Pool Chemical Dosing Calculator
Calculate exactly how much chlorine, pH adjuster, or other chemicals to add to your pool for perfectly balanced water.
Quick Setup
Just a few questions to get started
We need to know your pool's volume to calculate accurate dosages.
Don't know your pool size?
Calculate Pool Volume
What type of pool do you have?
How do you sanitize your pool?
Use the Volume Calculator if you don't know your pool size
Instructions:
- Add chemicals to pool water, never add water to chemicals
- Add one chemical at a time and wait 30 minutes between additions
- Run pump for at least 2 hours after adding chemicals
- Retest water after 6-8 hours to confirm levels
Note: These are estimates. Always follow product label instructions.
Safety: Wear protective equipment when handling pool chemicals.
Response
Try asking:
💡 Tips
- • Be specific about measurements and units
- • Include your current readings if you have them
- • Mention any specific concerns or goals
Calculation Complete!
Your results are ready. Continue the conversation to get product recommendations or ask follow-up questions.
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How to Use the Chemical Calculator
1. Test Your Water
Use test strips or a liquid test kit to measure your current chlorine, pH, and alkalinity levels.
2. Enter Current & Target
Select the chemical type, enter your current reading, and specify your target level.
3. Get Dosage Instructions
Receive the exact amount of chemical to add, with product options and safety guidelines.
Ideal Pool Chemical Levels
Chemical Safety Guidelines
- • Never mix chemicals - add one at a time with 30+ minutes between
- • Add chemicals to water - never add water to chemicals
- • Run the pump for at least 2 hours after adding chemicals
- • Wait before swimming - retest after 6-8 hours
- • Wear protection - gloves and eye protection when handling chemicals
Frequently Asked Questions
How much chlorine do I need for my pool?
The amount of chlorine depends on your pool size and current chlorine level. As a general rule, 1 pound of granular chlorine raises chlorine by 2 ppm per 10,000 gallons. Use our calculator for exact amounts based on your specific situation.
Should I adjust pH or alkalinity first?
Always adjust total alkalinity first, as it acts as a buffer for pH. Once alkalinity is in range (80-120 ppm), pH becomes much easier to control and will often correct itself. Wait 24 hours after adjusting alkalinity before testing pH.
Why is my pH always high?
High pH is often caused by high alkalinity, new plaster surfaces, or using liquid chlorine. Check your total alkalinity first - if it's above 120 ppm, lower it with muriatic acid. For salt pools, CO2 outgassing from the generator can raise pH.
What's the difference between shock and regular chlorine?
Shock is a higher dose of chlorine (or non-chlorine oxidizer) used to quickly raise chlorine levels, kill algae, or eliminate chloramines. Regular chlorine maintains daily sanitization. Shock typically raises chlorine to 10+ ppm temporarily, while regular treatment maintains 1-3 ppm.
Can I swim after adding chemicals?
Wait at least 30 minutes after adding liquid chlorine, 2-4 hours after granular chlorine, and 8+ hours after shocking. Always retest before swimming to ensure chlorine is below 5 ppm and pH is between 7.2-7.6. Never swim immediately after adding any chemicals.