How do I manage chlorine loss from the intense Texas sun?

“The Austin sun is the number one killer of chlorine. If you aren’t protected, you’re wasting money.”

UV rays from the sun cause a chemical reaction that breaks down chlorine molecules. In Central Texas, where the UV index is frequently 10+, this can happen in just a few hours.

Pro-Tips for Chlorine Management:

1. Cyanuric Acid (CYA) is Key: CYA is “sunscreen for chlorine.” We recommend a level of 30-50 ppm for most pools. If it’s too low, the sun eats your chlorine. If it’s too high (over 100 ppm), it causes “chlorine lock,” making the sanitizer ineffective.
2. Add Chlorine at Dusk: If you’re manually adding liquid chlorine, do it in the evening. This gives the chemical all night to work on any bacteria or algae without being degraded by the sun.
3. Variable Speed Optimization: Run your chlorinator or salt cell during the peak sun hours (10 AM - 4 PM) so you’re constantly “feeding” the pool as the sun is depleting it.

Austin Detail: Because we have high evaporation, we often add water that has ZERO stabilizer. Over a summer, your CYA levels can drop significantly just through refilling.

Sent from my iPhone while checking salt cells in Leander.