Pool Chemical Calculator
Enter your pool volume and current water test readings to get exact chemical dosing amounts. Keep your water balanced and safe.
Don't know your pool volume? Use our Pool Volume Calculator
Ideal Ranges
Current Water Test Readings
Chemical Dosing Recommendations
For 20,000 gallon pool
Add one of the following to raise to 3 ppm:
Add one of the following to lower pH to 7.4:
Add baking soda (sodium bicarbonate) to raise to 100 ppm:
Add calcium chloride to raise to 300 ppm:
Add stabilizer (cyanuric acid) to raise to 40 ppm:
How It Works
This calculator compares your current water chemistry readings against ideal ranges and calculates the exact amount of chemicals needed to bring each parameter into the safe zone.
- Chlorine: Doses are based on ounces of product per 10,000 gallons to raise 1 ppm.
- pH: Adjustments are calculated per 0.1 pH unit change per 10,000 gallons.
- Alkalinity: Baking soda dose per 10 ppm increase per 10,000 gallons.
- Calcium Hardness: Calcium chloride dose per 10 ppm increase per 10,000 gallons.
- CYA: Stabilizer dose per 10 ppm increase per 10,000 gallons.
All amounts are scaled proportionally to your actual pool volume.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I test my pool water?
Test chlorine and pH at least 2-3 times per week during swimming season. Total alkalinity, calcium hardness, and CYA should be tested weekly or at minimum every two weeks. After heavy rain, a pool party, or adding chemicals, test again within 24 hours.
What order should I add pool chemicals?
Always adjust total alkalinity first, as it affects pH stability. Then adjust pH, followed by calcium hardness. Add chlorine last. Wait at least 30 minutes between different chemical additions, and run the pump while adding chemicals.
What happens if my pool pH is too high or too low?
High pH (above 7.6) reduces chlorine effectiveness and can cause cloudy water and scale buildup. Low pH (below 7.2) can corrode metal equipment, irritate eyes and skin, and damage pool surfaces. Ideal pH is between 7.2 and 7.6.
Is it safe to swim right after adding chemicals?
Wait at least 30 minutes after adding most chemicals with the pump running. For acid or shock treatments, wait 1-4 hours. After adding algaecide, wait 15-30 minutes. Always retest before swimming to confirm safe levels.
What is CYA and why does it matter?
CYA (Cyanuric Acid) is a stabilizer that protects chlorine from being destroyed by UV sunlight. Without CYA, chlorine can be depleted within hours. The ideal range is 30-50 ppm for regular pools. Too much CYA reduces chlorine effectiveness.