Swimming pools require a delicate chemical balance to maintain optimal sanitation without harming swimmers and bleaching liners and swimsuits. Chlorine neutralizer is essential when you need to decrease free chlorine levels as soon as possible. Join us to learn why it’s so important, when you may need it, and how to use it properly in your in-ground or above-ground pool.
What is chlorine neutralizer?
Chlorine neutralizers are products like sodium thiosulfate, sodium sulfite, and sodium bisulfite that reduce or completely eliminate free chlorine in chlorinated and saltwater pools. Here’s an overview:
What does chlorine neutralizer do?
Chlorine neutralizer deactivates free chlorine, turning it into salt. This allows you to safely and effectively lower chlorine levels to achieve a safe swimming range of 1 to 3 ppm. It acts quickly, often balancing water chemistry within minutes to an hour, depending on circulation.
When would you need to use chlorine neutralizer?
Testing mistakes, dosing errors, and the use of pool shock can all lead to overchlorination in your pool, hot tub, or spa. When this occurs, it’s essential to correct your chemical load before swimmers enter the water. You may even need to dechlorinate your water before closing or draining your pool.
When not to use chlorine neutralizer
You don’t need to apply a chlorine reducer or remover for every high reading. Here are a few instances when you should skip chlorine neutralizer:
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Chlorine level is only slightly high
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You don’t have an accurate free chlorine reading
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During an algae or shock treatment
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As routine maintenance
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When cyanuric acid (CYA) is high
How to tell if you need chlorine neutralizer
So, what are the signs that your pool’s free chlorine levels are too high? Here are some indicators that can clue you into what’s happening below the surface:
Water test results
Accurate water chemistry tests are essential before adding chlorine neutralizer to your pool. In fact, this should be your primary decision-maker when it comes to adding any chemical products to your water. Ideal free chlorine levels are between 1 and 3 ppm, and combined chlorine should measure below 0.5 ppm.
If free chlorine is over 5 ppm, consider neutralizing. However, sunlight will naturally reduce slightly elevated levels in a few hours to a day.
Physical signs
Exposure to excessive chlorine can have a number of impacts on swimmers, including:
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Red, irritated eyes
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Dry, itchy skin after swimming
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Faded swimsuits and pool toys
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Light marks on towels, clothes, and outdoor furniture
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Bleached spots on liners and decks
If you notice any of these effects, test your water chemistry to verify free chlorine levels.
Strong chemical odor
When your pool emits a strong bleach smell, your first instinct may be to reduce high chlorine levels. But this symptom is much more likely to indicate high combined chlorine rather than free chlorine. Instead of adding chlorine neutralizer, it’s best to shock your pool, boosting the free chlorine that actively sanitizes your water.
Damage to material or equipment
Your pool’s surfaces and fixtures will generally show signs of chlorine damage only after prolonged exposure to high levels. This may manifest in bleached pool liners, covers, and decking, or corrosion on metal fixtures. As always, test your water chemistry to confirm your suspicions before adding chlorine neutralizer.
How to use chlorine neutralizer in your pool
Now that you know what chlorine neutralizer is and when it’s necessary, let’s discuss how to properly apply it.
Test the water pH
Water testing supplies should be the first thing you reach for when you suspect a chemical imbalance in your pool. Perform the appropriate tests to measure:
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Free chlorine: Ideal reading 1 to 3 ppm
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pH: Ideal reading 7.2 to 7.6
These results will give you a clear picture of understanding of your actual water chemistry, so you can add the appropriate amount of chlorine neutralizer.
Calculate the proper dose
This is where things can get complicated. As a general rule, you can expect 2.6 ounces of sodium thiosulfate per 10,000 gallons of water to lower chlorine by 1 ppm. For example, let’s consider the following scenario:
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Pool size: 20,000 gallons
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Current free chlorine: 10 ppm
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Target free chlorine: 3 ppm
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Reduction needed: 7 ppm
2.6 oz ⨉ 2 (for 20,000 gallons) ⨉ 7 = ~36.4 oz neutralizer
Apply slightly less than the calculated amount, as you can always add more after retesting.
Apply the neutralizer
Pool neutralizer comes in many forms, including powders, granules, and liquid concentrates. No matter which you choose, you’ll want to carefully measure the solution and pre-dissolve it in a bucket of water. Then, turn on your pump and slowly pour the solution around the pool’s perimeter.
Avoid dumping it all in one spot, adding it when the pump is off, and mixing it directly with other chemicals. You may also find tablets containing Vitamin C (ascorbic acid) and filtration media that promise to lower free chlorine. However, sodium thiosulfate is generally the most effective and predictable chlorine neutralizer on the market.
Circulate and re-test
Circulate the water for 30 to 60 minutes before retesting for free chlorine. If the reading is only slightly elevated, allow the sun to eliminate the excess. However, if levels are still much higher than 3 ppm, add a small follow-up dose using the steps above.
Find everything you need to keep your pool sparkling and clean at GPS Pools!
Using chlorine neutralizer is pretty easy once you get the hang of it, but when it comes to pool care, you’re not alone. GPS Pools can handle routine tasks like balancing water chemistry and maintaining crystal-clear water, so you can enjoy your time poolside. Reach out today to get started!