Pool Chemical Levels: A Simple Guide for Sydney Pool Owners
Commonly recommended levels for a home pool are free chlorine around 1–3 ppm, pH 7.2–7.6, total alkalinity 80–120 ppm, stabiliser around 30–50 ppm and calcium hardness around 200–400 ppm. Salt pools also need salt kept within the range your chlorinator manufacturer specifies. Always check your own equipment's recommendations.
Free chlorine
The sanitiser that kills bacteria and algae. Too low and algae grows; too high and it irritates eyes and skin.
pH
Controls how well chlorine works and how comfortable the water feels. Sydney pools often drift high, especially salt pools.
Total alkalinity
Acts as a buffer that stops pH swinging around.
Stabiliser (cyanuric acid)
Protects chlorine from sunlight. Too much makes chlorine sluggish — a common cause of green pools.
Calcium hardness
Too low can damage surfaces; too high causes scale.
Salt
Salt pools make their own chlorine from salt. Keep it within your chlorinator's specified range.
Need a hand?
Call Sam on 0492 000 032 for a free quote anywhere in Sydney.