How To Lower Chlorine in Pool?

Having a pool is a great way to cool off during the summer, but it’s important to ensure the water is safe for swimming. One way to do this is by making sure the chlorine levels are low enough. Chlorine kills bacteria and other contaminants in the water, but too much of it can be harmful to people.

It’s important to test the chlorine levels regularly and take steps to lower them if necessary. In this guide, we’ll show you how to lower chlorine levels in your pool quickly and easily. Let’s get started.

Why is The Chlorine Level in my Pool Too High?

High chlorine levels can be dangerous for both swimmers and your pool equipment. One of the most common reasons for a chlorine level that’s too high is overshooting when shocking your pool. When you’re shocking your pool, it’s important to follow the directions on the shock product you’re using to avoid adding too much chlorine.

Often, new pool owners will misjudge how much shock their pool needs and add too much. This can cause the chlorine levels to skyrocket and become a hazard for anyone swimming in the pool.

What Happens if you Over Chlorinate A Pool?

Too much of anything is never a good idea, and that definitely includes chlorine. While chlorine is essential for keeping your pool clean, too much can be hazardous to your health. In fact, over chlorinating your pool can cause several serious problems, including:

1. Irritation To Skin And Eyes

If you’ve accidentally gotten chlorine in your eyes, you know how irritating it can be. Well, imagine if your whole body was covered in it. That’s what would happen if you over-chlorinate your pool. The high chlorine levels would cause severe irritation to your skin and eyes, potentially leading to burns.

2. Damage To Swimsuits

Chlorine is notorious for damaging swimsuits. If you over-chlorinate your pool, the chlorine will break down the fabric of your swimsuit, causing it to fade and deteriorate.

3. Bleaching Of Hair

Chlorine can also bleach hair, particularly if it’s light-colored. If you spend a lot of time in the pool, you may notice that your hair starts to take on a greenish tinge. This is because chlorine reacts with the pigment in your hair and changes its color.

4. Respiratory Problems

Inhaling high chlorine levels can irritate your respiratory system and cause several problems, including coughing, wheezing, and difficulty breathing. In severe cases, it can even lead to pneumonia.

5. Nausea And Vomiting

If you drink pool water that’s been over-chlorinated, you may experience nausea and vomiting. This is because chlorine irritates the lining of the stomach and intestines, leading to an upset stomach.

6. Liver And Kidney Damage

Drinking large amounts of chlorinated water can also damage the liver and kidneys. This is because chlorine interferes with how these organs function, causing them to become damaged over time.

7. Increased Risk Of Cancer

Studies have shown that long-term exposure to high chlorine levels increases the risk of cancer, particularly bladder cancer and colon cancer. So if you’re planning on spending a lot of time in your pool, it’s important to ensure that the chlorine levels are well-regulated.

Maintain The pH Levels

Low or low pH levels can prevent chlorine from working properly in a pool. Chlorine is most effective in pools with pH levels between 7.4 and 7.6. If a pool’s pH level is above 8.0, the chlorine will become less than 20 percent effective. In addition to preventing chlorine from working well, extreme pH changes can also damage pool equipment, landscaping features, clothing, towels, and swimsuits. To keep a pool’s pH level balanced, it is important only to add the recommended amount of chlorine.

So, several serious problems can occur if you over-chlorinate your pool. So it’s important to be careful when adding chlorine to your pool and ensure the levels are well-regulated. If you have any concerns, it’s always best to consult with a professional.

How to Tell if Your Pool Has Too Much Chlorine?

Two compounds are responsible for most of the chlorine in your pool, hypochlorous acid (HOCl) and sodium hypochlorite (NaOCl). If you’re unsure which one you have, you can test for both with a chlorine test kit.

If either compound exceeds its ideal range, it could indicate that your pool has too much chlorine.

There are several ways to tell if your pool has too much chlorine, including:

• Smell: Chlorine has a distinct, easily recognizable smell. If you can smell chlorine in your pool, there is likely too much chlorine present.
• Eye Irritation: If your eyes feel irritated or red when you swim, it could indicate that there is too much chlorine in the water.
• Skin Irritation: Similarly, if your skin feels dry or irritated after swimming, it could be because of high chlorine levels.

If you suspect your pool has too much chlorine, it’s important to take action immediately. Otherwise, you risk damaging your pool and making it unsafe for swimming.

Also Read: How Long To Run Pool Pump?

How To Lower Chlorine In Pool Quickly?

If you are a pool owner, one of the most important things to do is maintain chlorine levels. But sometimes, despite your best efforts, they can get too high. Here are some tips on how to deal with an over-chlorinated pool quickly:

1. Use A Chlorine Reducer Or Sunlight

Products available can quickly lower the chlorine level in your pool. Follow the directions on the package, and be sure to add it directly to the water, not through the skimmer. Recirculate the water for at least 15 minutes after adding the reducer. Also, be sure to test the chlorine levels after using a reducer to be sure that they are at a safe level.

