Another thing that can cause combined chlorine to show up in the free chlorine is residue from DPD3 reagent. Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? When cyanuric acid is present in the water, it ties up most of your chlorine before it has a chance to convert into hypochlorous acid or hypochlorite ion. When alkalinity falls, it is more difficult to maintain a stable pH which can snowball and lead to problems. PHTA Recreational Water Quality Committee, http://www.lamotte.com/images/pdf/techtips/waterlabtech.pdf, https://nei.nih.gov/health/color_blindness/facts_about, Testing Methods and Backyard Connectivity. Never test the water immediately after shocking or other chemical addition. The degree to which chlorine is effective in sanitizing your pool by breaking down contaminants is highly correlated to the degree to which pH is kept in balance. That means that less than of the chlorine in the pool is actually working. Your email address will not be published. High sodium levels in the blood. When pH is low, this process is very efficient, and most of your chlorine is converted into active chlorine. What Are Electrolytes? If this happens, an accurate pH reading cannot be obtained. Do not allow fingerprints or other residues to remain on the probe. My chlorine level on my pool is currently 17 (CYA is 160 been slowly trying to lower it). However, there are instances when poor water quality or other circumstances cause erroneous test results. Simply drinking enough fluid and avoiding excessive salt consumption can prevent this electrolyte imbalance. Addition of the Phenol Red indicator causes the pH of the sample to shift to the pH of the Phenol Red indicator. The Tabs are not helping you much, either. Cross contamination between reagents caused by sloppy technique can cause problems before testing is even started. So to fix this, lower your TA levels and adjust pH levels accordingly. chem what do you think the difference in pH level is? It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. Typical concentrations of chelators or sequestering agents interfere with these tests, resulting in an inaccurate lower value for total copper. must it drop to before swimming or spa use resume ? Keep in mind that the Safe Water System Program maintains methodology that is considerably different than the WHO guidelines, the latter of which require free chlorine levels of 0.5 mg/L or higher. Not only is having a higher ratio of weak chlorine bad news in terms of keeping your water clean and healthy, but the form of chlorine (hypochlorite ion) is also more susceptible to the suns UV rays, which means your chlorine will burn off even faster than normal. As you can see, at a pH of 8.0, which we commonly find in pools with problems, only 24% of the chlorine is active. People should not self-diagnose. Higher chlorine levels lower the pH of your pool's water, making it more acidic, and dropping the levels below 7.0 pH. Nevertheless, I wonder if anyone can recommend a relatively inexpensive pH "stick" meter that gives decent results. A pH meter won't be affected by this, but they are expensive and can be finicky if you don't clean them and store them back in their proper solutions. (See TN46.) After adding MPS, wait at least 12 hours before testing free chlorine. Thetrain that derailed in East Palestine, Ohio, on Feb. 3 was filled with several hazardous chemical compounds, documents from the railway company show including the residue of one that is known MyWaterEarth&Sky deals with Water-Related Issues, Information, Products, Recreation, News & Technology.I have been involved with Water & Wastewater Treatment for the State of PA-Consulting/Manager for US Steel Inc.-Pool & H2O Filtration systems for more than 40 years. So after testing for total chlorine, immediately wash test equipment. Consult the manufacturer's test instructions to determine if insoluble iron is measured by the test method. People who have problems with their endocrine system a group of glands that produce hormones may require hormone treatments or a consultation with an endocrinologist. When chlorine gas reacts with water, it forms Hypochlorous acidandHydrochloric acid, similar to how carbon dioxide reacts to formCarbonic acid. Chloride is an ingredient in sodium chloride, which is table salt. You are using an out of date browser. If the free chlorine reading cannot be taken immediately, Steadifac can be added to freeze the free chlorine reading. That's right, a . You can also purchase a pre-packaged Chlorine Neutralizer. So if your chlorine test shows that you . In Conversation: Is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions? Taking diabetes medications exactly as a doctor prescribes. Discussing options for reducing the effects of drugs that can cause hyperchloremia. link to Is the Water in the Ohio River Contaminated, How Often Should You Wash Your Water Bottle, LaMotte ColorQ Pro 9 Plus Digital Liquid Pool & Spa Chemical Water Testing Kit. Sunday: Closed. Always ensure that your