How to Measure Pool Chemicals

Purchase consistently the same type of chemicals for your pool. Whether you're using chlorine, bromine, baquacil, salt or other minerals, stick to your maintenance plan. Pool chemicals may not be mixed and matched, so if you're unhappy with the chemicals you've been using, it's likely that you must drain and refill your pool before switching to something else.

Find the volume of the water in your pool. This should be available in the instruction manual that came with your pool. However, if you're unable to find this information, you may measure your pool's dimensions and insert them into a pool volume calculator. This is important information, because all chemical measurements will be based on the amount of water to which the chemicals are added.

Read the instructions on each pool chemical very carefully before measuring. All chemicals will have different manufacturer's instructions and different requirements for handling. Some chemicals are more dangerous than others and should be handled with greater care.

Use a metal or plastic scoop to remove the appropriate amount of chemicals from the container. Never use a wooden scoop. Make sure the scoop is completely dry and clean of all other chemicals. Remember that mixing two different chemicals or a chemical with liquid can cause a dangerous reaction.

Pour the scooped chemical into your pool water. Never add water to the chemical before putting it into your pool. Wait, according to instructions of the pool and chemicals' manufacturers, for dissolution and distribution of the chemicals, and then take readings before allowing anyone into the pool. A safe pH level reading is between 7.4 and 7.6, while a safe alkalinity level is between 100 and 150 parts per million.