What is the ideal range for combined chlorine levels in pool water?

The ideal range for combined chlorine levels in pool water is indeed less than 0.2 parts per million (ppm). This is important for maintaining a safe and pleasant swimming environment. Combined chlorine, which is formed when free chlorine reacts with contaminants like sweat, urine, and other organic matter, can lead to unpleasant odors and irritation for swimmers if levels are too high.

Keeping combined chlorine levels below this threshold ensures that the chlorine in the water remains effective at sanitizing without causing discomfort. A level lower than 0.2 ppm indicates that the water is relatively free from lingering contaminants, which helps in maintaining the overall quality of the pool water.

In contrast, ranges above this level indicate that the water may have higher levels of chloramines (the byproducts of chlorine disinfection), which can lead to the aforementioned issues and may necessitate shock treatments to restore water quality and reduce combined chlorine.