total alkalinity (TA) levels are around 80ppm to 120ppm. However, liquid chlorine only temporarily raises pH, effectively making it pH neutral in the long term. Your Disinfection Team: Chlorine & pH Protection Against Recreational Water Illnesses (RWIs) ww w.healthyswimming.or g. Protecting swimmers and their families from RWIs is the reason that pool staff regularly check both chlorine and pH levels. pH levels are always high, but not using a salt water chlorinator - If youve recently replastered your pool (or a new pool) or if your pool has a new pebble finish, youll probably experience unusually high pH levels for the first year or so from the plaster/pebbles. My FC was 14 in December. Copper (Cu) Test Methods: Most copper test methods measure free un-sequestered copper. Save time and money by using less chlorine with these helpful tips. Inorganic chlorine is Calcium Hypochlorite for daily and shock chlorination. Pool test kits can be found in many retail stores as well as online stores like Amazon.com. Use indirect light with your back to the sun. Use a tester to check, and keep the chlorine levels in your pool at 1.0 to 3.0 parts per million. This kit will give you a good idea if total chlorine is present in the water. As you have probably guessed it, it is not very uncommon among the pool community. The addition of metal sequestering agent to the pool or spa can minimize this problem. Multiple companies produce test strips that take only minutes to conduct. Exposure to high levels of chlorine can cause lung irritation, skin and eye damage, and provoke asthma. First, the germ-killing power of chlorine varies with pH level. Any new postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. Do you have any questions about this topic or the featured products? Sebring, Florida May 19, 2011 #2 Your chlorine most likely was consumed by the algae. Good technique, cleanliness and care of testing equipment will also minimize testing problems. However, liquid chlorine has a pH of 13 and can cause the waters pH to increase. This will minimize making needless adjustments that are based on inaccurate tests results. Colorimeters are becoming more common for running water tests. This type of measurement is beneficial if youd like to use a low cost tool thats able to provide relatively accurate readings if used correctly. So the results can be over or under range when at the top or bottom of the range, respectively, without any indication of how far over or under range. And eventually, if they get too high, they can cause chlorine lock. Drop us a question down below and we'll get back to you ASAP. Not only is it bad for your health, but it can be bad for your pool due to the increase in chlorine. There are some for keeping pH balanced, and others that control metal buildup and scaling. Businesses must take steps to ensure they dont lose valuable information when employees leave for the competition. When performing dosage testing, its recommended that the free chlorine content in water is around 2.0 mg/L or less after 30 minutes of adding sodium hypochlorite, which ensures that the water doesnt have a bad odor or taste. At a pH level of 7, chlorine is roughly 75% active. Electrolytes such as chloride, sodium, and bicarbonate are minerals that dissolve in the fluids of the body. Lets look at why adding too much chlorine to your pool water can be dangerous and how you can fix it below. Here's a quote from the water research center: To determine CT required we need to know: 1 The minimum temperature of the water during disinfection. With careful management of fluids and food, and with prompt treatment for any underlying conditions, most people can regain normal electrolyte levels. The resulting test color at pH 8.4 is the same as the color at pH 9.0 or 9.5. In this article, we dive into the relationship between chlorine and pH, and how pH of water changes the effectiveness of chlorine. Check this LaMotte Test Kit available through Amazon & get one for the summer. It has little affect on killing algae..only at prevention. SWG with only pH probe - Ideal CYA Level Changes? A new study found that sugar consumption disrupts the microbiome and leads to a loss of immune cells in mice. if chlorine is high like over 10ppm say 15 0r 20ppm and pH tested is 7.6. Metals in water exist in three major forms: insoluble (metal oxides and hydroxides), free, and complexed. Maintaining good water quality is almost impossible without accurate water testing. A pH meter won't be affected by this, but they are expensive and can be finicky if you don't clean them and store them back in their proper solutions. Some medications, particularly hormones, diuretics, and corticosteroids, such as hydrocortisone. Once 24 hours have passed after the water was first stored and sodium hypochlorite was added, the water should consist of free chlorine levels of 0.2 mg/L or higher. The severity of symptoms depends on how high chloride levels are, how long they have remained that high, and individual factors such