Chlorine tablets are an effective solution for keeping your swimming pool’s chlorine levels stable throughout the swimming season. By placing these tablets in a floating dispenser or an automatic chlorinator, you ensure a gradual release of chlorine, keeping your water sanitized and crystal clear.
The first step in maintaining optimal chlorine levels is determining how many tablets your pool will require on a weekly basis, based on its water capacity. The general rule of thumb is that for every 5,000 gallons of water in your pool, you should use one chlorine tablet. Always remember to round up to the nearest 5,000 gallons. For instance, if your pool holds 8,000 gallons, you should treat it as a 10,000-gallon pool when adding chlorine. This practice ensures that you are consistently providing the correct amount of chlorine for effective sanitization.
| Pools Capacity (In Gallons) |
3 Inch Chlorine Tablets (Per Week) |
| 5,000 | 1 Tablet |
| 10,000 | 2 Tablets |
| 15,000 | 3 Tablets |
| 20,000 | 4 Tablets |
| 25,000 | 5 Tablets |
How Often Should You Add Chlorine Tablets?
In general, you only need to add chlorine tablets once a week. It is advisable to choose a specific day for your weekly pool maintenance, which includes replenishing chlorine tablets on a regular schedule. This routine will simplify your pool care and ensure consistent sanitization.
For example, if you have a 16,000-gallon pool, you would need to add 4 tablets once a week. This weekly addition is also the perfect opportunity to clean your skimmer and pump skimmer basket, check your pool filters, backwash if necessary, and conduct a thorough water test.
Pro Tip! When it’s time to add your weekly chlorine tablets, take a moment to assess how many tablets are remaining. If the remaining tablets add up to one, you can count that as your total. For instance, if you typically add 4 tablets each week but have one left, you can add only 3 tablets to bring your total back to 4. This strategy can help extend the life of your chlorine supply, especially during cooler months when chlorine is consumed at a slower rate. Conversely, as temperatures rise, chlorine will dissolve more rapidly.
Where Should You Place the Tablets in the Pool?
It is crucial to avoid placing chlorine tablets directly in the skimmer. For further insights on this topic, refer to my detailed article about why adding chlorine directly into your pool skimmer is not recommended.
Chlorine Floater Dispenser
A chlorine floater dispenser is one of the simplest and most cost-effective methods to gradually disperse chlorine throughout your pool. Simply place the chlorine tablets into the floater and let it drift on the water’s surface. Most models allow you to adjust the opening to regulate chlorine levels as needed.
Automatic Chlorinator
If you’re looking for a more advanced option, consider an automatic chlorinator. While this choice is typically more expensive and requires installation, it automates the chlorine dispensing process.
- Inline Chlorinator: This type of chlorinator is installed directly into the permanent piping post-pump and filter, leading to the return jets that distribute water back into your pool. It requires proper fitting to ensure compatibility with your existing plumbing.
- Offline Chlorinator: If your plumbing is already set up, an offline chlorinator may be the best option. This unit connects to the return water line, requiring only a small hole to be drilled in your PVC pipes for installation. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s installation instructions for the correct drill bit size.
For a more detailed comparison of chlorinators, check out my article on Floating Chlorinators vs. Automatic Chlorinators.
Cyanuric Acid (CYA)
When using chlorine tablets as your primary sanitization method, they will introduce cyanuric acid into your pool water. CYA is essential for maintaining adequate chlorine levels. Without sufficient CYA, sunlight will rapidly degrade chlorine, hindering effective pool treatment and potentially leading to algae growth and bacterial survival.
Too Much CYA
Conversely, excessive CYA can result in cloudy water and reduced chlorine effectiveness. The ideal CYA levels for your pool should range between 30 and 75 PPM, with outdoor pools exposed to direct sunlight typically requiring higher levels (50-75 PPM). Indoor pools can operate effectively with lower levels.
If you need to lower your CYA levels, draining some water from the pool is the most effective solution. Regular backwashing of your pool filter also helps reduce CYA levels. Each week, when you add chlorine tablets, take the opportunity to check the CYA levels, often referred to as stabilizer on pool testing strips.
Draining a portion of your pool water at the end of each season also helps lower CYA levels over time. Remember that chlorine tablets will continue to add stabilizer as they dissolve, so exercise caution when adding additional stabilizer if your CYA levels are already low.
Final Thoughts
Chlorine tablets are the most commonly used method for sanitizing swimming pools. Set aside one day each week to assess and replenish chlorine tablets as needed, ensuring that your pool remains properly chlorinated.
During this maintenance session, also check filters, test water quality, and remove debris from skimmers. If necessary, add water to your pool to compensate for evaporation.
If you’re running low on chlorine tablets, click here to see my recommended brand, which I personally use for my 24-foot round swimming pool.