that she had added 36 pounds of 
					shock, over time, and I told her it was not enough.  It will 
					be
  enough only when you have a stable free chlorine reading. 
					Have your water tested for phosphates and nitrates. These 
					minerals can add to the chlorine demand by accelerating 
					algae growth. You can't do anything about the nitrates, but 
					you can deal with the phosphates. Removal of phosphates will 
					make nitrates less of a problem.  For free chlorine testing, 
					I suggest using LaMotte Insta-Test strips, as they provide 
					the right kind of information. To better assure proper 
					overall pool water chemistry, visit a pool store that has a 
					very reliable, professional lab such as a
					WaterLink SpinTouch Lab, 
					rather than a less accurate test kit or strip reader.  I hope that I have been 
					helpful. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/18/2006
 
 
 ► High 
					Chlorine Reading?
 
 How long might it take for a free 
					chlorine level of 15 to drop in a 18,000 gallon pool when it 
					is still cool and little sunlight? I superchlorinated when I 
					opened my pool due to green algae and now the chlorine level 
					is 15 ppm and not coming down. My pool is still very cloudy. 
					Any suggestions?
 
 Donna, 5/22/2010
 
 It is not likely that the test kit could have measured a 
					reading as high as 15 PPM with any reliability. The true 
					reading could 
					have been even higher. 
					That fact that water is still cloudy, could indicate that 
					the chlorine still has some more work to do. I suggest that 
					you add a dose of a "Blue" Clarifier and give it a little 
					more time. If the water clears up and 
					there is still a very high Free Chlorine level, it is 
					possible to add a chemical that will quickly lower the 
					level. But, first get the pool water clear. Many pool 
					professionals carry a chlorine neutralizer product, for use 
					in case of severe overdosing. Time is on your side. Refer to 
					the archives on cloudy water and filtration problems, for 
					additional information. I hope that I have been helpful. 
					Enjoy the pool season.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/22/2010
 
					► In-Line 
					Chlorinator And Check Valve?
 I have an in-line chlorine feeder.  Do 
					I need to use a check valve if there is no heater?
 
 Nameless, 2/10/2008
 
 The purpose of the check valve is to protect the heater from 
					corrosive backflow from the chlorinator. No heater, means a 
					backflow valve is not required. This product helps keep the 
					water warmer, by reducing evaporation. I hope that this 
					answers the question.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/11/2008
 
 
 ► More Than 
					Mellow Yellow?
 
 Hi Alan, Love your website, I couldn't 
					really find an answer to my question, can you help me? We 
					have had our new pool for 3 years (new home). We have a good 
					filter system, etc. and the water has been fine, but 
					recently the chlorine levels are really high. My husband 
					added shock a few times, because a friend said that would 
					help, but I actually think that is when the problem started. 
					We only do the "visual" test, don't know how to do all the 
					numbers. The color is bright orange, instead of mellow 
					yellow. We turned off our chlorinator, and waited over a 
					week, and it still is high. The pool gets very little use, 
					just us, about once a month. Any suggestions? Thanks.
 
 Cheryl, St. Augustine, FL, 2/20/2020
 
  Too much chlorine - plain and simple. The tester that you 
					are using provides a poor picture of the state of the 
					chlorine content. I suggest that you get a test strip such 
					as the LaMotte Insta-Test. 
					Better yet, order a
					ColorQ 2X  PRO 7 
					all-digital tester.  Both measure free and total 
					chlorine. The free chlorine should be 1-3 PPM and the total 
					chlorine not more than 0.3 PPM higher, for ideal conditions. 
					A water analysis will help determine what the next step 
					should be. If the free chlorine is low, add more chlorine. 
					If the total chlorine is more than 1 PPM, try adding some 
					potassium monopersulfate shock. Hope that I have been 
					helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/20/2020
 
 
 ► 
					Unstabilized Tablets And Reducing Cost?
 
 Can you tell me who makes/sells 
					unstabilized chlorine in tablet or stick form. I generally 
					use 3" pucks but they seem to only be available with 
					stabilizer in my area (Tennessee). Some guy on a forum, 
					which I can't find again, said he had started using 
					unstabilized tablets because of stabilizer build up and 
					that's what I need to do. I have used liquid bleach and it's 
					good, but it has gotten as expensive as pool stuff and it's 
					heavy. Thank.
 
 Mac, Gallatin, TN, 1/10/2008
  
 So far as I know, the only chlorine tablets, for residential 
					home feeders, are stabilized trichlor tablets and sticks. It 
					is dangerous to use any other form of chlorine, in an 
					enclosed in-line feeder, as there is a risk of explosion or 
					serious damage. Have you ever considered a 
					salt chlorine 
					generator? No chlorine to buy, store or handle. No 
					buildup of stabilizer! I realize that you want to reduce 
					your chlorine costs and that can be done by reducing 
					consumption.  I hope that this information is helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/10/2008
 
 
 ► Why Test 
					Total Chlorine?
 
 Found you site through the LaMotte 
					website. I recently bought a Pool Manager DPD test kit 
					(model DT-3, Code 7011). I am a new in ground pool owner in 
					the south of France. I am OK with the pH test (5 drops of 
					indicator) and the free Chlorine test (add tablet 1 to fresh 
					water), but it is unclear whether the total chlorine tablet 
					goes in the same water as the free chlorine test (i.e. 
					sequential) or whether I need to get some fresh water from 
					the pool. I am aiming for a target of 1.5 - 2.0 Free Chlorine 
					and 7.4 pH, are there any limits for the Total Chlorine and 
					why am I doing this test at all? Best regards.
 
