What's Happening & Why It Matters
For 21 days starting July 5, Palm Beach County will switch from chloramine to free chlorine in the municipal water system. While this is safe for drinking, pool owners must take specific steps to protect their equipment and chemistry.
The Problem: The temporary water will have lower pH and higher free chlorine levels than normal—a combination that can corrode metal equipment (pumps, heaters, filters) and destabilize your pool chemistry if left untreated.
Critical Timeline
PRE-FLUSH PHASE: Test water chemistry, clean filters, reduce chlorine to 1-2 ppm, inspect all equipment for cracks or corrosion.
FLUSH PHASE: Daily monitoring required. Test pH and chlorine every morning. Maintain pH between 7.2-7.6. Do NOT let chlorine exceed 4 ppm.
POST-FLUSH: Complete rebalancing (3-5 days). Test all parameters. Backwash filters. Inspect equipment for damage.
Pre-Flush Checklist (Do This By July 4)
- ✓ Test water (pH, chlorine, alkalinity, hardness, cyanuric acid)
- ✓ Backwash/clean filters (Pentair, Jandy, Hayward all need attention)
- ✓ Visually inspect pump for leaks or damage
- ✓ Check heater (Gulfstream) for corrosion or cracks
- ✓ Verify automation system (iAqualink) is working correctly
- ✓ Reduce chlorine to 1-2 ppm NOW (it will spike during flush)
- ✓ Stock: pH up, pH down, additional chlorine
- ✓ Set phone alarms for daily 7 AM tests (July 7-25)
- ✓ Save this number: Emanuel Pools (561) 598-1502
During the Flush: Daily Monitoring Schedule
Every morning (7-8 AM is best):
- Test pH (target: 7.2-7.6) — ADD pH up if below 7.2, pH down if above 7.6
- Test free chlorine (target: 2-3 ppm) — It WILL be higher; don't panic
- Check equipment visually for leaks, corrosion, or unusual sounds
- If you have iAqualink: check the app for sensor errors
RED FLAGS — Call immediately if:
- pH drops below 7.0 (corrosion risk to metal equipment)
- Free chlorine exceeds 5 ppm (equipment damage risk)
- Equipment makes unusual sounds or shows visible leaks
- Pump stops or heater won't ignite
- iAqualink shows sensor errors repeatedly
Equipment-Specific Concerns
- Hayward Pumps: Monitor for vibration or noise. Low pH corrodes internal metals. Check 2x daily if possible.
- Pentair Filters: Cartridges will get dirty faster. Daily backwash recommended July 5-25.
- Jandy Equipment: Durable but seals can fail with pH below 7.0. Keep pH tight.
- iAqualink Automation: Sensors may struggle with rapid changes. Check app daily. Manual adjustments may be needed.
- Gulfstream Heaters: Heat exchangers corrode in acidic water. CRITICAL: Keep pH above 7.0 at all times.
- Salt Generators: DISABLE if you have one — chlorine is already elevated from the municipality.
When to Call a Professional
You don't have to navigate this alone. Emanuel Pools offers professional flush monitoring:
- Daily chemical adjustments (no guesswork)
- Equipment inspection and early warning
- Post-flush rebalancing and certification
- Emergency repairs if something fails during the flush
(561) 598-1502
Available Monday-Saturday | We can often come same-day
We're PBC Water Utilities certified for chlorine system changes
Post-Flush Recovery (July 25+)
After the flush ends, your pool won't instantly return to normal. Expect 3-5 days of rebalancing:
- Complete chemical retest (all parameters)
- Adjust pH, alkalinity, and chlorine back to normal ranges
- Backwash filters one more time (they'll be loaded with debris)
- Inspect all equipment for any damage sustained during the flush
- Run the system normally for 48 hours before returning to regular maintenance schedule
FAQ
Q: Is the water safe to drink during the flush?A: Yes, according to PBC Water Utilities. But pool chemistry is a different concern — that's why this guide exists.
Q: What if I ignore this and do nothing?
A: Risk of pump failure, heater corrosion, filter damage, or chemistry crash. Repairs can cost $500-$3,000. Prevention takes 15 minutes per day.
Q: Can I just add more chlorine to fix things?
A: No. More chlorine without pH control damages equipment. You need BOTH pH and chlorine balanced.
Q: What if my equipment fails during the flush?
A: That's an emergency. Call (561) 598-1502. We can often repair same-day or provide temporary solutions.