Picture this: You walk into your indoor pool, ready to open it for a busy weekend of fun, when all of a sudden that all-too-familiar pungent chlorine smell hits you. Believe it or not, this "chlorine smell" is not a good thing. No, this odor is often an indication of high combined chlorine levels. Fortunately, there's an effective solution and it is not performing a breakpoint chlorination process on the pool, as some may suggest. The solution we are going to discuss in this article is the use of a chemical called potassium monopersulfate. We'll explore how you can use this powerful oxidizer to effectively lower combined chlorine levels in your swimming pool.

Understanding Combined Chlorine

Before delving into the specifics of potassium monopersulfate, let's grasp the concept of combined chlorine. When chlorine reacts with contaminants like sweat, urine, and bacteria in pool water, it forms combined chlorine. These combined chlorines will eventually escape to the surface of the pool and into the air, creating something called chloramines. These chloramines are responsible for the unpleasant smell and can irritate your skin and eyes. Lowering combined chlorine levels is essential for a more enjoyable and safer swimming experience.

Why Potassium Monopersulfate?

Potassium monopersulfate, often referred to as non-chlorine shock, is an alternative oxidizer to traditional chlorine shock treatments. It offers several advantages when it comes to reducing combined chlorine levels:

1. Chloramine Elimination - Potassium monopersulfate effectively breaks down and eliminates combined chlorines.

2. Quick Action - Potassium monopersulfate works rapidly to oxidize contaminants, restoring water clarity and comfort more swiftly than some other methods, like breakpoint chlorination

3. No Chlorine Smell - Unlike traditional chlorine shock treatments, Potassium monopersulfate doesn't produce a strong chlorine odor, making your pool experience more pleasant.

How Do I Use Potassium Monopersulfate?

Step 1: Test Your Water

Before proceeding, test your pool water to determine the combined chlorine levels accurately. This will help you gauge the amount of potassium monopersulfate needed.

Step 2: Calculate the Dosage

Refer to the manufacturer's instructions or consult with a pool professional to calculate the appropriate dosage of potassium monopersulfate based on your pool's size and the measured combined chlorine levels. 

Step 3: Safety Precautions

Wear appropriate protective gear, such as gloves and safety goggles, when handling pool chemicals.

Step 4: Distribute Potassium Monopersulfate

With the pool pump running, distribute the calculated amount of potassium monopersulfate evenly across the pool's surface. This ensures thorough mixing and distribution. NOTE: Be sure to mix the appropriate amount of the chemical in a bucket of water before distributing it into the swimming pool. 

Step 5: Allow Time for Oxidation

Allow the potassium monopersulfate to work its magic. The duration for full oxidation varies depending on the product, so follow the manufacturer's instructions. Typically, it takes a few hours.

Step 6: Test and Rebalance

After oxidation is complete, retest your water to confirm that combined chlorine levels have dropped. Adjust other pool parameters like pH and alkalinity as needed to maintain a balanced pool environment.

Step 7: Enjoy Your Refreshed Pool

With combined chlorine levels lowered and the water revitalized, your pool is once again a welcoming oasis for you guests to relax and have fun!

Take The Next Step: CPO Certification

Potassium monopersulfate is a valuable tool in your pool maintenance arsenal, offering a swift and efficient way to reduce combined chlorine levels and restore your pool's water quality. But becoming a true swimming pool and hot tub expert doesn't lie within knowing just one aspect of maintenance and operation. It takes a comprehensive knowledge about how it all works together to truly be called a professional.

And there is no better way to get that knowledge than by becoming a Certified Pool Operator (CPO) with Pool Training Academy. We offer both online CPO Certification as well as in-person courses. These courses will truly take you to the next level when it comes to knowing how to safely and effectively operate your swimming pool and hot tub. Click here to get started on your CPO Certification Journey with Pool Training Academy today!