How to read SW pool chlorine target range above 5?

[rd783]

New pool owner, quick question
looking at this, The Free Chlorine and Cyanuric Acid Relationship

recommended CYA is 60 - 90 with a Chlorine level of 4-12

I purchased the tf pro salt test kit

My question is, for the daily Chlorine test, the yellow side goes from 0.5 to 5...how do I know my chlorine level beyond 5?

Also after reading some google results, it seems generally accepted that anything greater than 4ppm chlorine is not safe to swim in, so why is the recommended so high?

Thanks

 

[mknauss]

Welcome to the forum!
You use the R0870 powder and R0871 reagent.
See FAS-DPD Chlorine Test
I suggest you read through Pool Care Basics - Trouble Free Pool and even look at a few of our videos TFP-TV - Trouble Free Pool

 

[rd783]

You use the R0870 powder and R0871 reagent.

So this would be my daily test? I wouldn't use the 5 yellow drop one?

 

[mknauss]

Correct. Most of us never use the OTO yellow block test.

It is useful when you get a result from the FAS-DPD that does not make sense. The OTO is not bleached out by high FC levels and is a positive indicator of chlorine in water. Just not very accurate on how much.

 

[rd783]

Thanks mknauss!

Also after reading some google results, it seems generally accepted that anything greater than 4ppm chlorine is not safe to swim in, so why is the recommended so high?

And having a 5pmm+ even up to 12 is safe for swimming?..

 

[mknauss]

You can safely swim in a pool as long as the FC is above the minimum and at or below SLAM level based on your CYA. You must also be able to see the bottom of the pool in the deep end of the pool.