Chlorine Demand is defined as "the quantity of chlorine reduced or converted to inert or less active forms of chlorine by substances in the water." Faust and Aly's Chemistry of Water Treatment further state that, "since chlorine is a non-selective oxidant, almost any substance in the water...will react and consume chlorine." 

In other words, the more "stuff" dissolved in the pool water, whether organic or inorganic; chemical, vegetable or mineral; heavy, constant rainfall can cause a chlorine demand.  Or more simply stated, not being able to successfully maintain a chlorine residual following a shock treatment. Certain household cleaners that are not specifically formulated for in-pool-water use will add components such as phosphates or nitrates will interfere with the pool's sanitizer causing a chlorine demand.

A couple of the most common causes for chlorine demand that we see are in the spring at pool opening time.  Pools are left idle & unattended for months at end without treatment.  The problem is worsened if the pool had been closed the prior season without being thoroughly cleaned - accumulations of leaves, debris, dirt, etc. are left to sit in the pool for the winter. Leaves & debris will break down & add nitrogen along with other organic contaminants leading to a chlorine demand issue.  I can personally attest that a clean & properly closed pool will open in the spring almost worry free.

Another cause that may prove suspect, at least in our line of thinking, is the Chloramine issue.  As you remember, chloramines are chlorine molecules that are chemically linked up (we call them contaminated) with organic waste such as nitrogen, ammonia, etc.  More & more local water treatment authorities are using chloramines to sanitize the drinking water supply these days.  Chloramines are pretty effective in killing pathogens in the drinking water supply.  However, chloramines are not effective oxidizers.  You've probably noticed a regular pink line in your home sink, shower or toilet bowl, especially over the past 4 to 5 years.  Those spots need more regular cleaning.  That's the same pink slime that is in your swimming pool!  Chloramines are used because they are pretty effective and less "offensive" to those who want to rid our planet of chlorine.  That premise is utter foolishness since you can't ban or get rid of an element!  Anyway, as you top off your pool with the garden hose, you're putting more chloramines into your pool every time and aggravating an already serious problem.  Please keep in mind that this issue is NOT pertinent to folks with well water (you have your own issues).

Click here for further information on chloramines.

Since 1992, BioGuard's Technical Services Department has gathered a huge amount of data concerning chlorine demand.  It appears that the situation has become more widespread each year.  Here are some actions that can help in dealing with Chlorine Demand.

1. Doing a proper Chlorine Demand Test.  Your local BioGuard® Insignia Dealer should have a Chlorine Demand test station.  When determining the ACTUAL Chlorine Demand, it is imperative that the solution & corrective action be accurate.  Liken it to jumping across the Grand Canyon, if you miss, you miss!  If it takes 20 lbs of Shock to break the chlorine demand, using 19 lbs will make the problem worse; 20 lbs or more of Shock will treat the issue.

2. Maintenance of an adequate sanitizer being added to the swimming pool on a daily basis. Be sure to have the correct number of chlorine sticks or tablets dissolving into the pool.  Check this as often as daily by visually examining the chlorine to see that it is eroding (whether in the skimmer or in a chlorinator) at a "normal" rate.  Normal refers to what you have "normally" experienced in the past.  Cool water, slower erosion/dissolution rate; warmer water, faster erosion/dissolution rate.

3. The Pool MUST BE SHOCKED EVERY WEEK. PERIOD.  Shocking oxidizes much of the "stuff" that was mentioned earlier.

4. If you are using a solar blanket, REMOVE IT!  After ANY chemical addition, the chemical reaction must have time to GAS-OFF in order to achieve the proper results.

Although a singular cause for Chlorine Demand has not been determined (there are many), we have found a common thread in many of these cases.  One common thread is if a pool is kept closed longer in the spring (covered without a sanitizer).  Heavy rainfall that has ammonia present will cause a Chlorine Demand.  Accidental addition of household fertilizers or any compound that can be oxidized by chlorine will result in a Chlorine Demand.

In conclusion, Chlorine Demand needs our attention.  Only careful monitoring and quick treatment may be successful for a clear pool.  PLEASE VISIT YOUR LOCAL BIOGUARD INSIGNIA DEALER REGULARLY (4 times per season).

Par Pool & Spa can perform a Chlorine Demand test for you. 

If you don't have a local BioGuard Dealer with a Chlorine Demand Test Station, you may OVERNIGHT a sample to us for testing & analysis.  We will perform a complete BioGuard Test using AccuScan and the AccuDemand 30 test stations and will provide you with BioGuard Alex results as well as some of our own recommendations.  Please fill out this form (new window will open), print it, and include it with your ONE QUART water sample (must be sent in a clean, plastic bottle that was NOT used to hold cleaning fluids, soda, food in general - an empty water bottle is best). Please note that there is a $15.00 charge for this testing & analysis service.  A portion of the fee ($10.00) may be applied to future chemical sales. We will contact you by telephone with the results & recommendations. 

More information & an expansion of this information may be found here (your browser will open a new window).

All information contained in this article is courtesy of the BioGuard Chem PLUS 2003, 2004 & Chem College 2007 Reference Guide. 

If you still need help, here's how to reach us:

Telephone (during store hours): Stratford  203-377-0100
FAX: (24 hrs) 203-375-7787
Email: techhelp@parpool-spa.com