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Pool chemistry levels: what to aim for
Published October 11, 2026 by Total Pool Solutions, Miami
These are the ranges we use on our own routes in Miami. They are a good starting point for most residential pools. Your pool surface, equipment and local water may call for small changes.
| Test | Target range | Too low | Too high |
|---|---|---|---|
| Free chlorine | 1 to 3 ppm (2 to 4 for salt pools) | Algae, cloudy water | Wait before swimming above 8 ppm |
| pH | 7.4 to 7.6 | Etching, eye irritation | Scale, chlorine works worse |
| Total alkalinity | 80 to 120 ppm | pH swings | pH keeps rising |
| Stabilizer (CYA) | 30 to 50 ppm (60 to 80 for salt pools) | Chlorine burns off in the sun | Chlorine works slowly |
| Calcium hardness | 200 to 400 ppm | Can attack plaster | Scale on surfaces and equipment |
Fix them in this order
- Alkalinity first. It keeps pH steady. Raise it with baking soda.
- Then pH. Lower it with muriatic acid, raise it with soda ash.
- Then chlorine. Add liquid chlorine or cal-hypo to reach your target.
- Stabilizer changes slowly. Add cyanuric acid if it is low; the only practical way to lower it is to replace some water.
How often to test
Test chlorine and pH at least once a week, and more often in summer, after heavy rain or after a pool party. Test alkalinity, stabilizer and calcium about once a month.
Enter your numbers in the free calculator to see how much of each chemical to add.