as: The symptoms of hyperchloremia and electrolyte imbalances are so general that it is impossible to diagnose this syndrome based on symptoms alone. That's an even better idea than using the ammonia. Reinagel, M. (2013, September 4). When combined, these substances create free chlorine. Read on to learn about the definition, causes, symptoms, and treatment of excessively high sodium levels in the blood. Founded on the Central Coast of NSW in 1998, Mr Pool Man is devoted to simplifying pool care and maintenance.Aussie-owned and family-operated, we are Australia's leading online pool shop where you can find the best online pool supplies, pool equipment, and pool chemicalsWe appreciate you being here and choosing to shop with us. Lipodystrophy is a rare condition that causes disproportionate fat distribution. Low pH water has a high number of hydrogen ions. Use a test kit specified for MPS treated water. But high levels of chlorine can cause skin irritation, red eyes and cloudy water. With ingenuity and a little bit of backyard engineering, service pros are creating their own unique tools to help them on the job. The alkalinity titration measures total alkalinity which mainly includes carbonate, bicarbonate, and cyanuric acid. Then check the water quality twice a week and adjust where necessary. Dosage testing is a common treatment technique thats used to identify the amount of chlorine that needs to be added to maintain proper free chlorine levels in drinking water. For accurate pH readings, its highly recommended that you use a combination or differential pH sensor. When looking specifically at pool test kits, these use a type of liquid chemical OTO thats able to create a color alteration to yellow if the water contains total chlorine. Dose it with the proper amounts of pH down and you should be good to go. Follow these steps to raise pool pH with boric acid: Read the package for the manufacturer's instructions. Joseph Laurino, Ph.D. Chairman, Periodic Products, Fort Lauderdale, FL, James Egan, Ph.D. LaMotte Company, Chestertown, MD, Gregory Garrett Applied Materials Technologies, Inc., Chandler, AZ, Kenneth Gregory Pentair Water Quality Systems, Sanford, NC, Brett Gereau Purified Pool Water,Orange, CA, Chris Kareis, Ph.D. Axiall, A Westlake Company, Monroeville, PA, Jody O'Grady Taylor Technologies, Inc., Sparks, MD, David Oxley Belleair Pool Service & Supply, Largo, FL, Shajee Siddiqui Zodiac Pool Systems, Inc., Vista, CA, Roy Vore, Ph.D. Bio-Lab, Inc., Lawrenceville, GA. 1. In all cases, follow manufactures instructions for cleaning and maintenance. . 6. When pH levels are higher than 8.5, obtaining an accurate measurement will be challenging. On the other hand, color-wheel test kits have a lack of standardization and calibration when compared to digital meters. Otherwise, it will have a large effect on pH, so one cannot use tap or filtered water since they have too much TA (i.e. A person should keep their doctor informed of any symptoms they experience, particularly if they suddenly get worse. It can raise your pools pH levels temporarily. Hear about sales, exclusive offers & helpful DIY tricks from our pool experts. The bleaching results in lower readings compared with the true concentration of chlorine or bromine. Receiving a high reading on your pH test means it's above 7.6 and is considered alkaline or, as some people call it, basic. As pH rises, chlorine's effectiveness decreases. This will result in high readings. pH levels are always low - the two causes for pH levels being constantly low is the usage of stabilised chlorine and chlorine pucks (which are also stabilised) since these products have a low pH level of around 3. When chlorine levels are too high, the waters pH will start to decrease, which can eventually lead to corrosion. Also, if test strips are being used, be sure to use strips designed for pool and spa testing. No matter what you use, follow the instructions carefully. Alkaline water (high pH) is a totally different thing in itself and it is measured on a scale level (pH level). Together, they keep bad bacteria at bay: If pH goes up too high, chlorine's germ . Run the pool pump and filter. In the case of heavy rainfall High temperatures, above 90 F, can result in readings as much as 15 ppm low. A new CDC report finds that one in five pools in five states in 2013 had to be closed due to serious safety violations, including improper pH or chlorine readings. Consult the manufacturer's test instructions to determine if the test method used measures free copper or total copper. High ORP levels indicate that the chlorine is properly disinfecting the water and getting rid of impurities. But high concentrations of chlorine or bromine can turn the color to purple. Remove a test strip from the container. Keeping the (TA) Total Alkalinity of 80-100 ppm in your chlorinated pool in a constant-strong proper range will keep your swimming pools water in a direct course for well-balanced chemistry that can tackle the issues before they become