Free Chlorine Low Total Chlorine Ok. 0.0 to 10.0 mg/l (ppm) free chlorine resolution: Another way to figure the combined chlorine level is to subtract the total chlorine level from free chlorine level, provided the total chlorine is higher.
You only posted a free chlorine reading which shows how much chlorine is available to kill algae. Free chlorine can interact with chemicals, bacteria, algae, and many other particles present in pool water. If you truly had a cc reading of 5, then i think you would be looking at a swamp.
Yes, i would recommend raising your chlorine stabilizer to the proper level and then bring your total chlorine level up to 5ppm.
The total chlorine is the combination of free chlorine and combined chlorine that you have in your pool. Free chlorine free chlorine is essential for pool water because it helps to kill dangerous microorganisms. Free chlorine is the chlorine that isn’t combined with anything. Replace your chlorinator salt cell.