Top 13 Best Chlorine Tabs Features, Reviews, and FAQs

Type 

Depending on the desired results, pool and spa owners can choose from a variety of chlorine treatments, such as sodium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, dichlor, and trichlor. The most popular therapy is trichlor.

If the pool's filtration system has trouble handling water with a high calcium hardness, sodium hypochlorite is an excellent alternative. The 10–12% chlorine content, however, makes it less than ideal for disinfecting and eliminating algae and germs. Sodium hypochlorite chlorine treatments are also not stabilized, making them susceptible to breakdown in sunlight and potentially leading to the formation of toxic chloramines that can lead to red, itchy eyes and skin irritation.

Lithium hypochlorite's larger range of 28-35 percent chlorine makes it more successful in keeping the chemical balance of pool water. On the other hand, lithium hypochlorite is not stabilized and can easily be damaged by sunlight.

An additional unstabilized chemical used to treat swimming pools is calcium hypochlorite. Calcium hypochlorite has a higher chlorine percentage (about 65) and is therefore more effective than sodium hypochlorite and lithium hypochlorite, although it is still susceptible to degradation from UV light and chloramine formation.

A stabilized chlorine treatment is created when dichlor chlorine is mixed with cyanuric acid, making the chlorine more resistant to UV rays and reducing the rate at which it degrades into chloramines. The chlorine level of dichlor products is between 56% and 62%, and they come in granular form rather than in the form of tablets.

In most cases, trichlor is the type of chlorine used to treat swimming pools. Tables of solid trichlor chlorine, another form of stabilized chlorine, can contain as much as 90 percent chlorine. As the tablet breaks down in the pool water, it protects against the sun's rays and the pool's own UV rays, reducing the rate at which chloramines are produced.

Size 

Tablets of chlorine often come in two different sizes, one measuring just an inch in length and the other three times that in width.

For quick and easy adjustment of chlorine levels in small pools, hot tubs, and spas, 1-inch chlorine tablets are a suitable alternative because of the speed with which they dissolve and the amount of chlorine they release. But these tablets won't work in pools that are over 5,000 gallons in size.

One 3-inch chlorine tablet can typically disinfect around 5,000 gallons of water, making them an excellent choice for larger pools. Using multiple chlorine tablets is acceptable for pools larger than 5,000 gallons, although 3-inch tablets take much longer to dissolve.

Depending on the dimensions of your pool, any size can be utilized in skimmers, floating chlorine dispensers, and automatic chlorine dispensers.

Dissolving Speed

Chlorine tablets' effectiveness and outcomes in a body of water are significantly affected by their dissolution rate, as you might expect. The rate at which a chlorine tablet dissolves depends on a wide range of elements, including the method of administration, the average water temperature, the water pressure, the size of the tablet, the kind of pool water, the available filtering system, and many others. The rule of thumb is to realize that a 3-inch chlorine pill will dissolve far more slowly than a 1-inch tablet would for the same purpose. There is a difference in how quickly the chlorine pills dissolve depending on whether or not you are using a floating dispenser. The chlorine concentration in your pool may vary if you use a floating dispenser to reduce the total dissolving time. Rather, you might think about getting a chlorine tablet automatic dispenser, which can dissolve the pills in as little as two to five hours, depending on their size. These dispensing units can have the speed increased or decreased as per your needs.

Quantity

There is no universally applicable formula for determining how many chlorine tablets are needed to maintain a pool's water quality. The number of chlorine tablets your pool requires will vary based on factors such as the size of your pool, the type of water used, and even the climate in your area. A pool test kit can help you determine the exact amount of chlorine your pool needs. You can use this kit to figure out how many chlorine tablets your pool need by gauging the present pH level and chlorine level. A swimming pool's water pH level should be between 7.2 and 7.8, and the chlorine level should be between 1 and 3 ppm. The size of the pool is another factor that can be used to estimate the necessary amount of chlorine. In order to sanitize 350 gallons of water with chlorine, 1 inch tablets are the best bet. For pools between 5000 and 10,000 gallons, however, you'll want to use tablets that are 3 inches long; the number of tablets you use will depend on the size of your pool and how often you treat it.

Quality & Purity

When evaluating quality, simply look at the level of purity and the chlorine type. There isn't a lot of diversity when it comes to chlorinated tablets, which makes them all the more intriguing. For pool purposes, the difference between chemicals that are purities of 98% and 99% is negligible. While greater purity is preferable, it is not possible to sell and transport tablets of 100% pure chlorine.

Stabilized vs. Unstabilized Chlorine

You can add either unstabilized or stabilized chlorine to your pool, depending on the sort of pool you have and when you plan to add it. That's why I provided choices suitable for any scenario. Read my comprehensive post on the topic to learn more about the distinctions between unstabilized and stabilized chlorine.

Price

Most chlorine tablets are basically same in quality. Therefore, cost should play a significant role in your quest; I know it had a role for me. Several brands were excluded because their prices were excessive in relation to the quality of the product.

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Can chlorine tablets be used for household cleaning? 

Chlorine tablets contain a lot of chlorine, which is bad for plumbing and appliances, thus they shouldn't be used for regular cleaning. Chlorine can produce unpleasant and perhaps toxic scents in restricted environments.

How do I add chlorine tablets to my pool? 

There are a few different ways to introduce chlorine tablets to a swimming pool. Make use of a chlorine dispenser that floats and has a basket to retain the tablet in place while it dissolves. Chlorine may be added to the pool water fast and easily by placing the tablet in a pool skimmer and allowing the water to flow over it. Finally, place a tablet into an automatic chlorine dispenser and adjust the machine to the desired chlorine concentration. The chlorine is dispensed into the pool in a slow, steady stream.

How many chlorine tablets do I need every week?

The number of chlorine pills needed varies on several factors, including the pool's kind, size, and average daily usage. In order to maintain cleanliness and safety in public pools, chlorine must be added at regular intervals. Assuming a weekly chlorine dose of at least one 3-inch tablet for a regular public pool's 5,000 gallons of water, that's one tablet every week. However, larger pools (10000 or 12000 gallons of water) may require 2 or 3 3-inch chlorine tablets weekly.

Where should I store extra chlorine tablets?

Chemicals like chlorine used in a swimming pool must be handled with the utmost care to prevent injury to anyone around the water. Keep the additional chlorine tablets in a secure place and out of the reach of youngsters. Typically, the shelf life of chlorine pills is between three and five years. No special care is required while you are feeling particularly robust on account of the extra pills because they come individually wrapped in plastic before shipping. Still, it's important to think about the storage temperature and ensure it's in the range of 50 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit.

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One of the first things you should do if you want to take good care of your pool and maintain it safe and sanitary for your family is to purchase a container full of chlorine tablets. By maintaining a set level of chlorine in your pool, you can ensure that any bacteria, algae, insects, or other potentially harmful organic matter in the water is eliminated, making the pool safe for use by everybody.

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