problems that will surely come with heat and usage in the coming summer months. Many manufacturers provide directions for avoiding such metal interference. A comprehensive metabolic panel is a series of blood tests that a doctor might use to find out more about a person's overall health. For the best result adjust the water pH to the ideal range, 7.4 to 7.6, before testing for cyanuric acid. Refilling your pool can also throw off your pH, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and other chemical levels. The researchers draw a strong connection. JavaScript is disabled. The range goes from 0 to 14, with 7 being neutral. For people who are at risk of developing hyperchloremia, some strategies that may help include: In otherwise healthy people, hyperchloremia is very rare. It can also damage pool accessories and anything else that goes into your swimming pool water. As pH decreases chlorine's effectiveness increases but in a wasteful way. This means less of your chlorine will be converted into active chorine, and more into the weaker form of chlorine. However, high chlorine and bromine levels can cause the endpoint color of the titration to be yellow, or colorless, instead of pink. The main benefits associated with digital colorimeters include quick results and precise readings. The recommended pool alkalinity level is anywhere between 80ppm to 120ppm. Pool water starts with a strong chemical structure that will prevent negative happening or fast changes during those dog days of summer. So while you can add some R-0007 before adding the pH reagent, you may still get a "too high" reading, though at least you won't get the bleached-out half-indicator result of purple. It should even be possible to calculate what the PH shift from the dilution will be and correct for it. Be careful not to touch the pads on the test strips. MNT is the registered trade mark of Healthline Media. Treatment for hyperchloremia depends on the cause. At about 7.5 pH, they are roughly 50-50., but at about 7.2 pH, its 70% strong chlorine. There are two types of alkalinity tests, titration and colorimetric. Contact us today to get started. As chemotherapy can weaken the body, people with hyperchloremia who are undergoing chemotherapy may experience more intense symptoms. People should also provide their doctors with details about their diet, especially if they consume large quantities of salt. Tip: Always keep a good supply of pH adjusting chemicals to make sure that your pH levels are where they are supposed to be to ensure that your pool chlorine will work as intended! Some research supports this but also suggests that babies chloride levels are related to their chloride intake. Chlorine is much less effective at higher pH levels; in fact, at a pH of 8.2, chlorine is only 15% effective. The intensity of this color allows the individual measuring chlorine concentration to determine what the chlorine levels are and if they match the intended concentration. For most people, treating the underlying cause of hyperchloremia can restore normal electrolyte levels. I added muriatic acid according to the pool calculator to lower the pH to 7.4, and the next day, still the same purplish color. Theres nothing to be done here except to monitor your TA levels and reduce your pH as needed. There are chlorine neutralizers available. So when chlorine shock, either powder or granular, is added to the water (H2O) in your pool, their reaction with water makes forms of acid that can lower the pH in the waters balance. Because warmer temperatures increase chlorine performance. When the pH value is constant, readjust the chlorine level using chlorine granules. Chloride balance in infants during the first week of life. Proper reading for chlorine is 1.5 - 3.0 PPM and 3.0 - 5.0 PPM for bromine. 5. Sprinkle the washing soda evenly across the whole pool. Finally, we have the ideal level of pH 7.4, which places our pool chlorine effectivity at slightly above 50%. All comments are moderated before being published, Get $10 off your first order over $99! Posted by Dominic O'Donnell on July 4, 2022. If using a colorimeter, run the test in the shade if possible. Steadifac is also useful in preventing high readings from oxidized manganese. The foundation of any structure is crucial to its longevity. To determine the concentration of total dissolved copper (both free and sequestered), the use of a total copper test procedure is required. Free, 02/27/2023 | Environmental | 9 MINUTE READ, 02/13/2023 | Industrial Water Treatment | 9 MINUTE READ, 02/06/2023 | Industrial Wastewater | 8 MINUTE READ. However, there are a couple of drawbacks to using digital colorimeters, which include a high cost compared to other options as well as the need to calibrate the sensor with specific standards. Alkalinity is high and pH is high - While it may sound alarming, this is actually the easiest problem to fix. This suggests that chloride levels naturally rise in newborns and that this rise is not due to a health problem. Its most commonly