 Edward M., France, 8/27/2005
 
 You should use the same water sample. The Free Chlorine test 
					measures the active sanitizer. Total Chlorine is Free 
					Chlorine plus Combined Chlorine. Ideally, you want the Total 
					Chlorine reading to be less than 0.3 PPM higher than the 
					Free Chlorine reading. Otherwise, a shock treatment may be 
					necessary. Combined chlorines are irritating and odorous and 
					you want to control their concentration. I hope this 
					explanation helps.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/27/2005
 
 
 ► Chemical To 
					Help Make Chlorine Last Longer In The Sun?
 
 Can you please tell me a chemical I 
					can use to make chlorine last longer in the hot sun. Thanks.
 
 Noeline T., New Zealand, 1/15/2010
  
 Chlorine stabilizer is what you need to help make chlorine 
					last longer. Chemically, it is cyanuric acid. It is sold, 
					most wherever pool chemicals are sold. In most cases, 
					a maximum of 20-40 
					PPM is used. Chlorine depletion can also be due to algae 
					growth, high bather use, urine, phosphates and nitrates. 
					Poor circulation can make algae growth more likely. You 
					might consider adding THE CIRCULATOR, 
					because it will dramatically improve pool water circulation, 
					as well as chemical and heat distribution. I hope that this 
					information will prove helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/16/2010
 
 
 ► Chlorine 
					Overproduction?
 
 Our pool has a salt water chlorinator. 
					I don't actually add chlorine to my pool. We use test strips 
					which indicate high Free Chlorine. Can you give some 
					suggestions on what we should do to drop the chlorine level?
 
  Josephine S., Australia, 4/18/2005
 
 You are producing too much chlorine for the pool, at least 
					for this time of the year. Lower the setting on your 
					salt 
					chlorine generator or cut back on the hours of usage. 
					Chlorine neutralizer products are available that can quickly 
					lower very high levels. Otherwise, shut off the chlorine 
					generator, until the level drops into a comfortable range. I 
					hope that this information proves helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/18/2005
 
 
 ► Dark Orange 
					Test Color?
 
 We just opened our 24 foot round above 
					ground pool. I did not check the chemicals before adding 2 
					gallons chlorine and 18oz of algaecide. Now, 24 hours later, 
					when I check the chemicals, the chlorine reading is dark 
					orange and pH is very dark red. What do I have too much or 
					too little of?
 
 Pam, 5/17/2004
 
  Sounds like you are using an OTO test kit. The dark orange 
					color should indicate that the chlorine level is very high. 
					If you just opened the pool, it will drop as the chlorine 
					reacts with algae and debris. The very red color probably 
					indicates that the pH is too high. Add pH reducer, in order 
					to lower it into the 7.2-7.6 range. OTO test kits present a, 
					somewhat, misleading picture of the state of the pool water 
					chemistry. I suggest that you consider using a more modern 
					product such as 
					Insta-Test Test Strips. These test strips 
					function well at high ranges and test for the more important 
					Free Chlorine reading. OTO only test total chlorine. If you 
					would like to avoid guess about color-matching, a
					ColorQ 
					all-digital water analyzer is just what you need.  I hope 
					the information proves helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/18/2004
 
 
 ► Why Does 
					The Chlorine Level Drop?
 
 I’m using a salt water generator on a 
					34,000 gal indoor pool that I keep covered. I use the ColorQ 
					test kit for all testing. I keep the pH at 7.2, The 
					stabilizer is 68 ppm, so the alkalinity is 81 (alkalinity 
					tests at 109 ppm), free chlorine at 2 to 3 ppm, total 
					chlorine less than 2 ppm over the free chlorine. Recently, 
					the chlorine is being used up at a rate of about 1 ppm per 
					day, even if no one uses the pool. Why is the chlorine 
					getting used up do fast? Thanks.
 
 Arthur K., Crystal Lake, 12/15/2008
 
 Your combined chlorine (the difference between the free and 
					total chlorine readings) is too high. Ideally it should be 
					under 0.3 PPM - certainly under 1 PPM. In your case the 
					reading could be 2 PPM. Each 1 PPM of combined chlorine will 
					destroy 10 PPM of free chlorine, which is why the level is 
					dropping. When the combined chlorine gets under 0.3 PPM, the 
					free chlorine level should be more stable. In addition,, the 
					filter contains organic matter, which was previously 
					filtered out. As water passes through the filter, it reacts 
					with this organic debris. There could be a little or a lot. 
					When the filter is off, bacteria, in the filter are free to 
					grow, creating a new demand for chlorine. When the filter 
					and pipes are free from organic matter, the chlorine 
					stability should increase. I hope that this information has 
					been helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 12/15/2008
 
 
 ► Chlorinator 
					Not Working Right?
 
