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Chlorine is the most significant chemical added in a swimming pool. This is very reliable when it comes to taking care of the pool water as well as to keep it balanced. As we all know, if the pool water is not properly maintained and sanitized with chlorine, bacteria, algae, and other microorganisms will develop and multiply that will be harmful to the swimmers as well as to the swimming pool.

The three types of chlorine present in the swimming pool water are Free Chlorine, Combined Chlorine, and Total Chlorine. We need to understand the importance of each type and on how it affects the pool water.

• FREE CHLORINE. This is the number of chlorine that has not yet mixed with chlorinated water to sanitize contaminants. This type of chlorine is in charge of sanitizing the pool water. It is the most essential of all the types of chlorine because free chlorine is responsible for killing unhealthy microorganisms and other contaminants in the swimming pool water. Suggested level of free chlorine can be determined by using test strips to check every day. According to The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals, it is recommended to keep free chlorine levels between 2.0 and 4.0 parts per mil (ppm). 
• COMBINED CHLORINE. This is the type of chlorine that indicates that free chlorine is doing its job in killing harmful microorganisms and other contaminants added in the pool water. This is the source of the smell of chlorine in the swimming pool that most people are confused with. This does not mean that they put a lot of chlorine in the pool water. This signifies that free chlorine is active and in the process of fighting back bacteria and all other contaminants in the water. You will be needing to shock your pool water if the combined chlorine raises up to 0.5 ppm or higher.
• TOTAL CHLORINE. This type of chlorine can also be used as free chlorine due to combined chlorine is often at a zero level during normal pool condition. As stated on its name, total chlorine is the total of free chlorine and combined chlorine. 

If you are experiencing any stubborn smell of chlorine or bacteria build up, you might want to shock your pool. We recommend testing your pool every day and to initiate shock treatment depending on the usage and weather.

It is always best to seek assistance to a knowledgeable company like AQUA DOC POOL CLINIC.  For your inquiries, just click this link and fill out the needed information. We will be sure we get in touch with you the soonest!