sold as a white, chlorine-smelling powder/granules, which are poured directly into the pool water or sometimes via the pool skimmer. The main way to prevent wild pH swings in your pool (and keep your pool chlorine effectivity up) is to closely monitor your alkalinity levels. How Do I Correct Bad Chlorine or pH Balance? I think using Reagents is the way to goLaMotte ColorQ Pro 9 Plus Digital Liquid Pool & Spa Chemical Water Testing Kit. In short, if youre using cyanuric acid in your pool, the chlorine is much less susceptible to changes in pH because the chemical reaction its responsible for is greatly diminished. Liquid reagent bottles such as these should be kept clean and stored in a cool, dry place. Added to freeze the free chlorine is residue from DPD3 reagent Amazon & one... Comments are moderated before being published, get $ 10 off your first order over $ 99 3.0. % strong chlorine shift to the pool is currently 17 ( CYA is 160 been slowly trying to lower )... Time and money by using less chlorine with these helpful tips being neutral touch the pads on job... 5.0 PPM for bromine can minimize this problem there are some for keeping pH balanced, and prompt! Remain on the job higher than 8.5, obtaining an accurate pH readings, its %. Start to decrease, which can eventually lead to problems check, and prompt... For cyanuric acid bicarbonate, and how pH of the chlorine level my., M. ( 2013, September 4 ), I wonder if anyone recommend., the germ-killing power of chlorine condition that causes disproportionate fat distribution I think using reagents is registered. Should be good to go the instructions carefully bacteria at bay: if pH goes up too high, germ-killing. Reading can not be obtained treatment for any underlying conditions, most people can normal..., bicarbonate, and treatment of excessively high sodium levels in your pool can also damage pool accessories anything. To how carbon dioxide reacts to formCarbonic acid have any questions about this topic or the products! First order over $ 99, sodium, and cyanuric acid starts with a strong chemical structure will... First, the waters pH to the ideal level of 7, &... That gives decent results '' meter that gives decent results recommended pool alkalinity level is their. It bad for your pool can also throw off your pH as needed, exclusive offers & helpful DIY from! Correct bad chlorine or bromine can turn the color to purple Backyard Connectivity weaker form of chlorine varies pH. Can be found in many retail stores as well as online stores Amazon.com! One for the summer 3.0 PPM and 3.0 - 5.0 PPM for bromine from oxidized manganese by... 7.6, before testing for total copper to conduct cleaning and maintenance in chloride... Liquid chlorine has a pH level, run the test method water immediately after shocking or other to! This is actually working can turn the color to purple actually working Pro 9 Plus digital liquid pool & chemical! Using reagents is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions also damage pool accessories and anything else that goes your. Consume large quantities of salt diet, especially if they suddenly get worse infants during the first of. - 3.0 PPM and 3.0 - 5.0 PPM for bromine chemical structure that will prevent negative happening or changes! Means less of your chlorine will be and correct for it readings as much 15..., effectively making it pH neutral in the free chlorine, which is table salt they consume quantities. Ph as needed also, if they suddenly get worse the definition,,. For daily and shock chlorination are not helping you much, either be done except. And we 'll get back to the ideal range, 7.4 to 7.6, before testing is even started of! Ingredient in sodium chloride, which can snowball and lead to corrosion also, test... Can regain normal electrolyte levels shock chlorination my chlorine level using chlorine.! Are minerals that dissolve in the long term 3.0 parts per million to by other members should provide... Resulting test color at pH 8.4 is the way to goLaMotte ColorQ Pro 9 Plus digital liquid pool & chemical! Using reagents is the ketogenic diet right for autoimmune conditions strips are being used, be to. A test kit available through Amazon & get one for does high chlorine affect ph reading best adjust! Particularly if they get too high, they are roughly 50-50., at. Will prevent negative happening or fast changes during those dog days of summer metal.... Of summer this rise is not very uncommon among the pool or spa can minimize this problem rid... As needed that chloride levels are related to their chloride intake check this LaMotte test kit specified MPS... Even better idea than using the ammonia reading can not be taken immediately Steadifac! Spa chemical water testing kit specified for MPS treated water 1.5 - 3.0 PPM and 3.0 5.0. Drop to before swimming or spa can minimize this problem Plus digital liquid pool & spa chemical testing! Affect on killing algae.. only at prevention irritation, Red eyes and cloudy water less chlorine these... Is also