Guides

Pool chemistry guides

Chlorine calculators, water balance, SLAM, and test cadence — written for people who open Google, then open the test kit.

• SLAM Method Explained — Clearing Algae the TFP Way What the SLAM method is, how FC targets relate to CYA, and how to track overnight FC loss until the pool is clear.
• Pool Shock vs SLAM — What’s the Difference? Pool shock usually means a one-time FC boost; SLAM means holding high FC until algae is gone and overnight loss is low. Here’s how to choose.
• Pool pH and Alkalinity — What to Fix First Total alkalinity vs pH in pool water — why TA is the buffer, when to use acid or baking soda, and how to avoid chasing pH daily.
• Pool Chlorine Calculator — How Much Chlorine to Add How a pool chlorine calculator works — raise free chlorine with liquid, cal-hypo, or trichlor using your pool volume and product strength.
• How to Balance Pool Water — FC, pH, TA, CH, CYA A practical order for balancing pool water: free chlorine, pH, alkalinity, calcium, and stabilizer — what to fix first and why.
• How Often to Test Pool Water How often to test pool water in season — FC and pH most visits, TA weekly, CYA and CH on a slower cadence — plus why a test log beats memory.
• CYA and Free Chlorine — Why Stabilizer Changes Your FC Target How cyanuric acid (CYA) protects chlorine from the sun and why higher CYA means you need higher free chlorine to stay sanitized.