Throwing chlorine tablets directly into your pool is not recommended. While it may seem like an easy way to chlorinate your pool, this method can cause problems. There are safer, more effective ways to use chlorine tablets that will keep your pool clean and chemically balanced.
Quick Answer
No, you should not just throw chlorine tablets into your pool. Chlorine tablets should be placed in a floating chlorine dispenser, inline chlorine feeder, or automatic chlorine feeder. Directly throwing in tablets can cause corrosion, staining, and uneven chlorine distribution.
Why You Shouldn’t Just Throw in Tablets
There are a few key reasons why it’s not advisable to simply toss chlorine tablets into your swimming pool:
- Can cause corrosion and staining – Chlorine tablets have a very high concentration of chlorine, between 60-73%. When a tablet lands on a metal or acrylic surface, it can start corroding or discoloring it.
- Uneven chlorine dispersion – A tablet that lands at the bottom or side of the pool will release a concentrated dose of chlorine in that area, leading to “hot spots” of overly-chlorinated water.
- Risk of chlorine overdose – Too many tablets tossed in at once can cause a chlorine overdose. This can damage equipment, irritate skin and eyes, and ruin swimsuits.
- Tablets sink and don’t dissolve well – Tablets are dense and tend to immediately sink to the bottom when thrown in. They will dissolve very slowly from the bottom.
- Safety hazard – Tablets can get stuck in drains, skimmer baskets, or pool pumps and damage equipment. Children or pets could try to retrieve sunken tablets and ingest concentrated chlorine.
In short, haphazardly throwing in chlorine tablets provides poor coverage, causes equipment damage and safety issues, and makes it hard to maintain proper chlorine levels.
Recommended Ways to Use Chlorine Tablets
Instead of tossing them in randomly, it’s important to use a proper chlorine dispenser or feeder designed for tablets. This allows controlled, even chlorine distribution. Recommended methods include:
Floating Chlorine Dispenser
A floating chlorine dispenser (also called a floater or pool chlorinator) is a device that holds 1-2 chlorine tablets and floats on the pool’s surface. As it bobs around, the tablets slowly dissolve into the water. Floaters make chlorine dispensing easy and provide coverage for the entire pool. Models with an adjustable opening can control the dissolve rate. Just be sure to check chlorine levels regularly and refill as needed.
Inline Chlorine Feeder
Inline feeders connect directly to the pool’s plumbing after the pump and filter. As water flows through the device, it erodes chlorine tablets and releases chlorine into the passing water. Inline feeders provide consistent chlorination each time the pump runs. They often hold a large chlorine reserve. However, calcium build-up can clog the feeder over time.
Automatic Chlorine Feeder
Automatic feeders use electronic sensors to continuously monitor chlorine levels and dispense tablets as needed. Feed rate is adjustable and controlled digitally. Automatic feeders provide the most precise way to maintain proper chlorine residuals. They’re the most expensive option but take the guesswork out of chlorine dosing. Regular cleaning is required.
How to Add Chlorine Tablets the Right Way
When using any type of chlorine dispenser or feeder, follow these steps for adding tablets:
- Read the product instructions for filling and maintenance. Follow any safety guidelines.
- Place the device in the manufacturer’s recommended pool location. This is often in the deep end for floaters.
- Make sure any openings or dials are set to the closed position before filling.
- Fill the hopper with fresh chlorine tablets (1″ model) from a new container.
- Set the dial or slider to the initial recommended setting.
- Let the feeder run and check chlorine levels after 24 hours. Adjust the setting if needed.
- Check tablets and chlorineresidual daily. Refill when low.
- Clean the feeder regularly as directed.
Adding a stabilizer like cyanuric acid will help protect and extend the chlorine in outdoor pools from UV ray destruction.
How Many Chlorine Tablets to Use
Most residential pool feeders hold 1-4 lbs of tablets. The ideal number of tablets depends on:
- Pool size – larger pools need more chlorine
- Swimmer load – more swimmers means more chlorine demand
- Chlorinator capacity – follow manufacturer’s fill instructions
- Desired chlorine level – aim for 1-3 ppm free chlorine
- Cyanuric acid concentration – reduces chlorine loss from sunlight
For initial start-up, add 2-4 tablets per 10,000 gallons of water. Maintain a chlorine residual of at least 1 ppm by adding 1-2 tablets per 10,000 gallons daily. Adjust the dose based on factors above and frequent testing. Shock treating may be needed if chlorine drops below 1 ppm.
Daily Chlorine Tablet Routine
To keep your pool properly chlorinated, get in the habit of a daily tablet checking routine:
- Visually check chlorine dispenser and confirm tablets are still present. Refill if empty.
- Use test strips to check pool water chlorine level. Aim for ideal 1-3 ppm.
- Adjust feeder setting if needed – increase if low or decrease if too high.
- Document chlorine level and tablet amount added to track weekly usage.
- Check pH and total alkalinity and adjust as needed.
- Inspect feeder for calcium buildup and clean regularly.
Shock treating the pool weekly and before heavy bather loads will help maintain proper sanitation. Provide a consistent chlorine routine for crystal clear, healthy pool water all season.
FAQs
What happens if I throw too many chlorine tablets in my pool?
Over-chlorination from adding too many tablets can irritate eyes, skin, and lungs. It can also bleach and discolor hair, swimsuits, and pool surfaces. Chlorine levels above 5 ppm are unsafe for swimming until diluted. Shock treat to lower very high chlorine readings.
Where should I place chlorine tablets in my pool?
Tablets should go in a designated chlorine dispenser or feeder. Floating dispensers work best towards the middle or deep end. Inline and automatic feeders are often plumbed after the filter. Never just throw loose tablets in the pool.
How often should chlorine tablets be added?
Add tablets daily to maintain a 1-3 ppm chlorine residual. Check levels often and refill when empty. For outdoor pools, 1-2 tablets per 10,000 gallons daily is typical. Adjust as needed by tracking weekly usage rates.
What pH level should be maintained with chlorine tablets?
Ideal pH for swimming pools is 7.4-7.6 when using chlorine tablets. This pH allows the best disinfection and helps prevent eye and skin irritation. Test pH weekly and adjust as needed to stay in the proper range.
Can I use chlorine tablets in my vinyl liner pool?
Yes, chlorine tablets can be used in vinyl liner pools when added through a designated feeder or dispenser. Avoid letting loose tablets rest directly on the liner. This can cause fading or damage over time.
Are chlorine tablets better than liquid chlorine?
Tablets provide a longer-lasting chlorine source compared to liquid forms. They simplify maintenance by avoiding constant liquid chlorine refilling. Liquids can be a good choice for initial or shock treatment. Overall, tablets offer a more stable long-term sanitizer.
The Bottom Line
While throwing a few chlorine tablets into the pool might seem like the quick and easy way to chlorinate, it can actually cause many issues. For safe, effective sanitation, always use a designated chlorine dispenser or feeder. Maintain proper chlorine levels by creating a daily tablet checking routine. With the right tools and habits, chlorine tablets can keep the water clean all season long.