 I have a chlorinator unit located 
					right beside the pool filter, with an access lid at the top. 
					It has an open pvc pipe in the middle where water flows down 
					the pipe and out into the pool. I can’t see where the water 
					is being pumped or pushed into the unit. My problem is there 
					doesn’t seem to be adequate water being pushed up into the 
					unit to sufficiently erode the 3” chlorine tablets. The flow 
					of water leaving the unit and going into the pool is slower 
					than normal. Is there anything I can do to fix this? I use 
					to keep 3-4 tablets in the unit and maintained chlorine/free 
					chlorine levels at 3 and 3. Now, I put 6 or 7 tablets in and 
					I can barely keep a 1 PPM level. No algae in the pool yet! 
					Help!
 
 Marie M., 8/11/2005
 
 It sounds like the chlorinator has become clogged with scale 
					deposits or product residues, although I can't be certain. I 
					suggest that you refer to the troubleshooting guide that may 
					be present on the manufacturer's website. Before attempting 
					to clean this equipment, all chlorine must be removed. Good 
					luck and I hope that this information proves helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/11/2005
 
 Thanks for the quick response. You 
					were right. The inlet line was clogged. We’ve fixed it and 
					things are back to normal. I’ll definitely recommend your 
					site to others! Thanks again!
 
 Marie M., 8/12/2005
 
 
 ► Chlorine: is it Free or Total?
 
 I am going to a fitness club to swim in San Diego area. I am 
					unable to do any other exercise because of severe back 
					problems. Every time I go home after a swim and dip in the 
					hot tub, my skin burns and gets prickly hot and I can't get 
					the smell of chlorine out of my sinuses for 2 days. I talked 
					to the maintenance man who said the he keeps the pool at 3 
					PPM and the hot tub at 5 PPM with a pH of about 7-7.5. Is he 
					keeping the chlorine levels too high, especially in the spa? 
					I desperately need to get this resolved so I can continue my 
					only form of exercise without developing a skin problem on 
					top of my many other health problems. Thanks.
 
 Lori B., San Diego, CA, 2/15/2008
 
 There are two types of chlorine: free chlorine that is the 
					active germicidal form and combined chlorine which can be 
					od
  orous, irritating and ineffective. The combination of free 
					and combined chlorine is total chlorine. Most often the free 
					chlorine is maintained at 1.5-3 PPM and the total chlorine 
					should not be more than 0.3 PPM higher than the free 
					chlorine reading, for ideal conditions. There is no way for 
					me to know if the operator is testing for free or total 
					chlorine. I suggest that you ask some questions, as to what 
					is actually being tested, being maintained and what the 
					county health authorities require. Maintaining such a 
					facility solely on chlorine is fast becoming a thing of the 
					past. The U.S. 
					Center for Disease Control (CDC) even suggest that the 
					facility users bring their own test strips and do some 
					detective work.  Today, 
					salt chlorinators, 
					ozonators,
					uv sterilizers and 
					other alternative sanitizers are becoming the rule, rather 
					than the exception. Good luck and I hope that I have been of 
					some help. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 2/15/2008
 
 
 ► Combined 
					Chlorine In Tap Water?
 
 Is there a test that can be done to 
					check for "Inorganic" vs. "Organic" combined chlorine. It is 
					my understanding that some combined chlorine may be present, 
					in the tap water, in the inorganic form. It is, also, my 
					understanding that this "Inorganic Chlorine" cannot be 
					broken down by superchlorination (10 x the combined chlorine 
					level). Is this true, and if so is there another way it can 
					be eliminated?
 
 Mike C., 4/16/2004
 
 Never been asked this before!  It is true that there may be 
					some combined chlorine present in some municipal water 
					supplies: chloramine to be more precise. While chloramine is 
					much less effective as a sanitizer, than is chlorine 
					(hypochlorous acid), it is also unlikely to oxidize some 
					simple organic contaminants into chlorinated hydrocarbons 
					(chloroform for example). For this reason many water 
					authorities use chloramine instead of chlorine.  In any 
					event, we are dealing with very low quantities, especially 
					as compared to the concentrations found in a swimming pool. 
					Chloramine can be destroyed by 10 times its concentration of 
					chlorine. Your question centers on inorganic vs. organic and 
					in that context there is a problem. An organic compound is 
					defined as one that contains both carbon and hydrogen. 
					Chloramine does not contain carbon and is not an organic 
					compound. If you are trying to read something sinister into 
					the presence of chloramine in your water supply, you are off 
					the mark, as its presence is likely intentional. I hope that 
					I have answered the question.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/16/2004
 
 
 ► Standard 
					For Chloramines?
 
 What is the recommended chloramine 
					level for a pool? Some say 1 ppm and some say less than 
					0.2ppm. My tap water is approx 0.5ppm or less , I am 
					confused on this point. How much does it take to oxidize 1 
					ppm or the 0.2 ppm. I only oxidize with monopersulfate.
 
