Chlorine is the main workhorse chemical that kills the bacteria that canturn your pool greenormake it cloudy.
What Is Pool Chlorine?
Pool chlorine is used to disinfect water and keep pools clean and clear.
iStock / Getty Images Plus
When usingchlorine for pools, it will generally be either in the form of a solid or liquid.
However, in its natural state, chlorine is actually a yellow gas that is heavier than air.
If left alone, chlorine tablets will emit a very strong odor that should not be inhaled.
Each form and pop in has their own advantages and disadvantages.
The goal is to have a chlorine level at 1 to 3 parts per million (ppm).
Retest your water at least weekly and add chlorine as necessary.
Chlorinator
A chlorinator automatically dispenses chlorine into your pool.
Remove the chlorinator lid and fill to the top with tablets.
Put the cover back on, open valves, and adjust the control dial if needed.
A salt cell only generates chlorine if the pool is running and there is an adequate level of salt.
Chlorine Tablet Placement
Never add chlorine tablets to the skimmer mouth or basket.
This increased concentration ofchlorine will make plastic brittle and crack over time and rot the internals of yourfilter system.
Chlorine vs.
Pool Shock
Pool shock is a much stronger form of chlorine.
Chlorine generally comes in either a powder or tablet form and is used for general upkeep.
In a 10,000-gallon pool you should add two 3-inch tablets.
The first time you fill a pool you should add two 3-inch tablets for every 10,000 gallons.
You may end up adding slightly more to account for the untreated water.
After 24 hours, check chlorine level and add more if necessary.
First off, stop adding more chlorine, turning off any automatic dispensers and removing any chlorine sticks.
Then use a chlorine neutralizer to reduce the concentration of chlorine or oxidizing chemicals like hydrogen peroxide.