Maximizing Your Swimming Pool Sanitization
When it comes to maintaining the cleanliness of your swimming pool throughout the season, it is essential to ensure that you are getting the most value for your investment. Not all chlorine tablets are created equal; some maintain a higher chlorine concentration and last significantly longer than others. Before you make a purchase, take a moment to review the active ingredients to understand exactly what you’re buying. The most crucial factor to consider is the available chlorine content. The highest concentration you can find in chlorine tablets is 90% available chlorine.
Beware of Lower-Priced Chlorine Options
It’s natural to seek out bargains, and I admit I’ve fallen into this trap myself. A few years ago, I opted for a budget-friendly chlorine option at my local store, only to discover that its available chlorine was around 80%. That’s a full 10% less than a premium option that might have cost a bit more. At the time, I wasn’t overly concerned—after all, I thought I was simply saving money. What I didn’t anticipate was how quickly the lower-priced tablets would dissolve compared to their more expensive counterparts.
Chlorine tablets with lower chlorine content often contain additional fillers that aren’t necessary for effective pool sanitation. These fillers accelerate the dissolution process, leading to quicker consumption of the tablets. From my experience, chlorine tablets that have less than 90% available chlorine tend to dissolve two to three times faster. This ultimately results in you spending more in the long run.
Chlorine Tablets I Trust
The only chlorine tablets I purchase now are those that feature trichloro-S-triazinetrione as the active ingredient and come in 3-inch sizes. This formulation is the most potent chlorine available on the market.
Benefits of Trichloro-S-triazinetrione
- Contains cyanuric acid (CYA), which helps to prolong the effectiveness of chlorine in the pool and stabilizes free chlorine levels. With CYA in your pool, the sun won’t deplete the chlorine as quickly.
- In tablet form, it dissolves slowly, typically requiring only weekly additions in most outdoor temperatures.
- Available in stick and granular forms; the granular option can rapidly elevate chlorine levels.
- Contains no calcium, which can create cloudiness in the water.
- Effectively eliminates sweat, urine, and other contaminants, ensuring a safe and healthy swimming environment for your family.
Choosing the Right Size Chlorine Tablets
Chlorine tablets come in various sizes, and selecting the appropriate size should be straightforward. Always opt for the 3-inch tablets; they are suitable for pools of all sizes.
Some pool owners with smaller pools believe they should purchase smaller tablets, but I disagree with this approach.
For Larger Swimming Pools
- You may need to add 2, 3, or even more tablets at a time (once a week) to maintain optimal chlorine levels.
- If using a floater for chlorine, you may require multiple units for larger pools.
- An automatic chlorine feeder is ideal for those with larger pools.
For Smaller Swimming Pools
- Simply add 1 tablet per week in a floater.
- Adjust the floater setting to prevent excessive chlorine from entering the pool at once, allowing for a gradual release into the water.
While smaller tablets can be used in smaller pools, larger tablets may prove to be more economical. Smaller options tend to dissolve faster, requiring more frequent monitoring and maintenance throughout the week.
The Advantages of Individually Wrapped Tablets
I prefer to buy buckets of chlorine tablets that are individually wrapped. This packaging helps maintain the chlorine’s potency for a longer period, even if you have leftover tablets at the end of the season. When tablets are wrapped, you can rest assured that moisture or other factors won’t compromise their effectiveness. For great deals, I usually purchase my individually wrapped chlorine tablets on Amazon; check out their competitive prices.
Chlorine Dispenser Options
For effective chlorine distribution, you’ll need a method to allow it to slowly enter your pool, ensuring thorough sanitation. There are a couple of options available depending on your budget and style of pool. Always verify if the tablets are individually wrapped; this minor detail can be a significant convenience at little to no extra cost.
Automatic In-Line Chlorine Feeder
This is the most efficient way to continuously add chlorine to your pool throughout the season. Simply install the automatic feeder into your pool’s plumbing system next to your filter.
- No floater is required; traditional floaters can get stuck in or near the skimmer, which is not an issue with an in-line feeder.
- It is adjustable, allowing you to control the chlorine strength in your pool with a simple twist of a knob.
After installation, you simply add the chlorine tablets to the feeder, and as your pool pump operates, water flows through the feeder, dispersing a small amount of chlorine back into the pool.
Floater Dispenser
This is the most straightforward and commonly used method for adding chlorine to pools. Just place the floater in the pool and fill it with chlorine tablets.
- No installation is needed; just set it in the water.
- The floater can become trapped in the skimmer or under ladders, compromising efficient chlorination.
- If you have children or guests who may interact with the floater, consider the automatic chlorinator option for added safety.
I’ve used both systems and found that the floater works well, provided it doesn’t get stuck in the skimmer. You can tie it to the pool wall with a string to ensure it remains in a flow path. If your budget allows, I recommend the automatic feeder for its convenience and discreet operation.
The Importance of Pool Shocking
In my article “Shocking Your Pool Weekly,” I emphasize the necessity of using shock treatments to maintain a healthy and clear swimming pool all season long. Even with the best chlorine and maintenance routines, shocking your pool once a week is essential.
I elaborate on the significance of regular pool shocking in my previous article. A 50-pound bucket of 3-inch individually wrapped chlorine tablets paired with 24 bags of 1 lb shock is sufficient for most average-sized pools for an entire season, with each bag treating up to 10,000 gallons of water.
Non-chlorine shock is a safer alternative to traditional shock and is effective in killing bacteria, allowing for immediate swimming after application. It’s an excellent option for weekly additions to your pool. I recommend stocking up on a bulk supply before the swimming season begins; purchasing in larger quantities often saves money and alleviates concerns about running out mid-season.
Final Thoughts
As you prepare to purchase chlorine for the upcoming season, ensure you’re getting the best value for your investment. Sometimes, lower-priced chlorine options can cost you more in the long run due to additional tablet consumption and potential cleanliness issues in your pool.
I’m not suggesting you buy the most expensive product available; instead, focus on the active ingredients that work best for you and your pool, ensuring a clear and enjoyable swimming season.