What should be done if pool water shows a high level of combined chlorine?

When pool water exhibits a high level of combined chlorine, it indicates the presence of chloramine compounds, which can cause unpleasant odors, eye irritation, and decreased effectiveness of chlorine in sanitizing the water. The most effective method to eliminate these unwanted compounds is to shock the pool with chlorine.

Shocking involves adding a large dose of chlorine to the pool to break down the chloramines and oxidize them, thereby restoring sanitizer effectiveness and improving water quality. This process not only reduces the combined chlorine levels but also enhances the overall condition of the pool water, ensuring it remains safe and enjoyable for swimmers.

Increasing bather load is not a viable solution, as it may exacerbate the problem by introducing more organic matter into the water. Doing nothing allows the issue to persist, which can lead to a less hygienic swimming environment. Decreasing filtration time would also be counterproductive, as proper filtration plays a crucial role in removing contaminants, including chloramines, thus contributing to water quality maintenance.