The ideal free chlorine level should be about 2-4 ppm (Parts per Million) after your cleaning.
Having a proper chlorine level in your pools chemistry is important to your pools health. Chlorine is used as a disinfectant to kill bacteria & other organic matter in your pool. If the level is too low the bacteria will grow & can result in algae or staining. If the chlorine level is too high it can damage your pools surface & cut down on the equipment's life expectancy, not to mention It can also be harmful to your eyes & cause skin irritation.
You should avoid going into a swimming pool with a chlorine level higher than 10ppm as that is the start of what would be considered shocking a pool.
Your pool should have some kind of chlorination system to help keep your chlorine level at a health rate in between your weekly service.
"Salt water pools" have a "Salt Cell" or chlorine generator built into them to help keep the chlorine level in line.
"Chlorine pools" usually have an in-line chlorinator or a floating chlorinator to slowly dose chlorine tablets throughout the week.
Maintaining a health pool chemistry is all about balancing your pools LSI. There are multiple factors that play into balancing your pools chlorine level.
- Is there a chlorine dosing device to help on hot summer months?
- If the CYA is high it can make the Chlorine less effective & may need to be at a higher ppm unlit the CYA is lowered.
- Enzymes in the pool can help clear out bather waste such as skin oils, sunblock, etc... This helps the chlorine be more effective.
- The pH, Alkalinity, & calcium also needs to be balanced