When should I super chlorinate my pool?

Author: Prof. Unique Wolff Jr.  |  Last update: Wednesday, January 10, 2024

WHEN IS A GOOD TIME? Chlorine pools should superchlorinate WEEKLY to ensure proper sanitation of the water and prevent bacteria and algae growth. Superchlorination is recommended after heavy bather loads and/or heavy rain. Nature II Chlorine pools can superchlorinate EVERY TWO WEEKS or as needed.

What happens when you super chlorinate a pool?

Superchlorination, also known as shocking or chlorine shocking, is the process of adding several times more chlorine to the pool than is normally needed so that the chlorine can “burn” through resistant compounds, chemicals, oils and strong types of algae.

What to do after super chlorinating pool?

Run pool filtration for 24 hours (You will need turn your chlorinator off or down depending on make and model). Turn chlorinator back on to a suitable setting. Avoid swimming in the pool after Super Chlorination.

How long does super chlorinate last?

The superchlorinate button on a chlorine generator simply sets the chlorine output to 100% for a period of time, usually 24 hours or until the system is powered off. It's not quite that simple though because every generator has a maximum amount of chlorine it will produce in a 24 hour period.

Why super chlorination may not be successful?

As significant biofilm growth can reduce the efficacy of superchlorination, if there is evidence of significant biofilm in a water distribution system, it may be necessary to conduct a chemical clean of the system before superchlorination in order to improve the effectiveness the treatment.

Super Chlorinate & Booster Features

How many gallons of chlorine to super chlorinate?

12.5% Liquid Chlorine Pool Shock – Normal Dosage: 1 gallon of shock per 10,000 gallons of water. Shock Dosage: 2 gallons of shock per 10,000 gallons of water. Source: Champion Liquid Pool Shock instructions.

Does super chlorination raise pH?

Failure to dilute and spread evenly can result in the precipitation of hardness scale. Superchlorination will raise pH, so acid will be needed to reduce the pH value to 7.5 or less.

How fast does super chlorinate work?

During the super chlorinate process the system will ignore the current timer setting and chlorine output setting and generate at 100% for 24 hours.

Can you swim while super chlorinator is running?

Answer: It is not recommended as high chlorine levels are known to cause skin and eye irritation at a minimum. More serious issues can occur in some individuals.

Why is my pool cloudy after Superchlorination?

Lingering cloudy pool water following super chlorination could be due to remnants of organic contaminants too small for the filter to capture, according to Arko. The answer: Add a clarifier.

Is super chlorination the same as shock?

Shock Treatment is adding double the normal dose of chlorine. Always add chemicals in the evening. Superchlorination is usually four times the normal dose of chlorine. Remember salt water pools also need shock treatment and superchlorination from time to time.

What ppm is super chlorination pool?

The term "superchlorination" has to do with increasing the level of chlorine to sufficiently sanitize a pool, clear hazy water and deal with limited algae growth. When superchlorinating, chlorine is added to raise the measured free chlorine level to 10 to 20 ppm.

Can I super chlorinate and shock at the same time?

Adding chlorine besides the shock can increase the chlorine content in the water which can make the entire shocking process useless. Hence, it is better if you don't use the shock and chlorine at the same time. The best time to add chlorine to the pool water is after you have shocked the pool.

What is the most effective way to chlorinate a pool?

Chlorine tablets are the best option for maintaining a normal level of 2 to 3 parts per million (ppm). To distribute the chemical evenly, add the tablets to an automatic dispenser. In addition to using tablets, you should also sanitize your pool with a liquid or granular chlorine shock treatment every 1 to 2 weeks.

Can I use shock instead of chlorine?

SKIMMER NOTES: No. Chlorine and shock are not the same thing. Shock has a more intense chemical strength than the traditional chlorine sanitizers, and it also differs in how you should apply it to your swimming pool.

What should my chlorinator be set at?

Try to maintain a consistent salt level of between 2,700 parts per million (ppm) and 3,400 ppm, with 3,200 ppm being ideal. Clean the chlorinator cell at least once a season or as needed. During lightning storms, turn off the chlorinator to reduce the risk of power surges that could damage the control board.

How many hours a day should I run my salt chlorinator?

Typical pool pump operation is 8 hours per day, although it is not uncommon to run longer in the summer months (or with low speed variable speed pumps) or shorter in the winter when bather loads are light.

What should chlorinator be set at in summer?

Crank up your salt water chlorinator

Since it's summer, set your salt water chlorinator to 80% to 100%.

How long should a chlorinator run per day?

With a properly sized filter and salt chlorinator, run times of 7 – 8 hours will generally be necessary. The defining factor governing filtration times in a salt pool is usually determined by the size of the filter/ioniser and the need to make sufficient chlorine.

How long does superchlorinate take?

The desired output percentage dial will tell the chlorinator how long to generate in each polarity, SUPER CHLORINATE simply tells the unit to ignore the dial setting for 24 hours and generate chlorine @ 100% of its capability.

Can you over chlorinate?

But excessive exposure to chlorine can cause sickness and injuries, including rashes, coughing, nose or throat pain, eye irritation and bouts of asthma, health experts warn. Instructions for safely chlorinating a pool usually call for a maximum of four parts per million when people are in the pool.

Why is super chlorination done?

Superchlorination is most commonly used when water has very high bacteria content and generally comes from river sources or where some form of pollution has occurred.

Can too much chlorine make pool green?

Pools can immediately turn green after shocking when they have metals like copper in the water. These metals oxidise when exposed to high levels of chlorine which makes the pool water turn green.

What are the symptoms of too much chlorine?

During or immediately after exposure to high concentrations of chlorine, the following signs and symptoms may develop:
  • Blurred vision.
  • Burning sensation in the nose, throat, lungs, and eyes.
  • Coughing.
  • Coughing up white to pink-tinged fluid that may be delayed by a few hours.
  • Chest tightness.

At what pH is chlorine most effective?

With a pH level of 6.0 your chlorine will be highly effective with 97% of your chlorine available to kill bacteria and algae. However, at 6.0 your pool water would be extremely acidic and unsafe to swim in. On the flip side, if you pH is at 8.5 only 9% of your chlorine will be available to kill bacteria and algae.

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