How much is too much with pool chemicals?

M

Megan Lawson

Member
I’ve been messing around with my pool’s chemicals lately, and honestly, I am not sure if I’m overdoing it or not. I added shock two days ago, chlorine levels looked okay after that, but now the water smells kinda strong, and I’m starting to wonder if I threw too much in.

Also used some algaecide last week cause there were a few green spots, and I tossed in some baking soda to balance the pH, but didn’t really measure that part… just sort of guessed (probably not smart, I know).

Nothing looks bad right now, water’s clear and all, but I feel like it shouldn’t smell this chemical-y? Has anyone ever overtreated their pool? What’s the best way to tell when to stop adding stuff?
 
Oh yeah, I’ve definitely overdone it before. The strong smell usually means you’ve got chloramines building up, not just high chlorine. I’d let the pool breathe a bit keep the pump running and don’t add anything for a day or two. Retest, and you’ll probably see the levels balance out on their own.
 
Totally been there. I think a lot of us have a “just in case” mindset when adding chemicals. If it smells strong but looks clear, you probably have excess sanitizer or leftover algaecide. I’d run the pump, maybe open the pool for some sunlight, and let it burn off naturally before adding anything else.
 
Happened to me when I mixed shock, algaecide, and baking soda too close together. Sometimes you don’t need to add as much as you think. I started testing before I added anything and it helped me stop overtreating. If the water’s clear, just give it some time and let the levels settle down.
 
Been there lol. It’s super easy to go overboard, especially when you’re just trying to fix things fast. The strong smell’s usually from too much combined chlorine, not necessarily free chlorine, kinda like a sign it needs to be shocked again, weirdly enough. But yeah, I’ve dumped in too much stuff, guessing with baking soda or algaecide too.

If your water’s clear and not irritating skin/eyes, you’re probably okay… just maybe give it a break for a bit, run the pump, and retest in a day or two. Sometimes, less is more with pool chems, for real.
 
I once went a little crazy with the chemicals and ended up with a pool that smelled like a chlorine factory. I called it my ‘super clean but no swimming allowed’ pool. Now I just let it ‘chill’ for a day, like it’s recovering from a workout. Anyone else treat their pool like it needs a spa day after too much treatment?
 
I went a little overboard once and ended up with a pool that smelled like a chemical factory. I called it my ‘super clean, but no swimming allowed’ pool. Now I just imagine my pool as a person that needs a break from all the treatments, like a spa day for the water. Anyone else treat their pool like it needs a vacation after too many chemicals?
 
I once thought my pool would bounce off the walls chlorine smell so strong it felt like a hospital lobby! Now I add one spoonful at a time, then walk away for 2 hours. If I can still smell it on my flip-flops, I know it’s too much. I just run the pump and let fresh air do the rest!
 
I started keeping a little logbook of what I add and when. Sounds nerdy, but it stopped me from playing the ‘just one more scoop’ game and my pool’s been happier ever since.
 
Oh, I’ve definitely been there too! It’s so easy to go overboard, especially when you’re trying to fix one thing and end up messing with another. I like the idea of letting the pool 'breathe' for a bit and not adding anything for a day or two. Sometimes it’s like the pool needs its own time to calm down, just like we do. Anyone else have a go-to 'cool-down' method for the pool after a chemical overload?
 
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