Understanding pool chemistry - pH, ORP, and Chlorine
See how Clyr sensors capture live readings for pH, ORP, and free chlorine so you know exactly when to intervene.
When a Clyr chemistry sensor is installed, the app surfaces real-time pH, ORP, and free chlorine data on the home dashboard and within the Water Quality tab. The sections below explain what each value means and how to respond when numbers drift out of range.
8.1 Clyr Chemistry
Chemistry cards summarize the most recent readings Clyr captured. Tap any card for deeper guidance or to request an updated measurement if you need the latest data while servicing the pool.
8.2 pH level
Clyr samples pH every five minutes so you can keep water between the ideal 7.2–7.8 range. Balanced pH keeps swimmers comfortable and helps sanitizers work efficiently. Use a pH increaser such as soda ash when readings are too low, or dose a pH reducer like muriatic acid when readings climb above target—always following product label guidance.
Take action fast if pH dips below 6.8. Running the heater with low pH water can cause rapid corrosion and expensive damage.
High pH? Tap the pH card to open the Pool Care view for precise dosing instructions tailored to your pool volume.
Double-check the pool's gallon capacity in Clyr before dosing. Incorrect volume data can lead to overcorrections and chemistry swings.
8.3 ORP level
ORP, or oxidation-reduction potential, measures how powerful your pool sanitizer is at neutralizing contaminants. Keep ORP between 550–800 mV to maintain safe, sparkling water. Tap the ORP card to jump into Pool Care steps that raise or stabilize the reading.
8.4 Free chlorine
Even without a dedicated sensor, Clyr can estimate free chlorine using live pH, ORP, water temperature, and cyanuric acid (CYA) values. Provide the current CYA level by tapping the pencil icon on the free chlorine card. Without an onsite reading, pick up a test from your local pool store or use at-home strips; most pools perform best with CYA between 10–50 ppm.
If the app's estimate does not match a store test, run through these quick checks:
- Confirm CYA is under 50 ppm—higher levels reduce chlorine potency and lower ORP.
- Review salt content; elevated salinity can depress both ORP and the free chlorine calculation.
- Ensure the ORP sensor has been powered for at least 24 hours after installation so readings stabilize.
8.5 Filtration
When a variable-speed pump is configured as the main filter pump, Clyr tracks how much water volume you have circulated each day so you can confirm proper turnover.
Aim to filter the entire pool volume twice every 24 hours. Clyr displays progress toward that target as a daily percentage so you know when adjustments are needed.