Superchlorination
Superchlorination is the practice of raising free chlorine to 10 ppm or higher to destroy chloramines, kill algae, or clear severely compromised water.
Definition
Superchlorination is the practice of raising free chlorine to 10 ppm or higher to destroy chloramines, kill algae, or clear severely compromised water.
Typical Values: Target FC: 10 ppm (minimum); Green pool: 30 ppm
In Plain Language
Superchlorination and breakpoint chlorination are closely related — both involve adding enough chlorine to destroy combined chlorine. Superchlorination is sometimes used as a broader term for any high-dose chlorine treatment. After superchlorination, the pool must be closed to swimmers until FC drops below 5 ppm, typically within 24 hours with the pump running.
Why It Matters
Superchlorination is one of the most effective tools for pool recovery from algae, cloudiness, or high combined chlorine.
Typical Values
Target FC: 10 ppm (minimum); Green pool: 30 ppm
Last reviewed: 2026-06-01