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Why Your Pool Is Using So Much Chlorine in Arizona (2025)

Written by DC | Jun 30, 2025 3:43:41 PM

Why Your Pool Is Using So Much Chlorine (And How to Fix It)

Have you ever added chlorine to your pool, only to find the levels drop rapidly within a day or two? If you're in Buckeye, Verrado, or Goodyear, you’re not alone—Arizona pools are notorious for eating through chlorine faster than expected. But why?

In this guide, we'll explain the top reasons your pool is using too much chlorine, and what Founder's Pool Service does to solve the problem for good.

 

  1. Arizona Sunshine & UV Exposure

Our intense desert sun is one of the biggest culprits. Ultraviolet (UV) rays break down chlorine through a process called photodegradation. Without proper protection, chlorine can vanish in just a few hours.

🔆 Solution: Maintain proper levels of cyanuric acid (CYA)—also known as chlorine stabilizer. But beware...

 

  1. Too Much Stabilizer (CYA Overload)

CYA is essential for protecting chlorine, but too much of it can actually reduce chlorine’s effectiveness. This is called chlorine lock—your pool may show high chlorine levels on a test, but it won’t be working properly.

📏 Ideal CYA range:

  • Saltwater pools: 70–80 ppm
  • Chlorine pools: 30–50 ppm
  • Anything above 100 ppm can cause chlorine burnout.

🌊 Solution: Partial drain and refill. Founder's Pool Service calculates and handles this safely for you.

 

  1. Organic Contaminants & Ammonia

Leaves, pollen, sweat, sunscreen, and even bird droppings all add organic material to your pool. In some cases—especially when pools have sat untreated—ammonia can form, which binds with chlorine and neutralizes it rapidly.

🧪 Symptoms:

  • High chloramine levels (combined chlorine)
  • Rapid chlorine loss
  • Cloudy water with strong chlorine smell

🧼 Solution: Identify and break down contaminants with shocking, enzyme treatments, and thorough cleaning.

 

  1. High Bather Load

Backyard parties are fun—but lots of swimmers can throw your pool chemistry into chaos. Sweat, body oils, and other organics use up chlorine fast, especially when combined with hot weather and shallow water.

👨‍👩‍👧‍👦 Solution:

  • Pre-swim rinse showers
  • Post-party shock
  • Enzyme-based treatments (included in our plans)

 

  1. Poor Circulation or Filtration

If your pump isn’t circulating properly, chlorine doesn’t reach all areas of the pool. Dead spots near ladders, steps, or corners can harbor bacteria and algae, increasing chlorine demand.

💡 Solution:

  • Run the pump longer (8–12 hours/day in summer)
  • Clean or backwash filters regularly
  • Ensure balanced flow rate and pressure

 

  1. Testing Inaccuracy

Many pool owners rely on cheap test strips or outdated kits that don’t give accurate results. This often leads to over-chlorinating or ignoring real issues.

🔬 Solution: At Founder's, we use digital water testing on every visit for precise, real-time results. No guessing, no over-treating.

 

How Founder's Pool Service Fixes Chlorine Loss Issues

We’ve helped many pool owners in Buckeye and Verrado who were frustrated by skyrocketing chlorine use. Our proactive approach includes:

✅ Digital water testing (including CYA)
✅ Weekly brushing and debris removal
✅ Enzyme & phosphate treatments as needed
✅ Safe partial draining if needed (extra charge)
✅ Detailed logs in the Pool Brain app

💧 We don’t just treat symptoms—we find and fix the root cause.

 

Stop Wasting Chlorine and Start Enjoying Your Pool Again

A well-balanced pool shouldn’t require a fortune in chemicals. If you’re constantly adding chlorine without results, it’s time to call in the pros.

📞 (623) 252-9229
🌐 Request service online
🔍 See our all-inclusive pricing