If your swimming pool or hot tub chlorine test is turning orange, it usually means your chlorine levels are dangerously or excessively high (typically above 10 ppm to 20 ppm). This off-the-chart reading is common when OTO (yellow drop) tests are exposed to shock treatments.
Fixing the Orange Chlorine Result If you are sure the OTO test was done accurately and the reason for the orange shade is high chlorine levels, the best recommendation is to stop adding chlorine and let the levels naturally drift down. Chlorine will decrease over time by UV rays and fighting contaminants.
Yes, chlorine can cause contact dermatitis, but it is typically a form called irritant contact dermatitis, not a true allergic reaction.
A high pH in your swimming pool (above 7.8) reduces chlorine effectiveness, leaving water vulnerable to algae. Swimmers may experience dry, itchy skin and stinging eyes, while the pool itself may develop cloudy water and white calcium scale deposits on surfaces and equipment.
Chlorine, in its natural form, is unstablized—which means it degrades when exposed to sunlight. Adding a chlorine stabilizer reduces the sun's impact on chlorine loss. Maintain a stabilizer level between 30-150 ppm.
Frequently Asked Questions
Add chlorine regularly (daily or every few days) to keep a steady level, and shock about once a week if needed. What chlorine, pH and alkalinity levels should I aim for? Target chlorine 1–3 ppm, pH 7.2–7.6, and alkalinity 80–120 ppm.
Generally speaking, pools lose approximately 1/4” of water per day on average, though this can vary due to factors like wind, temperature, humidity and of course, the pool's total surface area.
No, shocking your pool will not lower your pH. In fact, most pool shocks (like calcium hypochlorite or liquid chlorine) are highly alkaline and will temporarily raise your pH and total alkalinity.
A pool can lose up to 1/4 inch of water per day due to evaporation. In some cases, evaporative losses can be as high as 1/2 inch daily depending on factors such as wind, temperature, and humidity levels. If your pool is losing more than 1/4 inch of water a day, it may indicate an issue that requires attention.
Always adjust Total Alkalinity first. Think of alkalinity as the "buffer" or foundation for your pH. If your alkalinity is out of range, any pH adjustments you make will be unstable and likely drift right back out of whack.
A chlorine rash typically appears as a red or pink, bumpy, and intensely itchy skin irritation, resembling mild eczema. It often shows up in areas prone to friction (such as under bathing suit straps or armpits) a few hours after pool or hot tub exposure, and can feature dry, scaly, or crusty patches.
For eczema, many individuals use Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) practices to address the root causes of the condition. These remedies typically use a whole-body approach to balance the immune system and calm irritated skin. Common treatments include:
An itchy bottom after swimming is usually caused by a chlorine rash (irritant contact dermatitis) or trapped pool chemicals. It occurs when sanitizers strip your skin's natural oils or when wet, mesh-lined swim trunks rub against sensitive skin.
Unsafe pool chlorine levels are typically those outside the ideal range of 111 to 333 parts per million (ppm). Levels consistently above 101010 ppm are considered unsafe and can cause chemical burns, bleached hair, and severe skin and eye irritation. Conversely, levels below 111 ppm cannot safely sanitize bacteria and algae.
Yes, shocking your pool with a chlorine-based shock directly increases your Free Chlorine (FC) levels.
The typical chlorine level in a pool should be between 2-3 ppm the aim when you shock a pool is to raise it much higher to over 10ppm which is guaranteed to kill any algae and bacteria that is in your pool water.
In most climates, you'll need to add water once or twice a week during the swimming season. Adding water more often than that may indicate a leak, especially if your pool is losing more than ½ inch per day.
A sore throat from a chlorinated pool is usually caused by chloramines, which form when chlorine binds to sweat, oils, or urine in the water. These irritants become airborne gas, inflaming your throat. Mild irritation usually clears in a few hours.
Yes, you absolutely should run your pool pump when shocking the pool. The pump should ideally be running continuously for at least 8 hours (or overnight) after adding shock to ensure the chemicals are properly circulated, dispersed evenly, and filtered.
Signs your pH levels might be too high (alkaline):
White scale forming on your pool walls or equipment. Dry, itchy skin after being in the pool. Reduced chlorine effectiveness.
To shock a pool, you will generally need 1 to 2 gallons of liquid chlorine per 10,000 gallons of water, depending on the severity of the issue.
All pools lose some water daily due to evaporation. Under normal conditions, expect about 1/4 inch per day, with weekly losses typically ranging up to 2 inches at most. However, factors like high temperatures, low humidity, wind, and pool activity can increase evaporation, leading to greater water loss.
On a 90°F (32°C) day, a pool can lose ¼ to ½ inch of water per day due to evaporation, especially with low humidity and strong wind. Heated pools and pools without covers experience even higher evaporation rates. Losing 1–2 inches of water per day usually indicates a leak rather than evaporation.