Chlorine is a chemical that keeps the pool water clean, and you must manage it at the right level. You can add a chlorine tablet, liquid chlorine, and granular chlorine to treat the water. The right amount of chlorine should be added to the water. An excess of it can harm the swimmer’s skin and may irritate. Also, the gases given off by the evaporation of water with too much chlorine can enter the eyes and nose and will cause discomfort and itchiness. So, how to chlorinate a pool?
Steps on Adding Chlorine
As mentioned above, there are three ways of adding chlorine to the water. Below are steps on how to add chlorine in the pool water:
A. Adding Granular Chlorine
Adding granular chlorine in the pool water is somewhat similar to adding sodium bicarb or calcium chloride. First, measure that dry chemical, then dissolve in a bucket and pour the solution around the pool perimeter.
Granular chlorine is available in different types. They are used mainly as a shock because of how fast they dissolve in water. Calcium hypochlorite, dichloride, and trichloride are some types of granular chlorine.
Warning: Mixing different types of chlorine is not allowed.
What You Need:
- 5-gallon plastic bucket
- Wooden paint-stirring stick use for stirring
- Dry measuring cup or bucket – dose appropriately. Do not cut corners
- A Reliable test kit to measure the pH and alkalinity
- Sodium Bicarbonate or Soda Ash
- Safety gear – gloves and glasses
Step#1 Test the Pool Water for Free Chlorine
Test the pool water for free available chlorine. Take note of the results. With the use of an app, you will know exactly the amount of granular you need, but it does not include the amount for stabilized chlorine such as dichlor and trichlor. You will need to determine the amount on your own. Take the granular chlorine of your choice to the poolside along with the other tools that you need.
Step#2 Making the Solution
Pour pool water in the bucket until it is 3/4th full. Then add the measured amount of chlorine in the bucket.
Step#3 Stir Thoroughly
Thoroughly stir the mixture until the powder is completely dissolved. Adding undissolved chlorine into the pool water can result in cloudiness, but more fundamentally, it depends on the pH of the chlorine itself, this can significantly affect the surface. It is a must to always pre-dilute.
Step#4 Pour the Solution in the Water
Gradually pour the solution into the pool. It is best to add half of the bucket first, then add fresh pool water into the bucket, and get the stick to stir again, and continue pouring the solution into the water. Make use of your best judgment. Pouring the solution into the skimmer is not recommended. Carefully add the solution around the pool’s perimeter.
B. Steps on Adding Tablet Chlorine
Chlorine is also available in pressed tablet form or briquettes. If you choose to use this form, you need a specialized feeder system to control how fast the tablet will dissolve, and introducing the dissolved chlorine into the circulation. Make sure you are adding the right type of chlorine to the feeder. It is very dangerous and could cause an explosion if not done correctly.
Trichlor tablets are quite acidic and should not be placed in the skimmer basket. Because of this, no chlorine should be introduced directly into the skimmer. Also, experts are against the use of chlorine floaters, particularly kid-friendly ones like a toy.
This chemical is hazardous, particularly for children. It causes harm to them if they accidentally take hold of the floater. If you use this form of chlorine, make sure to remove them if there are swimmers on the pool
C. Steps on Adding the Liquid Chlorine
Using Sodium hypochlorite or liquid chlorine to clean the pool water is much simpler and is a self-explanatory process. There is an app that you can use in figuring out the accurate dose you need, expressed in fluid ounces.
All you need is to measure the chlorine you need and pour it around the pool water, or via the return inlet that is pumping water back into the swimming pool. Do not forget to put on your safety gear like gloves and glasses. Be very careful about using bleach as it can ruin your clothes.
Conclusion
You need to be very careful when adding chlorine in the pool water as it is harmful when an excess amount of this chemical is added. It can irritate your skin, and you might inhale its gases. If done correctly and accurately, you will have cleaner and safe pool water for you and your family.