What does the term "superchlorination" help in managing?

Superchlorination refers to the process of adding a significant amount of chlorine to pool water, well above the normal levels used for sanitation. This technique is particularly effective in managing water clarity and pathogen levels. By raising the chlorine concentration temporarily, superchlorination helps in breaking down chloramines – compounds formed when chlorine combines with organic materials, such as sweat and urine – which can cause unpleasant odors and reduce water clarity.

The elevated chlorine levels effectively disinfect the water, killing off harmful bacteria and viruses that might be present, thereby improving water quality and ensuring that it is safe for swimmers. This process is often recommended after events that may significantly increase contaminants, such as swim meets or heavy bather loads, as well as after periods of heavy rain.

Other factors like bather load, water temperature, and water hardness are important in pool management but are not directly addressed by superchlorination.