Oh, so you shocked your pool, dumped in extra chlorine, and strutted around like you nailed pool care? Cute. Except here’s the ugly truth: if your pH is out of range, all that chlorine is basically on vacation, lounging uselessly while algae throws a pool party.
Mistake #1: Thinking Chlorine Works No Matter What
Chlorine only does its job when the water’s pH is balanced. If your pH climbs too high, chlorine loses effectiveness faster than you can say “green swamp.” Homeowners love to blame the chlorine brand when it’s really their own lazy testing habits.
Simple Fix: Keep pH between 7.2 and 7.6. Test at least twice a week. Don’t just guess and hope for the best.
Mistake #2: Believing Shocking Alone Solves Everything
Dumping in shock without balancing pH first is like pouring soda on a campfire. Looks dramatic, but accomplishes nothing. Then you wonder why your water still looks cloudy.
Simple Fix: Always adjust pH before shocking. Treat shock as the final punch, not the opening move.
Mistake #3: Ignoring Alkalinity
If total alkalinity is all over the place, your pH swings like a mood ring. That means one day chlorine works, the next day it might as well be tap water.
Simple Fix: Keep alkalinity in the 80–120 ppm range. Stable alkalinity makes pH easier to control, which keeps chlorine from going on strike.
Mistake #4: Forgetting That Sunlight Eats Chlorine
Even if your pH is perfect, leaving chlorine unprotected under the blazing sun is like tossing dollar bills into the wind. If your pool has no stabilizer, kiss that chlorine goodbye.
Simple Fix: Keep cyanuric acid (CYA) between 30–50 ppm. Think of it as sunscreen for your chlorine.
The Ranty Reality Check
Your chlorine isn’t weak. Your pool isn’t cursed. You’re just ignoring chemistry rules that don’t care about your shortcuts. Balance first, chlorinate second, or keep wasting money on shock that does nothing.
Your “Don’t Be That Person” Checklist
- Test pH and alkalinity regularly
- Keep pH between 7.2–7.6
- Balance alkalinity at 80–120 ppm
- Add stabilizer so chlorine sticks around
- Shock only after balancing water
The pool is not out to get you. It’s just waiting for you to respect the chemistry instead of winging it.
