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Pool Chemical Calculator

Get exact chemical doses based on your water test results

Step 1: Pool Volume

Don't know your volume? Use our Volume Calculator first

Calculate pool volume

Step 2: Current Test Readings

ppm = mg/L (same numbers, AU/UK labels read mg/L). Doses show imperial + metric.

Ideal range: 7.2 - 7.6

Ideal range: 1.0 - 3.0 ppm

Ideal range: 80 - 120 ppm

Ideal range: 200 - 400 ppm

Ideal range: 30 - 50 ppm (outdoor pools)

Step 3: Your Target Levels

Defaults are common ideal midpoints — override to match your provider's recommendations.

Water Chemistry Guide

pH (7.2-7.6)

Affects chlorine effectiveness and swimmer comfort

Free Chlorine (1-3 ppm)

Kills bacteria and algae to keep water sanitized

Total Alkalinity (80-120)

Stabilizes pH and prevents fluctuations

Calcium (200-400)

Prevents surface damage and cloudiness

Cyanuric Acid (30-50)

Protects chlorine from UV degradation

Safety First

  • • Always add chemicals to water, never water to chemicals
  • • Wear protective gloves and eyewear
  • • Work in a well-ventilated area
  • • Never mix different chemicals together
  • • Store chemicals in a cool, dry place

Testing Tips

  • • Test water 2-3 times per week during swim season
  • • Test in the morning before the sun affects readings
  • • Collect water sample 12-18 inches below surface
  • • Wait 4-6 hours after adding chemicals before retesting

Next step

Doses are right — now verify the water is actually balanced after adding them.

Verify LSI balance →Chlorine dose →

Pool chemical calculator FAQs

How much muriatic acid does my pool need?

Rule of thumb: about 6 fl oz of 31.45% muriatic acid per 10,000 gallons lowers pH by 0.1 and alkalinity by ~1 ppm — but the right dose depends on your current readings. Enter your volume and test results in the muriatic acid pool calculator above for the exact amount, then add two-thirds, retest after 4–6 hours, and top up.

What order should I add chemicals in?

Adjust alkalinity first (baking soda), then pH (acid), then chlorine last — wait 4–6 hours between additions and circulate with the pump running. Never mix chemicals together in a bucket.

What are the ideal pool chemical levels?

pH 7.2–7.6, free chlorine 1–3 ppm (or CYA ÷ 7.5 minimum if stabilized), alkalinity 80–120 ppm, calcium hardness 200–400 ppm, CYA 30–50 ppm. The calculator flags every out-of-range reading.

Why does pool volume matter for dosing?

Every dose is per 10,000 gallons — wrong volume means under-dosing (algae) or over-dosing (damage and waste). Calculate your volume first with our pool volume calculator, then it carries into this tool automatically.

Muriatic acid vs dry acid — which should I use?

Muriatic (liquid) acid is cheaper and acts faster; dry acid (sodium bisulfate) is safer to store but costs more and adds sulfate. Never use muriatic acid and dry acid in the same day — pick one.