The Difference Between Free and Total Chlorine and Combine Chlorine

3 Types of Chlorine

We’re focusing on free and total chlorine today. But there are actually three types of chlorine. They are:

Free Chlorine – This is the chlorine that you usually test for in your pool water. This chlorine is available to sanitize your pool. Your pool should have between 1 and 3 parts per million (ppm) in the water.
Combined Chlorine – This is chlorine that’s been used up by the sanitation process of the water. While it’s still in the water, its ability to sanitize is reduced compared to free chlorine.
Total Chlorine – This type of chlorine is the sum of both free chlorine and combined chlorine.