When it comes to keeping your pool clean and safe, using the right chlorine tablets is crucial. For a 5000 gallon pool, you’ll want to use 3″ chlorine tablets in a chlorine floater or feeder. Here’s a quick rundown of how to determine the right chlorine tablet size and dosage for your pool:
How Many Chlorine Tablets For a 5000 Gallon Pool?
For a 5000 gallon pool, you’ll need 2-3 lbs of 3″ chlorine tablets per week during peak swim season. Each 3″ tablet provides approximately 1-3ppm chlorine to 10,000 gallons of pool water. With a 5000 gallon pool, you’ll need about 30-40 tablets per month.
Here’s a quick table with chlorine tablet dosage guidelines for a 5000 gallon pool:
| Pool Size | Tablet Size | Weekly Dosage |
|---|---|---|
| 5000 gallons | 3″ tablets | 2-3 lbs |
Always start with the lowest recommended dosage and increase as needed to maintain proper chlorine levels. Using chlorine test strips, aim for a free chlorine level of 1-3ppm.
Why 3″ Tablets Are Best
For pools up to 20,000 gallons, 3″ chlorine tablets are the best choice. Here’s why:
- Properly sized for chlorine floater capacity
- Provide maximum dissolved chlorine per tablet
- Last longer than smaller 1″ or 2″ tablets
- Easy to handle and load into floater/feeder
Larger 3″ tablets have a high dissolution rate, releasing chlorine steadily into the pool water. Their large size also means you don’t have to add tablets as frequently as you would with smaller sizes.
Using a Chlorine Floater
For proper chlorine tablet dissolution, you’ll need to use a chlorine floater or feeder. Here are the benefits of using a floater:
- Holds multiple tablets, keeping chlorine levels steady
- Floats at water level for maximum dissolution
- Prevents chlorine spikes that can damage pool surfaces
- Allows adjustable chlorine dispersion
Look for a high capacity floater designed for 3″ tablets. Place the floater in an area of high water flow for best performance. Adjust the setting to maintain a chlorine level of 1-3ppm.
How to Load a Chlorine Floater
Loading a chlorine floater properly ensures a consistent chlorine supply. Follow these steps:
- Remove used chlorine tablets if any remain in the floater
- Insert new 3″ tablets one at a time, being careful not to overfill
- Set floater to lowest setting to start
- Place floater in pool area with best water circulation
- Gradually increase floater setting until chlorine level holds at 1-3ppm
Check chlorine levels daily and adjust the feeder as needed to maintain proper sanitization.
Choosing the Right Chlorine Tablets
Not all chlorine tablets are created equal. Here’s what to look for when buying tablets for your 5000 gallon pool:
Stabilized Chlorine
Look for tablets containing stabilizer like cyanuric acid. This prevents chlorine from breaking down too quickly in sunlight.
90% Minimum Trichlor
Trichlor tablets contain at least 90% available chlorine for maximum sanitizing power.
Slow Dissolving
Slow dissolving tablets last longer and dissolve gradually to maintain proper chlorine levels.
Reputable Brand
Trustworthy brands like In the Swim, Clorox, and Poolife have excellent pH-neutral chlorine tablets suitable for any pool.
Adding a Chlorine Feeder
For pools over 10,000 gallons, a chlorine feeder is recommended instead of a floater. Benefits of chlorine feeders include:
- Higher chlorine capacity than floaters
- Feed chlorine directly into return jets for better mixing
- Easier to maintain high chlorine levels
- Can connect to pool circulation system
Choose an automatic, erosion-type chlorine feeder. These feeders use pool water flow to steadily erode tablets and disperse chlorine. Set the feeder according to tablet manufacturer recommendations and test chlorine levels regularly.
Maintaining Proper Chlorine Levels
To ensure your 5000 gallon pool stays crystal clear and sanitized, maintain a free chlorine level of:
- 1-3ppm for regular use
- 3-5ppm for heavy use/swim times
- 5-10ppm for pool shock treatment
Test chlorine levels daily and adjust your feeder or floater to achieve ideal concentrations. Shock the pool weekly by raising chlorine to 5-10ppm for 24 hours.
Using Chlorine Tablets + Shock
Using regular chlorine tablets maintains a base level of sanitizer. However, you’ll also need periodic shocking to really clean and disinfect the water. Here are some benefits of shocking your pool:
- Kills bacteria chlorine can miss
- Oxidizes organic compounds that cause odors/irritation
- Burns off chloramines that make eyes red
- Improves overall water clarity
Shock your 5000 gallon pool every 5-7 days using 1 lb of shock per 10,000 gallons. Raise chlorine to 5-10ppm for 24 hours before returning to normal 1-3ppm level.
Safety Tips When Using Chlorine
While essential for pool health, chlorine can pose risks if handled improperly. Keep these safety tips in mind:
- Wear gloves and eye protection when handling tablets
- Store tablets in a locked, dry place away from children/pets
- Never mix chlorine with acids or other chemicals
- Clean spill right away – do not allow chlorine dust to accumulate
- Pool area should have good ventilation to prevent buildup of fumes
- Do not swallow chlorinated pool water
Always follow manufacturer guidelines regarding safety, storage, and handling when using chlorine tablets. Call the poison control hotline if chlorine accidentally ingested.
FAQs
How often should chlorine levels be checked?
Test chlorine levels in your 5000 gallon pool every day and adjust feeder/floater as needed to maintain 1-3ppm.
What causes low chlorine levels?
Low chlorine can be caused by insufficient tablet dosage, poor circulation, heavy bather load, or contaminants using up chlorine faster. Shock the pool and increase chlorine to get back to proper levels.
Why is chlorine level sometimes high/low after shocking?
After shocking, the chlorine level can test high initially but then return low the next day. This indicates there are chlorine demand issues requiring more shocking/higher chlorine dosage to meet the demand.
How long do 3″ chlorine tablets last?
Depending on pool size and bather load, 3″ tablets typically last 1-2 weeks. Hotter temperatures will cause the tablets to dissolve faster.
Can I use 2″ tablets instead?
While 2″ tablets can be used, 3″ tablets last longer and have higher chlorinating power. For best performance in a 5000 gallon pool, use 3″ tablets.
Conclusion
Maintaining proper chlorine sanitization is crucial for your 5000 gallon swimming pool. Use high quality 3″ stabilized chlorine tablets in the recommended 2-3 lb weekly dosage. Combine with periodic shocking for a sparkling clean pool. Always handle chlorine with care and test levels daily. With the right chlorine regimen, your pool water will be clean, clear, and safe for swimmers.