 Pat C., Chattanooga, TN, 5/24/2007
 
 You are taking things out of context. Some water systems are 
					sanitizing with higher levels of chloramines, in order to 
					prevent
  oxidation of unwanted waste products. Chlorine was 
					converting them into hazardous byproducts, such as 
					chloroform and chloramines do not. This has nothing to do 
					with a swimming pool. The generally agreed upon standard for 
					free chlorine is 1.5-3 PPM and the total chlorine should not 
					be more than 0.3 PPM higher, for the most ideal conditions. 
					That means 0.3 PPM of combined chlorine or chloramines is 
					maximum. It can be easier said than done, but that is the 
					goal. MPS helps destroy chloramines and generates free 
					chlorine. To destroy 1 PPM of chloramine, you need 10 PPM of 
					free chlorine. I always preferred the MPS. If you want this 
					to be less of a problem get a 
					salt chlorine generator. It 
					destroys chloramines, as the water passes thru the cell. It 
					is the future of chlorine, as it is chlorine without many of 
					the problems. I hope that this information is helpful. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/24/2007
 
 
 ► Stabilized 
					Chlorine And Indoor Pool?
 
 My name is Josh of Hampstead, MD. I am 
					a lifeguard and certified pool operator at a local indoor 
					pool and have a question for you. We recently switched our 
					chlorine treatment from sodium hypochlorite (liquid 
					chlorine) to sodium Dichloro-S-Triaznetrione (dichlor). And 
					the other day read that you should not use this in indoor 
					pools. The reading did not give a reason why and I have been 
					searching the Internet, but cannot find an answer. Can you 
					help me?
 
 Josh D., Hampstead, MD, 4/5/2009
 
 Shouldn't, don't need to or can't! Provided that state laws 
					do not prevent the use of stabilized chlorine in commercial 
					pools, you c
  an certainly use sodium dichlor in an indoor 
					pool. However, you are paying a premium price for a chlorine 
					that is stabilized against UV light from the Sun. This is 
					not an issue in a indoor pool. The better question would be, 
					should I use sodium dichlor? And the answer is no! The use 
					of sodium dichlor would cause the cyanuric acid level to 
					rise steadily over time, forcing at least a partial 
					replacement of the water on a regular basis and reducing the 
					effectiveness of the chlorine. The advantage 
					of dichlor is that it is essentially neutral and completely 
					soluble. Liquid chlorine can be metered in continuously and 
					provide more controllable sanitation. It will require the 
					regular addition of acid to maintain the pH. It is by far 
					and away the most popular chlorine for use in commercial 
					pools. The new trend for chlorine is towards the
					Salt Chlorine Generator, 
					which is ideally suited for commercial pools, because of its 
					controllability.  for I hope that this information will prove helpful. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/5/2009
 
 
 ► Stabilized 
					Vs. Unstabilized?
 
 Hello, Alan. I have a 18' x 4' above 
					ground vinyl pool. I have been given different advice from 
					everybody about what type of chlorine I should use. 
					Stabilized vs. Non-Stabilized! Some say that stabilized will 
					"eat" away the vinyl. While others say that because I used 
					non-stabilized is the reason why I had so many problems last 
					year with high pH and mustard algae! I am confused on which 
					is best. Can you please help? I don't want to go through all 
					that again this year! Thanks.
 
 Shannon, 5/8/2010
 
 Stabilized chlorine will not "eat away" at vinyl liners. If 
					you leave any kind of chlorine in prolonged contact will 
					vinyl, it can affect the color or damage the surface. When 
					you use the unstabilized products, the chlorine level spikes 
					upward and slowly drops, due to bather action, debris and 
					the Sun's UV rays, until you add more. In addition, 
					unstabilized chlorine products are all high pH and will 
					raise the pH each time they are added. High pH values, tend 
					to make the chlorine less effective. The combination of high 
					pH and depleted chlorine levels can lead to algae problems, 
					such as you are describing. If you are using calcium 
					hypochlorite, the hardness levels will build up, over time, 
					and may result in cloudy water and/or scaling conditions. 
					Stabilized chlorines fall into two categories: a quick 
					dissolving, completely soluble and essentially pH neutral 
					granular dichlor and the slow dissolving solid forms of 
					trichlor. Trichlor is acidic and will require periodic 
					adjustment of the pH. The advantage is that this product can 
					be used in a feeder, providing a more consistent application 
					of chlorine to the pool. This, in turn, helps to reduce the 
					probability of algae growth and makes for more comfortable 
					swimming conditions. Stabilized chlorines are protected 
					against UV destruction and tend to last longer than 
					unstabilized types. The best defense against mustard algae 
					is maintain a consistent free chlorine level, of 2-4 PPM, 
					and use an effective algaecide, as additional protection. I 
					hope that I have answered your questions and provided some 
					assistance. Enjoy the pool season.
 
 Sincerely, Alan Schuster, 5/8/2010
 
 
 ► Cyanuric 
					Acid Contribution?
 
 Is there more cyanuric acid in sodium 
					dichlor shock treatment than in trichlor tablets? What is 
					and where do I get non-chlorine shock and lithium 
					hypochlorite? What do you mean when you say "standard 
					chlorine treatment is declining."  And one last question, 
					what are and why are the support products for a "salt 
					chlorine generator" different? Thanks for all the good info 
					on your site.
 
 Larry, Phoenix, AZ 3/15/2007
 
 Yes, there is more cyanuric acid in a pound of dichlor than 
					in a pound of trichlor tablets. Both are chlorinated 
					cyanuric acid. Trichlor contains more chlorine, so that 
					leaves less cyanuric acid. Both products will cause the 
					cyanuric acid to rise, as they are added over time. 
					Potassium monopersulfate is non-chlorine shock and should be 
					widely available. Lithium hypochlorite is included in many 
					lines of chemicals and should be easy to find. The 
					popularity of regular chlorine is declining, as products 
					like salt chlorine generators continue to grow. It is still 
					chlorine but without the storage, handling and additions. 
					And no fear about cyanuric acid build up. Apart from the on 
					time addition of salt, the chemicals are the same as for any 
					chlorine pool. I hope that this helps clarify the subject.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/16/2007
 
 
 ► Lowering 
					Pool Chlorine Level?
 