The sun is a great natural chlorine reducer. Allow the sun to beat down on the pool for a few hours, and you will see the chlorine levels drop. The UV rays from the sun will break down the chlorine molecules and make them chlorine gas. Then, the free chlorine gas will dissipate into the air.

2. Heating Of Pool Water

Cooling pool water is one of the fastest ways to lower chlorine levels. When water is heated, chlorine molecules become less stable and break down. This process is called off-gassing and can significantly reduce chlorine concentration in your pool water.

You can use a solar cover or a pool heater to heat your pool water. Solar covers are the most economical option as they use solar energy to heat the water. On the other hand, pool heaters use gas or electricity to generate heat.

3. Circulation Of Pool Water

Another way to lower chlorine levels in your pool is by circulating the water. Water circulation helps to distribute the chlorine evenly throughout the pool and prevents it from building up in one area.

You can use a pool pump or a pool filter to circulate the water in your pool. Pool pumps are the most powerful option and can circulate the water in your pool very quickly. Pool filters, however, are less powerful but more affordable.

4. Use Of A Chlorine Neutralizer

If you want to quickly lower chlorine levels in your pool, you can use a chlorine neutralizer. Chlorine neutralizers are chemicals that bind with chlorine molecules and render them inactive. This way, they prevent chlorine from being able to disinfect your pool water.

There are many different types of chlorine neutralizers available on the market, so be sure to choose one that is compatible with your pool.

5. Dilution Of Pool Water

Diluting your pool water is another effective way to lower chlorine levels. To do this, you can add fresh water to your pool. This will help to reduce the concentration of chlorine in your pool water. Also, turn off your chlorine feeder and use pool-grade hydrogen peroxide.

Keep in mind that diluting your pool water will also lower the overall pH level of your pool. So, be sure to test the pH level of your pool water regularly and adjust it accordingly.

6. Try Sodium Thiosulfate

Sodium thiosulfate can be used to lower chlorine levels in pools. It is available in granular form and can be added directly to the pool water.

To use this method, simply add the required amount of sodium thiosulfate to the pool water and circulate it for a few hours. The chlorine levels should start to drop within a few hours.

This method is effective, but it can be quite expensive. Also, you will need to keep an eye on the chlorine levels and add more sodium thiosulfate as needed.

How Long Does It Take For Chlorine Level To Drop-In Pool?

It takes around 3-4 hours for chlorine levels to drop in a pool if you significantly follow the methods mentioned above. However, remember that the exact time will depend on various factors such as the size of your pool, the amount of water in it, the type of pool, etc.

Also, the type of method you use to lower the chlorine levels will play a role. For example, if you use a chlorine reducer, it will take less time as compared to draining and refilling the pool.

Also, the climate conditions will affect the rate at which chlorine evaporates from the pool. For instance, if it’s a hot and sunny day, the chlorine will evaporate faster than a cooler day.

Therefore, it’s important to keep an eye on the chlorine levels in your pool and take action accordingly to ensure it’s safe for swimming.

Also Read: Best Pool Shock

FAQs

Will Baking Soda Lower Chlorine Level In Pool?

Adding baking soda to your pool water can indirectly help lower the chlorine levels. Baking soda is a high alkaline substance that raises the pH and alkalinity of water. Hydrogen peroxide will not be as effective in reducing chlorine levels if the pH of the water is low. Therefore, hydrogen peroxide can work more effectively to neutralize chlorine by increasing the pH level with baking soda. Consequently, baking soda can play a role in the chlorination process.

pH levels and chlorine levels are closely related. When pH is high, it accelerates the evaporation of chlorine. This will, in turn, lower the overall chlorine levels in your pool. Be aware that such a process will also increase chlorine gas around the pool area, which can be confusing and off-putting to people. If you notice an excess chlorine smell, your pH levels are likely too high.

Can I Swim If The Chlorine Level Is High?

The chlorine level in your pool should not be dangerous if you’re swimming. It’s recommended that pool chlorine levels be between 1 and 3 ppm (parts per million). According to the CDC, levels of 4 ppm or higher can irritate your skin, eyes, and throat.

If you are sensitive to chlorine, you may experience symptoms such as coughing, sneezing, and red eyes at lower levels of chlorine exposure. It’s important to listen to your body and get out of the pool if you start feeling these symptoms.

What Neutralizes Chlorine?

Chlorine can be neutralized with chemicals such as sodium thiosulfate, chlorine stabilizer cyanuric acid, and ascorbic acid (vitamin C). These chemicals work by binding with the chlorine molecules, making them larger and heavier so that they can’t bind with other molecules. This process is called “adsorption.”

Sodium thiosulfate is the most common chemical used to neutralize chlorine. It’s relatively inexpensive and easy to find. You can also use chlorine reducers. Each of these substances can lower the chlorine levels in your pool by interacting with the chlorine molecules.

Conclusion

After reading this guide, you should understand how to lower the chlorine in your pool. By following the tips and advice laid out here, you’ll be able to keep your pool safe and enjoyable for everyone. Remember to test the chlorine levels regularly, and adjust accordingly. With a little bit of care, you can ensure that your pool is always ready for a swim.