Quote Originally Posted by powiebaby View Post
Hi, all.

....ideal 1-3 range.

So my question is 2-part. Is it really safe to go swimming in the pool if the Cl reading is 4 or higher? I even bought the Dichlor shock packet that says you can swim in as little as 15 minutes, but the small print says as long as the Cl is within acceptable range. Even if my Cl reading is below 1.0, an hour after adding the Dichlor shock the Cl reading is 4 or higher. Let's skip the BBB method for now and concentrate on the chemicals that I have on hand. Please critique my pool maintenance so far and give me recommendations going forward. What, if required, should I be doing for shocking the pool during the evening such that I can swim the next day?? Is my current routine satisfactory, even if inefficient? I've read that if you use Cal-hypo during the evening, then you can swim 8 hours later (next day) without concern. But the Cl reading is definitely going to be over 4 the next day. Is it generally safe to swim if Cl is somewhere between 4-10? I've read here and there that it is okay. Not concerned about bathing suits, just general health of sending kids in the pool. Obviously, I want a sanitized pool that is safe (Cl reading) to swim in.
What is your CYA level? The answer to that question will give us the answer to all your other questions. The chlorine level that you need to keep in the pool to keep algae away and to keep it sanitized, as well as the chlorine level you need in order to reach "shock" level, all depend on your CYA. And if you've been using trichlor pucks and dichlor, I'm guessing it's pretty high--in which case you will need to keep your chlorine higher than 1-3.

Janet