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poolchemcalc.app
poolchemcalc.app
Pool Chemical Calculator is a free, independent tool built for pool and spa owners who want accurate chemistry dosing — without needing a chemistry degree, an expensive service visit, or a calculator buried inside a product brand's website.
Most online pool calculators are either oversimplified or exist to sell you more product. Our goal is honest, science-based dosing from authoritative public health and industry sources, available to anyone, free, forever.
The app works on any device, installs as a PWA (Progressive Web App) for offline use, and is available in five languages.
Seven dedicated calculators cover every essential parameter for pools, salt water systems, and spas. Enter your current readings, and the app calculates exact doses for your specific pool volume.
Pool type selector adapts all calculators: 🏊 Chlorine Pool · 🧂 Salt Water Pool · 🔄 Salt + Chlorine · 🛁 Spa / Hot Tub. All results include both Amazon and eBay purchase links.
Quick Fix Mode is a guided diagnostic tool. Select your pool size, identify your problem, and get an instant dosing plan — no test kit readings required for common issues.
Pool Problems Covered:
Spa / Hot Tub Problems:
Every result includes chemical name, exact dose, step-by-step instructions, and links to buy the product on Amazon and eBay. Multiple problems can be selected simultaneously to create a complete treatment plan.
All dosing calculations, chemical targets, and recommendations are derived from the following recognised authorities. These are the same sources used by certified pool operators worldwide.
🏛️ CDC Healthy Swimming Guidelines
Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Establishes minimum free chlorine levels (1 ppm pools, 3 ppm spas), pH range (7.2–7.6), bromine targets (4–8 ppm spas), and disinfection standards for public and residential pools.
📚 NSPF Pool & Spa Operator Handbook
National Swimming Pool Foundation — the body that certifies pool operators in the US and internationally. Provides total alkalinity standards (80–120 ppm), shock treatment protocols (10 ppm standard, 20–30 ppm algae), breakpoint chlorination ratios, and seasonal maintenance procedures.
🏊 PHTA Technical Standards
Pool & Hot Tub Alliance (formerly APSP) — the principal pool industry trade body. Standards for pH (7.2–7.6), CYA stabilizer levels (30–50 ppm chlorine pools, 60–80 ppm salt pools), calcium hardness (200–400 ppm), and water balance.
🔬 Taylor Technologies Dosing Constants
Taylor Technologies Inc., manufacturer of the K-2006 test kit used by pool professionals worldwide. Chemical dosing factors used in calculations: e.g. calcium hypochlorite 65% raises FC by 1 ppm per 0.154 lbs per 10,000 gal; sodium bicarbonate raises TA by ~10 ppm per 1.5 lbs per 10,000 gal.
🏷️ Product Manufacturer Label Data
All dosing rates are cross-referenced against current product packaging for calcium hypochlorite, sodium bicarbonate, cyanuric acid, muriatic acid, soda ash, sodium thiosulfate, calcium chloride, and other common pool chemicals.
Results are starting-point estimates. Pool chemistry is affected by water temperature, bather load, sunlight exposure, cyanuric acid levels, and local water composition — variables that no calculator can fully account for. Always test before and after adding chemicals. See our Full Disclaimer for complete information.
Pool Chemical Calculator is built for homeowners managing their own pools and spas — in the US, UK, Australia, Canada, and anywhere else in the world.
Pool chemicals are hazardous substances. The CDC, OSHA (29 CFR 1910.132), and product Safety Data Sheets (SDS) all require appropriate Personal Protective Equipment when handling them. This is not optional.
Always wear before handling any pool chemical:
Muriatic acid specifically requires: neoprene gloves, full face shield, apron, and adequate outdoor ventilation. Always add acid to water — never water to acid. The reaction is violent and produces dangerous fumes.
Cal-Hypo (calcium hypochlorite) requires: gloves, goggles, and apron. It is a strong oxidizer — contact with skin or eyes causes burns. Pre-dissolve in a bucket of water before adding to pool, never add dry granules directly to skimmer.
Storage rules — sourced from CDC and EPA guidelines:
In an emergency: Flush eyes with clean water for 15 minutes. Flush skin with soap and water. Move to fresh air if fumes are inhaled. Call Poison Control: 1-800-222-1222 (US).
Sources: CDC Pool Chemical Safety · OSHA HazCom Standard · EPA Pool Chemical Storage Guide
A common misconception is that salt water pools constantly consume salt and need regular top-ups. This is not correct.
A salt water chlorine generator (SWG) works by converting dissolved salt (sodium chloride) into chlorine through electrolysis. The chlorine sanitises the pool water, and then converts back into salt — completing the cycle. Salt is not consumed in this process.
Salt levels only drop when water is physically lost from the pool:
If your salt level drops frequently and you haven't drained or backwashed heavily, check for a leak. A pool that needs constant salt top-ups likely has water loss that needs investigating.
Most SWGs target 2700–3400 ppm sodium chloride. Check your generator manual for the exact target — some models differ. Use the Salt Calculator on the main page to calculate exactly how much to add when your level is low.
Pool Chemical Calculator is free to use and supported by affiliate links. When you click a product link and make a purchase, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. We participate in:
We only link to products directly relevant to the calculation result. We are not paid to recommend specific brands and do not receive free products. Affiliate status does not influence our dosing calculations or recommendations.
This disclosure complies with FTC 16 CFR Part 255 guidelines on endorsements and testimonials.
Pool Chemical Calculator
Free exact dosing — chlorine, pH, alkalinity, shock & CYA
© 2026 poolchemcalc.app · v20 · 23 May 2026
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