Chlorine and pH together
Should I balance pH or chlorine first? Poolsheet suggests logging both readings and then using the product label and your local rules to decide the next step. The chlorine guide explains the model code windows, and the app keeps the notes in one place. Visit guides for the chlorine guide and features to see how the log is organized.
What the app records
Is there an app that tracks pool chemicals? Poolsheet is built for that kind of record keeping on iPhone, with spaces for test results, notes, and follow up actions. You can also open get the app to join the waitlist, or check home for the main overview.
Test strips
Are test strips the whole log? No. Test strips can help capture a reading, but the log should also hold the date, the water body, the action taken, and any reminder from the label or local code. For a paper style backup, see pool log sheet.
Local code
Whose rules do I follow? Use the product label and the local health department code for your site. Poolsheet does not replace site rules, and it does not guess a treatment order. If you are comparing options, start with the app notes and the guides page.
Chlorine and pH windows in the model code
- pH of the water: 7.0 to 7.8 (section 5.7.3.4.1).
- Minimum DPD free chlorine when the venue is not using cyanuric acid: 1.0 ppm (section 5.7.3.1.1.2.1).
- Minimum DPD free chlorine when the venue is using cyanuric acid: 2.0 ppm (section 5.7.3.1.1.2.2).
- Spas: minimum DPD free chlorine 3.0 ppm (section 5.7.3.1.1.2.3).
- Maximum free chlorine: do not exceed the product label (section 5.7.3.1.1.5). This page does not print a numeric chlorine ceiling.
- Cyanuric acid at aquatic venues stays at or below 90 ppm (section 5.7.3.1.3.2). If cyanuric acid is 300 ppm or higher, the venue stays closed until remediation (section 5.7.3.1.3.3).
Sources: 2024 CDC Model Aquatic Health Code, 5th edition (PDF) and CDC notes on operating public pools. Poolsheet is not part of the CDC.
Follow your local health department code. Poolsheet is not a health authority, not a pool operator license, and nothing here means the water is safe. The CDC Model Aquatic Health Code is voluntary guidance, not your local rule.