 The chlorine level in my pool is 
					through the roof and I can't figure out how to lower it, I 
					have heard that I should use muriatic acid to lower the 
					level? If that's true how should I go about it? Thank you 
					for your help.
 
 Dalton, 3/9/2005
 
 It is not true! It will make the chlorine more aggressive 
					and could fade the liner. Keep the pH at 7.2-7.6. Lowering 
					the level is simple. All you have to do is add a chlorine 
					neutralizer product, as directed. It will work quickly. In 
					the future remember that you can always add more chlorine - 
					you can't take out. Good luck and I hope that I have been 
					helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/10/2005
 
 
 ► 
					Are The Tablets Still Good?
 
 I have some 3" chlorine tablets that I 
					bought in bulk that are about a year old. Are they still 
					good? Also I live in Houston, TX where it get very hot (95 - 
					100 degrees) in the summer and my pool is exposed to the 
					western sun. I had problem maintaining a chlorine level of 
					1-3 as recommended. The chlorine seem to evaporate from the 
					water in a day due to the temperature. I have a 22,000 
					gallon gunite pool and the chlorinator dissolves my chlorine 
					tablets at about a rate of 7-8 tablets a week. Any thoughts 
					on that matter. Thanks.
 
 Ken S, Houston, TX, 1/8/2004
 
 It is possible that the chlorine has lost some of its 
					strength over time. Short of a chemical analysis, there is 
					no way to be sure. Your apparently high chlorine consumption 
					could be related to the biological demands of the water, the 
					high temperatures, sun exposure and possibly the pool water 
					chemistry. It may have nothing to do with the content of the 
					tablets. I suggest that you shock the pool to eliminate any 
					pent-up chlorine demand and start with a level playing 
					field. Unless the tablets are in a state of obvious 
					deterioration, I would certainly use up the tablets. In the 
					unlikely event that their potency is reduced, you should add 
					an extra tablet, monitor the chlorine readings and adjust 
					the chlorinator accordingly. I hope that I have been 
					helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 1/9/2004
 
 
 ► Chlorine 
					Block?
 
 Alan, is there such a thing as over 
					chlorinating a pool? Is it possible that I added too much 
					shock? My pool is extremely cloudy and I have been trying to 
					shock it and it does not seem to be working. the filter has 
					been running for four days now, and still cloudy. I have 
					backwashed it, added clearing chemical, and vacuumed it 
					twice. Is it possible I have a chlorine block going on? If 
					so, how do I treat it? Thank You.
 
 Rod Nelson, 10/8/2008
 
 Chlorine block is one of those swimming pool water problem 
					areas riddled with myth and misinformation. If the pool has 
					been over chlorinated, the test readings should be very 
					high. The catch is that very high chlorine levels can 
					destroy the testing chemicals and give false results. The 
					best method to use to test for high chlorine levels is 
					Syringaldazine: the chemical used in test strips such as the 
					Insta-Test products. Do you have high chlorine levels? My 
					guess is that you do not. I suggest that you confirm what 
					your free chlorine level is
  and if it is below 5 PPM, you should add more shock. It 
					sounds like you have a sand filter and this type of filter 
					can be less effective after backwashing. Inadequate 
					filtration is probably part or all of the cause of the 
					cloudy pool water. Boost the free chlorine level to 10 PPM 
					and add 1/2 pound of DE to the skimmer with the filter 
					operating. Make sure that the pH is 7.2-7.6 and keep the 
					filter running. The next day add a dose of a quality blue 
					clarifier, to help coagulate fine, suspended particles.  Once the water is clear, backwash to 
					waste and reapply the DE. Thereafter, backwash only when the 
					pressure is too high. The efficiency of a sand filter can be 
					greatly improved by the use of a zeolite sand 
					replacement filter media. It is convenient, longer-lasting 
					and modestly priced. Something to consider, whenever the 
					filter sand is replaced? A
					salt chlorine generator 
					would be a better way to do chlorine! I hope that this information will 
					prove helpful. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 10/8/2008
 
 
 ► Needing A 
					Lifesaver?
 
 Alan I am ready to throw in the towel. 
					I have a approx 24,000 gal. inground pool. I just had a new 
					pool liner put in and I used my well to fill up the pool.  I 
					can not keep a chlorine reading for more than 2 days. I have 
					add chlorine stabilizer though I'm not sure I added enough. 
					I keep getting algae growth on a continuous bases. The pH is 
					within limits and so is the TA. I have to shock the pool 
					ever 3 days to keep a reading at all and it drops fast. I 
					also keep chlorine tablets in the skimmer this does not help 
					either. This is getting expensive. Another question how do I 
					test for calcium hardness I have never done this.  Starting 
					from scratch with new (well) water what are all the 
					chemicals I have to add for the water to be correct. Maybe I 
					missed something? Any information would be a life saver. 
					Thanks.
 
