Free chlorine is the amount of chlorine that is not combined with other substances in the water. This is the type of chlorine that is responsible for disinfecting water and killing bacteria.
Total chlorine is the total amount of chlorine that is present in the water, including both free chlorine and combined chlorine. Combined chlorine is formed when free chlorine reacts with other substances in the water, such as ammonia. Combined chlorine is not as effective at disinfecting water as free chlorine.
The ideal level of free chlorine in swimming pools and spas is between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm). The ideal level of total chlorine is between 1 and 4 ppm.
It is important to maintain the proper levels of free and total chlorine in water to ensure that the water is properly disinfected and safe for use.
