Ever wondered why your pool sometimes has a distinct “chlorine” smell? It might not be what you think! In simple terms, what you’re smelling are chloramines, a byproduct of chlorine combining with contaminants in the water. Let’s break it down and explore an essential process called breakpoint chlorination that can help keep your pool water pristine.
Understanding Chloramines:
- What are Chloramines? When chlorine reacts with contaminants like sweat, urine, or body oil in pool water, it forms chloramines. While these are still disinfectants, they’re significantly less effective than free available chlorine – 40 to 60 times less effective, to be precise.
- Common Places for Chloramine Formation: Leaks can occur in areas like the skimmer, main drains, light niches, return fittings, and the tile line. These vulnerable spots demand careful inspection to ensure the structural integrity of your pool.
Breakpoint Chlorination:
- What is Breakpoint Chlorination? Breakpoint chlorination is the process of adding enough chlorine to eliminate problems associated with combined chlorine (chloramines). This involves breaking the molecular bonds, specifically the combined chlorine molecules and nitrogen compounds.
- How to Achieve Breakpoint Chlorination: To reach breakpoint, you must add about ten times the amount of free chlorine (FC) as the combined chlorine (CC). This ensures the conversion of inorganic chloramines to nitrogen gas, effectively eliminating the “chlorine” smell.
Calculating Breakpoint Chlorination:
- Using a D.P.D. Testing Kit: The D.P.D. testing kit measures free chlorine (FC) and total chlorine (TC). The combined chlorine (CC) is the difference between total chlorine and free chlorine. The breakpoint chlorination value is then 10 times the combined chlorine level.
- Example Calculation: For a 60,000-gallon pool with CC of 0.8 ppm, you’d need 8 ppm of chlorine to achieve breakpoint. If your pool already has some free chlorine, calculate the desired change, and use the product label to determine the amount of chemical to add.
Understanding chloramines and breakpoint chlorination is key to maintaining a healthy and odor-free pool. Regular testing and proactive treatment ensure your pool remains a safe and enjoyable space for all swimmers. If you’re unsure about the chemistry of your pool, our experts at Sun Pool are here to help. Dive into a crystal-clear pool experience – free from unwanted odors and disruptions!
