Pool Water Balance Chart
What are ideal pool levels?
Ideal pool levels are:
Chlorine: 1–3 ppm
pH: 7.2–7.6
Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
Calculate Your Levels
pH, alkalinity, and chlorine work together. Balance in this order: alkalinity first, then pH, then chlorine.
Why this order?
- Alkalinity acts like a cushion for pH. If alkalinity is wrong, pH will swing when you add acid or base.
- pH determines how well chlorine works. High pH (above 7.6) weakens chlorine; low pH can irritate skin.
- Chlorine kills bacteria and algae. Add it last so pH and alkalinity don’t interfere with dosing.
Quick links
Use our Alkalinity Calculator, then pH Calculator, then Chlorine Calculator.
Last updated: April 2026