 Lori from Carolina, 9/13/2005
 
 Not having enough stabilizer is not the problem! Your pool 
					has algae and you are not going to be able to maintain a 
					Free Chlorine level, that is adequate, without destroying 
					all of the algae. To do this you must add a quick dissolving 
					chlorine or shock, every few hours, until the algae is gone 
					and you are able to maintain a 1.5-3 PPM Free Chlorine level, 
					after an overnight
  period. Keep the filter running and try 
					to redirect the returns to send more water towards the 
					problem areas. Your well water could contain materials that 
					consume chlorine or add to the problem. If possible. have 
					the water tested for phosphates and nitrates. Both are 
					possible, if the well is from an agricultural area.
					ColorQ 
					electronic testers available that test for calcium 
					hardness, as well as other pool water parameters. I would suggest 
					that you add a quality mineral treatment, such as
					Liquid MetalTrap, as soon as 
					possible, because well water can contain metals that can 
					color the water and stain underwater surfaces. The best 
					option would have been to use a MetalTrap Filter to remove all metals, as the pool was 
					being filled.  Nothing beats keeping metals out.  
					It simply attaches to a garden hose and can be used, with a 
					small submersible pump, to recirculate the pool water.  
					As water passes through, the metals will get removed.  Refer to the 
					archives on pool shocking, pool water testing and algae for 
					additional information. I hope that I have been helpful. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/13/2005
 
 
 ► Needing A 
					Bit More Chlorine?
 
 I have an automatic chlorinator and it 
					doesn't always seem to provide enough chlorine. I have 
					opened the settings all the way. A few times the water 
					started to cloud. Any advice will be helpful.
 
 Hank A. Columbus, OH, 6/18/2008
 
 Try and keep the chlorinator filled with the tablets. Don't 
					wait for them to dissolve half way or more. The more 
					chlorine in the chlorinator - the more that will dissolve. 
					Try shocking the pool every Sunday evening. The weekend is 
					usually the most active period and the shock treatment will 
					help re-establish the Free Chlorine level. That way the 
					chlorinator does not have to play catch up. These 
					suggestions should help, just make sure that you test for 
					Free Chlorine regularly and often. Enjoy the summer.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 6/18/2008
 
 
 ► Wanting To 
					Protect The Liner?
 
 Just found your website. There is a 
					lot of good information here. I just had a new liner 
					installed (inground, 16'x32'). I want the liner to last as 
					long as possible. I have Pool Cleaning Granules that I use 
					to shock the pool (I use the Trichlor tabs in the feeder). 
					Even when I broadcast the granules, they end up on the pool 
					bottom. I am worried that this will damage the liner. I 
					would like to add the granules to a five gallon bucket of 
					pool water, mix well, and pour into the skimmer. I have been 
					told not to do this. But, I cannot find out why I should not 
					do this. Can I do this? What are the pros and cons? My 
					present readings are: Free and total Chlorine are 2.5ppm, 
					Temp is 80°F, Total Alkalinity is 110 ppm, pH is 7.5, 
					Calcium Hardness is 260 and Stabilizer is 45 ppm. Thanks.
 
 Todd in Alabama, 4/25/2004
 
 Chlorine should always be added in full accordance of the 
					label directions. Adding chlorine through the skimmer is not 
					some
  thing that filter manufacturers recommend or that I 
					would ever suggest. I assume that the product that you are 
					referring to contains sodium dichlor. Dissolving this 
					product in a bucket of water could prove dangerous and that 
					is the reason it is and should used in that manner. This 
					product is normally broadcast into the pool and is 
					relatively quick dissolving. Your concern about the liner is 
					well founded. Avoiding chlorine contact with the vinyl liner 
					is a good practice. Because you are using trichlor tablets, 
					in a feeder, I suggest that you use a product other than 
					dichlor, as a shock treatment. Otherwise the stabilizer 
					level will rise too rapidly, possibly requiring some water 
					replacement. This can be done by using liquid chlorine or a 
					non-chlorine shock, whenever a shock treatment is required. 
					Avoid ultra high free chlorine levels, especially coupled 
					with low pH conditions. A
					salt chlorine generator 
					is a better way to add controllable amount of chlorine, 
					which helps preserve the liner's appearance.  I hope that this information is 
					helpful. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/25/2004
 
 
 ► How To 
					Neutralize Chlorine?
 
 Our pool building experience has been 
					unpleasant at best. The contractor finally "finished" the 
					pool last weekend. They plastered and filled it, and we were 
					reasonably pleased, but woke the next morning to half a 
					dozen serious cracks in it. Now after arguing with us, and 
					putting chlorine into it, they have agreed to drain and redo 
					it. However, they would like to pump the water into a runoff 
					canal on the property, but we are refusing because we are 
					concerned about putting chlorinated water into it. Is there 
					a way to neutralize the chlorine so that it can be pumped it 
					into the canal or do we have to insist that water trucks 
					remove it? Thanks for your help. Sincerely.
 
 James T., 9/25/2008
 
 Most pool dealers carry a chlorine neutralizer product. Used 
					as directed, it will drop the chlorine level very quickly. 
					The products, of its reaction with chlorine, are harmless. I 
					hope that this information is helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 9/25/2008
 
 
 ► What Is 
					Stabilized Chlorine?
 
