Ideal Chlorine Level With High Cya.

[robquick]

Hi,

I switched to the Dichlor/bleach method half way through a water change cycle when my CYA was around 80ppm. After my next water change I will switch when my CYA is around 30ppm however, in the mean time with such high levels of CYA what should my target free Chlorine be?

Thanks.

[chem geek]

Probably around 4 ppm FC instead of the 2 ppm FC at the lower CYA. You may notice more chlorine (actually monochloramine) smell if you start with that higher FC during your soak if you soak for a while since it will likely get used up combining with ammonia in your sweat and urine to produce monochloramine. Near the start of your soak, you might notice more chlorine (hypochlorous acid) smell that smells like bleach but faint.

If you soak frequently, you may notice that the chlorine is slower to oxidize your bather waste though it still will probably be OK within 24 hours (but probably not within 12 if you soak twice a day). If you have an ozonator, then you probably won't have that problem.