Chemicals called sanitizers are added to pool water to shield swimmers against disease and infection. The key to good sanitation is making sure that a measurable active sanitizer residual is maintained at all times.

This active residual goes to work killing bacteria and algae when the bacteria or algae are introduced into the pool water and provides the protection swimmers need for a safe and enjoyable swimming experience.

Chlorine is the most widely used sanitizer for swimming pools. When a chlorine sanitizer is added to pool water, free available chlorine (FAC) is formed. The work of sanitization is performed by the FAC, bromine, biguanide, and to a much lesser extent silver systems. All of these are used to sanitize swimming pool water.

To continue proper sanitization, the FAC should be continuously maintained between 1.0 and 3.0 ppm. The combined chlorine level shouldn’t exceed 0.2 ppm and ideally should be 0.0 ppm. The combined chlorine (that which is not free) is the distinction between the measured total available chlorine and the free available chlorine.

To best ensure that most sanitizer residual is effective at killing bacteria and algae and thus protecting your family’s health, the water’s pH should be maintained between 7.4 and 7.6, but shall not exceed 7.8 nor be less than 7.2.

Water that is cloudy or turbid suggests the attendance of microorganisms (bacteria and/or algae) or nutrients that promote the growth of that in the water.
The ideal temperature for swimming pools is between 78 and 84 degrees.