 Can you explain to me what stabilized 
					chlorine is and what are the advantages and disadvantages? 
					Right now I am using calcium hypochlorite and I'd like to 
					switch. Thanks.
 
 Jason F., Oakdale, NY, 5/11/2005
 
 Stabilized chlorine refers to products that help protect 
					chlorine, in the water, from being destroyed by ultra-violet 
					rays from the Sun. This ability will help the chlorine last 
					longer and save on consumption of chlorine. Stabilized 
					chlorines are essentially chlorinated cyanuric acid. It is 
					the cyanuric acid portion that acts as a stabilizer or 
					conditioner and improves the performance of these types of 
					chlorine. Stabilized chlorine is available in two types. 
					Sodium dichlor is a granular material, completely soluble, 
					quick dissolving, essentially pH neutral and is used for 
					daily chlorination and shock treatment. Sodium dichlor 
					cannot be used in an enclosed chlorinator. Trichlor is 
					usually available in a solid form, tablets or sticks, and is 
					a slow-dissolving product, that is used in chlorinators and 
					floating feeders. A granular form of trichlor is available 
					for spot treatment of masonry pools only - not for use in 
					vinyl pools!  Trichlor is acidic in nature and its use may 
					lower the pH over time. Stabilized chlorines offer 
					versatility and convenience. The only disadvantage is that 
					the stabilizer level can build up over time and can require 
					some replacement of pool water. A CYA level shoulkd be kept 
					under 50 PPM and that is quickly reached, when stabilized 
					chlorine products are used.  If you want to avoid the 
					inevitable buildup and water replacement problems, a
					salt chlorine generator 
					would be the ideal solution.  Affordable and 
					controllable! I hope that I have been helpful. Enjoy the summer.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/11/2005
 
 
 ► Various 
					Names For Chlorine?
 
 Everything I read has a different name 
					for chlorine and it's confusing. Free chlorine? Is that 
					something that you don't have to pay for? Just kidding, but 
					you can get the drift? Could you explain the differences in 
					really simple terms. Thanks.
 
 Cliff L., Brockton, MA, 6/30/2005
 
 Chlorine does have a variety of descriptive names, as 
					follows:
 
 Free Chlorine is the active germicidal form of chlorine and 
					chemically known as hypochlorous acid. Also called Available 
					Chlorine. This is the good stuff, as far as sanitizing is 
					concerned.
 
 Combined Chlorines are the products formed when Free 
					Chlorine reacts with waste materials and forms Chloramines 
					and other Combined Chlorines. These forms can cause odor 
					problems and are irritating and ineffective pool water 
					sanitizers.
 
 Total Chlorine is the sum of the Free Chlorine plus the 
					Combined Chlorine. This value includes all the forms of 
					chlorine. Sometimes, called Chlorine Residual. This is not a 
					meaningful indicator of the sanitizer level, because you 
					never know how much is Free Chlorine.
 
 Chloramines are irritating, odorous forms of combined 
					chlorine, formed by the reaction of chlorine with nitrogen 
					containing waste products. Ineffective as a pool or spa 
					sanitizer. High levels of chloramines can cause the problems 
					of "Red Eyes" or Stinging Eyes." Usually requires a shock 
					treatment to lower or destroy.
 
 If you are only going to perform one test, do the Free 
					Chlorine Test. In ideal swimming pool water, the Total 
					Chlorine reading should not be more than 0.3 PPM higher than 
					the Free Chlorine reading. That can be difficult in the real 
					world, so be prepared for occasionally higher differences. I 
					tried to keep it simple. Hope I succeeded!
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 6/30/2005
 
 
 ► Should I 
					Dissolve The Chlorine?
 
 I have been dissolving granular 
					chlorine in a plastic bucket before adding to the pool. Is 
					that a good practice? My friends say no. Please settle the 
					question for us. Thank you.
 
 Cynthia W., Pottstown, PA, 7/23/2006
 
 I'll side with your friends! What you are doing, depending 
					upon the type of chlorine used, could be quite dangerous.  
					Please read the labels and follow the directions. Please!
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 7/23/2006
 
 
 ► Protecting 
					The Vinyl Liner?
 
 A friend of mine had a beautiful 
					looking above ground pool, just a few years ago. Now the 
					liner looks all bleached out. He adds a granular chlorine to 
					the pool and just dumps it into the water. I'm not sure, but 
					I think the chlorine is the problem. Can that be? I am doing 
					some research now because I plan on getting a pool next 
					spring and I would like to maintain the appearance. Thanks.
 
