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.
*At this point you would need to raise your pH with pH+ (soda ash)
As the pH reaches 7.4-7.6 the chlorine’s effectiveness is around 50% and is ideal, where it can safely and effectively kill germs and bacteria while still being safe for swimming.
*At this point your Ph is stable, at this stage to prevent pH bounce you must maintain your Alkalinity level within the ideal range of 80-100
As we move to the other extreme, if your pH is at 8.5 only 9% of your chlorine will be available to kill bacteria and algae. This is also where chlorine combines with contaminants, creating chloramines that give your water a foul odor and make it cloudy.
*At this point you would need to reduce your Ph by adding pH- or muriatic acid.
High chlorine levels or the formation of chloramine levels can cause breathing problems within minutes of exposure. Oxidation occurs at the water’s surface right around where your nose and mouth linger. With prolonged exposure to these chemicals at high levels it can cause extreme discomfort. Breathing in high levels of chlorine causes fluid build-up in the lungs, a condition known as pulmonary edema. The development of pulmonary edema may be delayed for several hours after exposure to chlorine and is extremely dangerous. E. coli, Norovirus, and Crypto can also be found in improperly sanitized pools.
When the pH of your pool water is high it creates scale-forming conditions in the water. Scaling is the formation of chemical deposits that restricts water flow through pipes and equipment.
Having a low pH or high chlorine level will corrode metal surfaces and pool accessories such as seating, railings, light fixtures, and any metals in your pumps causing leaks and equipment malfunction. Low pH or high chlorine levels also has damaging effects on your liner causing it to bleach out the pattern and reducing its elasticity.
Filter plastics and elements rapidly become brittle and the inside of your heater suffers the quickest, stripping your heat exchanger. This will also result in releasing metals into your pool, causing staining on your skin, clothes, and your pool surfaces.
Unbalanced water chemistry will drastically shorten your pool’s life and lead to costly repairs.
Chlorine is used in pools and other chlorinated aquatic venues to kill germs, but when it binds to the body waste that swimmers bring into pools (for example, sweat and urine) it can form chemicals called chloramines.
Chloramines in the water irritate the skin, eyes, and respiratory tract (including the nose) when they off-gas from the water and into the air, particularly indoors.
Additionally, chloramines can also contribute to the corrosion of metals in and around the pool as well as air handling and ventilation systems.
Maintaining proper circulation isn’t just as simple as keeping your pool filled up. Do you ever wonder where all your water’s contaminants end up? In your filter!
Cleaning your filter cartridge needs to be a routine at least once every two weeks for avid swimmers (you cannot over-clean your filter). Though cleaning your filter cartridge regularly is greatly beneficial for you and the overall health of your pool, we do recommend replacing it with your mineral sanitizer twice per year.
A dirty filter puts unnecessary strain and back pressure on your equipment and can result in premature equipment failure or malfunction.
Brushing your pool regularly will also help promote a healthy swimming environment, by brushing the pool you help mix up water helping your filter collect debris, and it also prevents any organic matter from accumulating on the walls, benches, or floor that can form algae.
With our proactive bi-annual Endless Pool maintenance service we call the Endless Pool Checkup.
Having the expert pool service technicians at Romanelli & Son Pool Service check your water chemistry, inspect your pool, and take the necessary corrective actions will make your pool last longer. We can also offer you tips and tricks to improve your overall swimming and bathing experience.
How do you get your pool to last a lifetime? Proper Endless Pool maintenance!
Unsure how to clean your filter? We can show you.
Unsure how much of each chemical to add? We can tell you.
While we are on-site our knowledgeable staff will educate and demonstrate anything you wish to know, because prevention is much cheaper than correction!
Schedule your Endless Pool Checkup service today! Just click the button below and fill out a short form letting us know your availability.
We make pool ownership easy with stress-free maintenance, expert repairs, and cutting-edge tech. From sparkling water to pool automation, we handle every detail so you can relax and enjoy your pool.
© 2025 Paul Romanelli & Son Pool Service.
