Pool chemical levels 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
Direct answer: For most pools, keep free chlorine about 1–3 ppm, pH about 7.2–7.6, total alkalinity about 80–120 ppm, calcium hardness roughly 200–400 ppm, and cyanuric acid (outdoor pools) often 30–50 ppm—always confirm with your kit and pool type.
Ideal ranges (quick table)
| Parameter | Ideal range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Free chlorine | 1–3 ppm | Pools; spas often 3–5 ppm |
| pH | 7.2–7.6 | Comfort + sanitizer effectiveness |
| Total alkalinity | 80–120 ppm | Buffers pH; adjust before wild pH moves |
| Calcium hardness | 200–400 ppm | Surface-dependent; avoid very soft aggressive water |
| Cyanuric acid (CYA) | 30–50 ppm | Outdoor pools; very high CYA dulls real sanitation |
How to use this chart
These numbers are starting targets for typical residential pools. Vinyl, plaster, salt systems, and high bather load can shift what “ideal” looks like for you. Use the table to see where you are off, then change chemistry in small steps with the pump running and retest after each adjustment.
When more than one reading is wrong, fix alkalinity first (if very low or high), then pH, then sanitizer—jumping straight to large chlorine adds often masks an underlying balance issue.
Dose from your readings
Last updated: April 2026