What should my pool chemical levels be?
For a Florida residential pool, aim for free chlorine 2–4 ppm, pH 7.4–7.6, total alkalinity 80–120 ppm, calcium hardness 200–400 ppm, and cyanuric acid 30–50 ppm (60–80 ppm on a salt pool). Salt pools also hold salt in the range printed on the generator.
| Reading | Target | Why it matters |
|---|---|---|
| Free chlorine | 2–4 ppm | The actual sanitizer |
| pH | 7.4–7.6 | Controls how well chlorine works |
| Total alkalinity | 80–120 ppm | Keeps pH from swinging |
| Calcium hardness | 200–400 ppm | Protects plaster and equipment |
| Cyanuric acid | 30–50 ppm | Shields chlorine from UV |
| Salt (salt pools) | Per generator label | Feeds the cell |
Test in the right order
Correct alkalinity before chasing pH, and pH before judging chlorine. Chasing chlorine while pH sits at 8.0 wastes product, because high pH makes the chlorine you already have far less effective.
The Florida-specific trap
Cyanuric acid only leaves through dilution. Every stabilized chlorine tablet adds more. On a year-round pool it climbs quietly until chlorine stops working and the pool goes green with a normal-looking test reading. Test it a few times a year and plan a partial drain when it drifts high.