Combined Chlorine in Water - DIY Test

The different types of chlorine

For pools and spas, you can test 3 types of chlorine, each with its own purpose :

• The total chlorine - is tested to measure the total amount of chlorine in the water, including free chlorine and combined chlorine. This lets you check whether the total chlorine concentration is within the recommended range for effective disinfection.
• The free chlorine - is tested to measure the concentration of available chlorine in the water, which is the active chlorine capable of killing bacteria, viruses, and algae. It is important to test free chlorine regularly to ensure adequate water disinfection.
• The combined chlorine - is tested to measure the amount of chlorine that has bonded with contaminants in the water, forming inactive chlorinated compounds. A high combined chlorine level may indicate overchlorination or a lack of effective chlorination, which can lead to water quality problems such as skin and eye irritation.

In summary, testing total chlorine lets you monitor overall water disinfection, testing free chlorine ensures effective disinfection, while testing combined chlorine helps detect potential problems with overchlorination or underchlorination.

A closer look at combined chlorine

Combined chlorine, also known as combined residual chlorine, forms when chlorine reacts with organic substances and impurities in the water, such as sweat, urine, and organic debris. These reactions produce chlorinated compounds, such as chloramines and trihalomethanes, which are less effective at disinfecting water than free chlorine. Combined chlorine can cause an unpleasant odor and skin and eye irritation.

How do you test combined chlorine ?

We offer this kit that lets you perform 100 tests with a photometer. Each strip contains a reagent at one end, allowing the device to accurately detect the combined chlorine level in your water.

This practical, easy-to-use test kit provides accurate results.

Test combined chlorine in your water with the eXact iDip photometer

The testing procedure is very simple :

1. Open the app on your mobile phone and turn on the photometer.

2. Add water to the tester's designated sample cell.

3. Place the test strip in the water for 20 seconds.

4. View the result directly on the photometer. This result is automatically saved on your phone.

This water testing system is fast, reliable, modern, expandable, and comprehensive. It is THE most accessible system.

For additional information about how the device works, visit our dedicated iDip photometer page, where you can download the user manual in French.

Test combined chlorine in your water with the eXact Micro 20 photometer

This testing procedure is only valid when performed as a continuation of the free chlorine test.

	Have a test strip ready before you begin. Keep it in a dry, nearby, convenient location. Close the bottle immediately.
	Dip the strip into the designated test cell and immediately press the READ button. This will start a 20-second countdown. During this time, gently move the strip in the cell with a slow back-and-forth motion. Remove the strip from the test cell as soon as the "1" on the screen disappears.
	The cursor will move across the screen while the photometer prepares to test the sample. Record the displayed value. It is also automatically filed in MENU CL and saved in the app's "RESULTS".
	Press the "READ" button and the photometer will start the countdown, then display the next reading. If this reading matches the previous one, record it as the total chlorine result. This value is automatically stored in MENU CL. After the test is complete, rinse the CELL IMMEDIATELY. Record the highest value displayed by the meter as your Total Chlorine result. After the test, immediately rinse the cell and clean it with the brush.

Note : certain substances may interfere with combined chlorine test results.