Chlorine is the most common chemical utilized in the process of cleaning and sanitizing water, particularly pool water. It is a type of pool sanitizer that keeps contaminants such as algae from growing. And regardless of its form — may it be liquid chlorine or chlorine granules — it is affordable, efficient, and simple to use. Actually, the choice between the two forms is no different. Like everything else, they each have advantages and disadvantages. Knowing a little bit more about each type will help you pick which one to employ to maintain the cleanliness of your pool.
Overall, chlorine will work well for you whether it is liquid or granular. To ensure that the water in your pool is clean and suitable for swimming in, they will appropriately oxidize, sanitize, and kill organic waste. And due to their hazardous nature, both liquid chlorine and chlorine granules must be handled carefully. When handling pool chlorine, always use protective clothing, such as gloves and goggles, and adhere to all the safety instructions on the container.
The choice of whether to use liquid chlorine or chlorine granules for your weekly pool maintenance is one of the most important ones you will have to make. Naturally, if you have chosen a salt pool, you will not need to worry about this particular issue. However, it is a significant decision for those who might have a regular chlorine pool. And of course, you want to choose wisely. There are benefits and drawbacks to each kind of chlorine, which we will be delving into in this article. Read on to learn more.
Liquid Chlorine
Liquid chlorine is usually the choice to utilize as a pool sanitizer for commercial and large public pool facilities. It is also typically the most affordable kind of all. Moreover, it is a very effective method for keeping the water in your pool safe for swimming throughout the entire summer. This kind only requires that you pour it into the pool, making it quite simple to use.
Liquid chlorine has a somewhat higher pH level of 13 or so. When adding something with an exceptionally high pH level, you will likely need to balance this out by adding acid to the water because of how strong they are. Also, like other chlorine choices, liquid chlorine also contains cyanuric acid. CYA aids in stabilizing chlorine, but when there is an excess of it in your water, unfavorable side effects occur. The two most important ones are hazy water and a decline in chlorine efficacy. This occurs when too much cyanuric acid attaches to chlorine, slowing it down and reducing its sanitizing power. Therefore, it’s crucial to monitor your CYA levels when utilizing liquid chlorine.
Thus, its expense may outweigh its effectiveness for smaller, residential pools. Liquid chlorine is also highly corrosive and requires significantly more acid to be added to the water to balance the high pH, although frequently being less expensive than other types. If you’re not careful when using it, it could cause damage to your pool walls or other surfaces.
Chlorine Granules
Chlorine granules, often known as powder chlorine, are the kind of chlorine most frequently used by those with private swimming pools. They are just as simple to use, but they are frequently slightly more expensive than liquid alternatives. Additionally, they are the “powder” form of chlorine that pool owners are most familiar with. It is simple to apply and efficient, albeit its disinfection speed varies.
Like its liquid counterpart, it has the power to efficiently eliminate bacteria and algae spores from the water in your pool. Due to its less expensive storage and delivery, chlorine granules are frequently used in commercial pools. Additionally, it is simpler to store and safer to use. No big deal if you spill a little on the deck. Simply clean it up.
Chlorine granules also have a lower pH, coming with a pH level of 7, so you will not need to use as much acid to keep the right balance of water in your system. Also, there is far less CYA to worry about.
Chlorine granules come in three different forms — dichlor, lithium hypochlorite, and calcium hypochlorite.
Dichlor
Dichlor is also referred to as dichloro-s-triazinetrione or dichloroisocyanuric acid. You will not need to add as much acid to your water to balance it because it has a low pH of 7, which means that it has the lowest pH of all forms. Thus, this also means that it has much lower levels of CYA present. Additionally, it dissolves quickly and gets to work on pollutants right away. Furthermore, it offers a substitute for pool shock and contains an average of 62% chlorine per pound. It is also extremely soluble and stable.
All of this convenience, though, has a price. Di-chlor is the most expensive kind of chlorine available. However, you will not have to be concerned about using it up too quickly if you follow a decent pool maintenance program. In light of your financial situation and pool maintenance routine, dichlor can be a wise choice for you.
Lithium Hypochlorite
In comparison to liquid chlorine, lithium hypochlorite dissolves more quickly, making it an excellent choice for emergencies. And because it contains little chlorine, you can sprinkle it in your water without worrying about harming your system in high quantities. Also, given that lithium hypochlorite has a pH of 11, it reacts quickly. But among all the options for granular chlorine, it also includes the greatest CYA. You will need extra chlorine to sterilize your water because there is only 35% chlorine per pound.
Actually, if you have a pool day with lots of swimmers and think the pool could use a little boost, you can sprinkle some lithium hypochlorite in. It can be able to assist in keeping vinyl pool liners in good condition and preventing them from becoming bleached out.
Calcium Hypochlorite
This chlorine treatment, also referred to as cal hypo, is one of the most widely used because it is also one of the most affordable. It has a pH of 12 and roughly 65% chlorine content. For your water to be correctly balanced, you will need to add more acid. Although it is cheap, it is unstable, and breathing the fumes can be risky. Additionally, there is no CYA at all since calcium hypochlorite is not stabilized. This is due to the frequent usage of calcium hypochlorite as a pool shock. Additionally, because pool shocks are only intended to increase chlorine levels without stability, it is simple to raise them too high. Therefore, make sure to monitor your CYA levels and utilize calcium hypochlorite properly.
It was probably calcium hypochlorite if you have ever used granular chlorine but were not sure what kind it was. And the reason for that is because it is one of the most widely used solutions because it is affordable and efficient.
Deciding Between Liquid Chlorine and Chlorine Granules
Whatever you decide, liquid and granular chlorine are both good at sanitizing and maintaining the cleanliness of your water. However, take into account your budget, pool use and maintenance habits, as well as your pool size while making your choice. Tablets or liquid chlorine are typically a decent option for people who use their pools infrequently. It can also be a good choice if you have a large pool. However, because of the costs associated with it, and the available chlorine per pound could mean that chlorine granules are the better option.
Chlorine granules, however, may ultimately prove to be the more cost-effective option for pool owners who are more active. Everything is based on how you use your pool, as well as your budget. But then, both chlorine granules and liquid chlorine will still ultimately accomplish their goals and maintain your pool clear and clean. Once you have decided, make sure you handle the chlorine with care, apply it correctly, and stay safe while doing so by carefully following the manufacturer’s recommendations.
Key Takeaway
It is not advised to change the type of chlorine you are using, whether it be liquid chlorine or chlorine granules, if your pool has been clean, your pH and alkalinity levels are ideal, and your chlorine has always been within range. However, if you are having problems with things like too much chlorine or vinyl liners bleaching away, it might be time to reconsider what you are doing and what you are using. Safety is the most important thing to always remember when working with chlorine. These substances are essential for us to enjoy a summer of swimming, but they can be extremely harmful if not used appropriately.
