Raising the total chlorine level in a pool is straightforward, and according to the reference, it's typically easier than reducing chlorine levels. Simply adding chlorine in the form of chlorine tablets, granular chlorine, liquid shock, or powder shock will increase the total amount of chlorine within the pool.
When your pool's chlorine levels test low, it means there isn't enough sanitizer to effectively kill bacteria, algae, and other contaminants, leaving the water unsafe and potentially cloudy or green. Fortunately, boosting this level is achievable using common pool chemicals.
Methods to Increase Pool Chlorine
The primary way to raise pool chlorine is by introducing more chlorine-based product into the water. Different forms of chlorine are available, each with its own method of application.
Chlorine Tablets
Often made of stabilized chlorine (like Trichloro-s-triazinetrione, or Tri-Chlor), tablets dissolve slowly over time.
- How they work: Placed in floating dispensers or automatic feeders, they continuously release chlorine into the water.
- Benefit: Provides a steady, ongoing source of chlorine.
- Consideration: Tablets can contribute to cyanuric acid buildup, which protects chlorine from the sun but can also bind up free chlorine if levels get too high.
Granular Chlorine
Granular forms like Dichlor (Dichloro-s-triazinetrione) or Cal Hypo (Calcium Hypochlorite) dissolve relatively quickly.
- How they work: Often pre-dissolved in a bucket of pool water before being slowly poured into the pool, or sometimes added directly if specified by the product instructions (though pre-dissolving is generally safer to avoid plaster staining).
- Benefit: Can provide a quicker boost to chlorine levels compared to tablets.
- Consideration: Cal Hypo adds calcium to the water, which needs to be considered for overall water balance. Dichlor also contains cyanuric acid.
Liquid Shock
Typically sodium hypochlorite (the main ingredient in household bleach, but at a higher concentration), liquid chlorine is a fast-acting way to add chlorine.
- How it works: Poured directly into the pool, usually around the edges, while the pump is running to distribute it.
- Benefit: Works quickly to raise chlorine levels and contains no cyanuric acid or calcium.
- Consideration: Has a shorter shelf life than solid forms and can be cumbersome to handle in large quantities.
Powder Shock
Similar to granular chlorine but often in a finer consistency, powder shock products like Cal Hypo or Dichlor are designed for rapidly increasing chlorine levels (shocking the pool).
- How it works: Usually pre-dissolved in water before adding to the pool, similar to granular chlorine, or added directly if the product specifies.
- Benefit: Effective for quickly killing contaminants and raising chlorine.
- Consideration: Similar considerations apply as for granular forms regarding calcium or cyanuric acid.
Practical Application Tips
Regardless of the form you choose, always follow the manufacturer's instructions for dosage based on your pool's volume and current water test results. Test your water before adding chemicals and re-test after circulating the water for a few hours to see the effect.
| Chlorine Form | Typical Application Method | Speed | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tablets | Floater, Feeder | Slow | Adds CYA |
| Granular Dichlor | Pre-dissolved / Direct | Medium-Fast | Adds CYA |
| Granular Cal Hypo | Pre-dissolved / Direct | Medium-Fast | Adds Calcium |
| Liquid Shock | Poured directly into pool | Fast | Short shelf life |
| Powder Shock | Pre-dissolved / Direct | Fast | Adds CYA or Calcium depending on product |
Always handle pool chemicals with care, wear appropriate safety gear, and never mix different types of chlorine products directly, as this can create dangerous reactions. Adding the correct amount of one of these forms of chlorine will effectively raise your pool's total chlorine level.