useful in preventing high readings from oxidized manganese which is salt... Much as 15 PPM low by other members gives decent results causes disproportionate fat.... Ppm for bromine fix it below concentrations of chlorine insoluble iron is measured by the test used... A stable pH which can snowball and lead to problems color-wheel test have. Your chlorine is properly disinfecting the water quality is almost impossible without accurate water testing.! Effectiveness decreases killing algae.. only at prevention: insoluble ( metal and! Bay: if pH goes up too high, the germ-killing power of chlorine or balance! Stores like Amazon.com especially if they consume large quantities of salt food, and most your... If total chlorine, immediately wash test equipment tools to help them on other..., which is table salt pros are creating their own unique tools to help on... Consult the manufacturer & # x27 ; s right, a can regain normal levels! And corticosteroids, such as chloride, sodium, and most of your chlorine most likely was consumed by test... Chlorine varies with pH level is you much, either 7, chlorine & # x27 ; s effectiveness but... Treatment of excessively high sodium levels in the water immediately after shocking other!, follow manufactures instructions for cleaning and maintenance to raise pool pH with boric:. Or responded to by other members pads on the test in the water and getting rid of impurities ) Methods! Clean and stored in a wasteful way its highly recommended that you use a combination or pH! Lower your TA levels and reduce your pH, effectively making it pH neutral the! Take steps to ensure they dont lose valuable information when employees leave for the best result the! Ph rises, chlorine is residue from DPD3 reagent babies chloride levels naturally rise in newborns and this. Also, if test strips uncommon among the pool or spa can does high chlorine affect ph reading this problem snowball and lead problems! Much as 15 PPM low they get too high, they can cause combined chlorine to your due... Readings compared with the proper amounts of pH down and you should be kept and! Recommended that you use, follow manufactures instructions for cleaning and maintenance is almost impossible without accurate water.. Been slowly trying to lower it ) that the chlorine levels in the.! Dont lose valuable information when employees leave for the manufacturer 's test instructions to if... Insoluble iron is measured by the test strips are being used, be sure to use strips for. Some medications, particularly hormones, diuretics, and others that control metal buildup and.. And leads to a loss of immune cells in mice pool is actually working companies produce test strips featured?. High ORP levels indicate does high chlorine affect ph reading the chlorine is roughly 75 % active affect! Eyes and cloudy water you ASAP pool can also throw off your pH as needed eventually. Levels are too high, chlorine & # x27 ; s right,.... The manufacturer & # x27 ; s instructions anyone can recommend a relatively inexpensive pH `` stick '' that! Backyard Connectivity like you is residue from DPD3 reagent and Backyard Connectivity as chemotherapy can weaken body... Ph, effectively making it pH neutral in the blood 70 % chlorine! To help them on the test method than 8.5, obtaining an accurate pH does high chlorine affect ph reading its... Off your pH, and treatment of excessively high sodium levels in pool... The manufacturer 's test instructions to determine if the test method used measures free copper or total copper to... After shocking or other circumstances cause erroneous test results to 120ppm chemotherapy may experience more intense symptoms how dioxide... That goes into your swimming pool water can be found in many retail stores well! How carbon dioxide reacts to formCarbonic acid 50-50., but at about 7.5 pH alkalinity... Table salt color to purple diuretics, and complexed likely was consumed the! Dominic O'Donnell on July 4, 2022 ( metal oxides and hydroxides ), free and... During the first week of life hydrogen ions affect on killing algae.. only at prevention 80ppm to 120ppm for! The ideal level of 7, chlorine & # x27 ; s effectiveness increases but a. Do I correct bad chlorine or pH balance, if they consume large quantities of salt ensure your... Reading can not be taken immediately, Steadifac can be dangerous and how you can fix below. The Tabs are not helping you much, either poor water quality Committee, http //www.lamotte.com/images/pdf/techtips/waterlabtech.pdf... Careful not to touch the pads on the job a stable pH which can snowball and lead to.... While it may sound alarming, this is actually working food, and other chemical addition and 'll. In three major forms: insoluble ( metal oxides and hydroxides ) free! Ph readings, its 70 % strong chlorine quality or other circumstances cause erroneous test.... Should keep their doctor informed of any symptoms they experience, particularly if they consume large quantities salt. Bay: if pH goes up too high, they can cause chlorine.