 Jason A., Worcester, MA, 10/5/2004
 
 It is normal for a vinyl liner to lose some of the color 
					over a long period of time. Ideally, it happens on an even, 
					overall basis and not in blotches. Vinyl liners can last for 
					10-20 years, depending upon vinyl quality and conditions, 
					before needing a replacement. The practice of "dumping" 
					chlo
  rine into the pool is not helping to preserve the 
					liner's appearance. Granular chlorine should be broadcast 
					across the surface, to allow for a more gentle addition to  
					the water. This will avoid clumping on the bottom, which 
					could result in some bleaching. Chemicals should be added 
					with the filter operating. If there is an 
					automatic pool 
					cleaner, it can help avoid products remaining on the bottom, 
					by improving circulation across the depths of the pool. 
					Typically, lithium hypochlorite and sodium dichlor are added 
					to the pool by broadcasting. Calcium hypochlorite is usually 
					added by forming a slurry and decanting the clear liquid 
					into the pool: away from the walls and in front of a return 
					flow. Always use all chlorine products in full accordance 
					with the label instructions! Built-in chlorinators, that use 
					solid forms of Trichlor are very popular and help avoid 
					liner fading, by applying a more uniform concentration of 
					chlorine over a period of time. 
					Salt Chlorinators avoid the 
					need to add any chlorine at all. The chlorine is made right 
					in the pool and it can maintain a much more consistent level 
					- something that's good for a vinyl liner. Or you could add 
					an Ozone Generator or an
					
					Ultraviolet Sterilizer and it can drastically 
					reduce the amount of chlorine that you will have to add and 
					the liner will look all the better! Good luck with the pool. 
					I hope that I have been helpful. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 10/6/2004
 
 
 ► Gas 
					Chlorine?
 
 Gas chlorine seems to getting more 
					popular. You don't have to handle any chlorine and the price 
					is right. Any thoughts on this topic?
 
 Rob T., Lewisville, TX 6/23/2008
 
  I don't like any method that adds all the chlorine, at one 
					time. Gas chlorine certainly can be effective and does not 
					contribute byproducts, but there is a downside, in my 
					opinion. The chlorine level spikes upward, because of how it 
					is added, and that can compromise bather comfort and bleach 
					bathing suits. In the case of vinyl pools, the color of the 
					vinyl liner could fade at an accelerated rate. I am a 
					believer in the type of prolonged or slower-release 
					chlorination that can be obtained by using an automatic 
					chlorinator or a salt chlorine generator. These methods are 
					better at keeping the Chlorine level within the 1-3 PPM 
					range, that is so important for comfortable and worry-free 
					enjoyment of the pool. I hope that I have been helpful.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 6/23/2008
 
 
 ► Tablets In 
					The Skimmer?
 
 We had an 18X36 vinyl inground pool 
					installed this season. I have been using the "hockey puck" 
					tablets in the skimmer. I was familiar with the method 
					because of how my parents maintained their pool. A friend 
					mentioned, that this is not a good method, and suggested 
					that I get a chlorinator. Is that the case? Thank you.
 
 Billy, 7/23/2006
 
 It does sound like a case of like father like son! There are 
					a host of reasons that you should not be following this 
					practice. Some filter manufacturers will frown on this 
					chlorination method. If you have a heater, it can lead to 
					heater damage. At the very least you are exposing your vinyl 
					liner to fading. Picture this: after the pump shuts off the 
					chlorine tablets continue their slow dissolution and raise 
					the chlorine level in the skimmer. Convection and currents 
					can carry this higher chlorine content water out of the 
					skimmer and into contact with the liner. Given enough time, 
					there can be a degree of liner fading, especially in the 
					areas surrounding the skimmer containing the chlorine 
					tablets. If you add an automatic chlorinator, I'm sure that 
					you will find that your use of chlorine will decrease 
					because it is not being consumed in your filter and that you 
					will have more control over the chlorine level. And of 
					course your vinyl liner's appearance may be saved. Browse 
					through the archives for more information on chlorine, 
					filters, heaters and liners. I hope that I have been helpful 
					and convincing.
 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 7/23/2006
 
 
 ► Chlorine 
					Floats?
 
 I have an in ground vinyl pool, 16 by 
					32 with a 6' deep end. I see all sorts of fancy devices for 
					sanitizing. I use 1" trichlor tablets in floating feeder and 
					shock the pool weekly. It all seems to work for me. What am 
					I missing?
 
 Michael N., Penfield, NY, 8/2/2009
 
 I suspect that you are someone that is taking the time to do 
					all the maintenance. Obviously you are doing a good job. 
					Unfortunately there are lots of pool owners that don't spend 
					the time to test the water, add the chemicals, vacuum the 
					bottom and clean the filter. Basically, you ar
  e satisfying 
					the pools requirement for chlorine. However, there are a few 
					limitations. The floater gives your less control over the 
					rate of chlorine additions and probably makes monitoring 
					more frequent. But, these are things that you can work to 
					control. However, there is something that you cannot correct 
					and that is the floater itself. The floater remains in the 
					water at all times and can be carried by currents or winds 
					to positions behind pool ladders or into corners. Here it 
					can remain in prolonged contact with the liner's surface and 
					this can result in a bleaching of the vinyl liner. Using a 
					floating chlorinator in a vinyl pool can entail a risk of 
					bleaching and can be avoided by using an inline chlorinator. 
					The inline chlorinator makes chlorine additions simpler, 
					more controllable, helps avoid liner damage and takes the 
					chlorine floater out of the pool and away from the bathers 
					and that is a good thing! Most new pools are using 
					salt 
					chlorine generators, because they reduce the time and effort 
					and produce better results, while avoiding buildup problems. 
					You can dial the chlorine production up or down. You can use 
					a convenient Salt PockeTester to measure the salt level, to 
					make sure that it is within the manufacturer's suggested 
					range. Add some acid, as needed, to lower the pH and you're 
					good to go.  Enjoy the summer. 
 Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 8/2/2009
 
									
						
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