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What Is Liquid Chlorine For Pools

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A Clean Pool: Chlorine Vs Bleach

Liquid Chlorine Pool Sanitizer

Typical pool chlorine is actually a chemical compound made up of 65% calcium hypochlorite with the remaining 35% made up of calcium and other inert ingredients. Household bleach, on the other hand, is usually only 6% chlorine and a different type at that. Bleach is composed of sodium hypochlorite, water, and a bit of salt to keep the chlorine gas in its liquid form.

Pool chlorine usually comes in a solid-state like tablets, powder, or granules, but can also come in liquid form as bleach does. Both chlorine and bleach dissolve in water to release a hypochlorite ion. This little ion is a bit finicky, however, and will only transform into hypochlorous acid if the pH in your pool water is just right.

Hypochlorous acid is the end goal here. This is the chemical responsible for disinfecting your pool through the process of oxidation, in which electrons are taken away from molecules. When hypochlorous acid oxidizes in your pool water, it kills germs and renders other nasty bacteria inert.

When You Should Use It

While liquid chlorine is popular with many home pool owners, its best for larger pools with many swimmers because of its large-quantity containers. It can also be the right choice for smaller or private pools that get a lot of use and need more regular chlorination.

Because of the way manufacturers produce liquid chlorine, it also has a couple of downsides that might outweigh its benefits for home pool owners.

Liquid chlorine has a high pH of 13, so you need to add more acid, typically cyanuric acid, to your pool to counteract the high pH and keep it protected in the sun.

Because of its manufacturing process, its also a potentially damaging product for your home pool. It can erode pool walls and tiles, so you need to be careful when chlorinating your pool with liquid chlorine. If you do use it, just make sure to add it to water first to lower the pH.

Liquid Chlorine Vs Granular Shock

Liquid chlorine and granular shock are both unstabilized. As we know from above, the unstabilized chlorine means that cyanuric acid levels in the chlorine or shock are not high. Essentially the products do not have any stabilizer in them.

Both liquid chlorine and granular shock are known in the pool industry for having higher levels of available chlorine. Essentially you will need to chlorinate your pool daily, and then you will need to shock it from time to time. When you shock the pool, you must use a sanitizing product that raises the chlorine level quite high and then lowers it back down.

Granular shock and liquid chlorine are known to kill all living microorganisms and bacteria in the pool. Essentially there is nothing that is going to escape what these chemicals can do. Therefore clearing cloudy pool water is much easier with liquid chlorine and granular shock. If you have an algae problem, this is one great way to fix it.

However, liquid chlorine and granular shock are not the same product. The liquid chlorine tends to be quite a bit less expensive than granules. In addition, it is heavy to carry around and has a shorter shelf life. Although liquid chlorine tends to be one of the most popular options, some will like how easy the granules are to work with.

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What Is A Pool Stabilizer And Why Is It Important

Pool stabilizer is one of the chemical additives in liquid or granular form, which is needed to correct water balance in the pool . It is also called pool conditioner or cyanuric acid .

UV rays, as scientists say, can reduce chlorine up to 50% in one hour. A pool stabilizer helps to support the correct chlorine in your outdoor pools that are under direct sunlight.

Regulating the level of chlorine is essential for prolonging disinfecting your pool water . The pool stabilizer provides 4 times more water purity support than without using a stabilizer.

Warningindoor pool, bathtubs, hot tubs, and so on

Two Types Of Chlorine

Liquid Pool Chlorine

Chlorine is a familiar product to anyone whos been in a pool, but how does it work? When you add chlorine to a pool, its reaction to the water creates hypochlorous acid, a cleanser that kills common germs, viruses, and bacteria, from E. coli to swimmers ear.

There are a couple of different chlorine types, but they both accomplish the same goal of cleansing your pool water. The two main chlorine varieties are liquid chlorine and chlorine granules.

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How To Use It

Sodium hypochlorite can be applied manually or with use of a positive displacement feeder such as a diaphragm, peristaltic pump or a venturi feeder system. Manual addition should be done in the deep end of the pool away from any metal parts such as rails, ladders or light rings. Pour the liquid very slowly while holding the container as close to the water surface as possible. Pouring from a high position will lead to undiluted splash back of product on decks and clothing, which will cause bleaching. It is recommended to wear protective gloves and goggles when applying. Sodium hypochlorite feeder pumps should be set up with the injection point after all equipment to prevent undiluted chemical contact with pumps, filters and heaters. Feeder pumps should be calibrated in accordance with the manufacturer’s specifi cations, and tubing should be checked regularly for brittleness and leakage. Feeders should be installed to avoid siphoning.

Checking And Testing Water

Before putting liquid chlorine in your pool, you must test the water. Since the liquid chlorine is so potent, you could easily make the mistake of adding too much liquid chlorine to your pool. Test the water prior to putting the chlorine in, and then recheck the water before swimming. If you donât do this, you may struggle with a pool that has a difficult-to-control chlorine level.

In addition, you will want to pay attention to the pH level when using any products in your pool.

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Is Calcium Hypochlorite A Good Alternative To Trichlor Tabs

Cal hypo, when properly used, is an effective alternative to trichlor tabs, and may be available throughout the coming months as both a sanitizer and a shock solution for swimming pools. Cal hypo comes in tablet, granule and powdered form. Users should be aware of serious safety concerns associated with any Class 3 Oxidizerspecifically with the handling and storage. Cal hypo must be handled, stored and used with great care to avoid serious fire or injury. Cal hypo tabs, for example, when combined with trichlor tablets in a floater or feeder, may cause an explosion and fire. Anyone handling, transporting, using or coming in contact with cal hypo should become well aware of all recommended precautions associated with the product.

A Floating Chlorine Dispenser

Liquid Swimming Pool Chlorine & Bleach Compared

A floating chlorine dispenser is a little container for chlorine pucks that floats around the surface of your pool, slowly dissolving and releasing the chlorine into the water.

This is the cheapest and easiest way to add chlorine to your pool, but you guessed it, its also the least effective way. Since it floats on the surface, the lack of circulation means it doesnt disperse very well and ultimately leads to poor sanitation.

These things also tend to get stuck behind pool ladders or steps, at which point the chlorine being released starts to build up in one area of the pool. In fact, this high concentration near the edges can bleach your pool liners. As you can imagine, theyre not ideal to have in the pool when people are using it, either.

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The Basic Concept Of Chlorine

Chlorine is your basic solution when it comes to dealing with infected pools. It is a chemical element that produces electrolysis of saltwater responsible for killing harmful bacteria with a chlorine level of 12 15 %. Chlorine is also found in bleach and other household cleaners to clean and disinfect your home. It can also be found in salt and naturally present in the ocean and other compounds.

What Is The Real Chlorine Availability Situation

While there has been buzz of late about a lack of chlorine tabs during this pool season, pool service professionals in the pool supply and maintenance industry who are properly informed know that the primary issue involves a chlorine tablet shortage. Liquid Chlorine offers a viable sanitizer alternative. Liquid Chlorine bleach is manufactured all across the U.S. by many suppliers.

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How Do You Perform Chlorine Shock Treatment

You can use the following step-by-step plan to to carry out chlorine shock treatment in your swimming pool.

  • Before you add the chlorine granules to the pool, the pH value of the water has to be at the right level . To do this, add pH-min or pH-plus as necessary.
  • Dissolve the chlorine powder in a bucket of water before distributing it evenly across the entire swimming pool. Preferably open the pack in the open air, but out of the wind.
  • For chlorine shock treatment, 3 measuring cups of 40 grams of chlorine granules should be added per 10 m³ of water. Ideally, this should be added after swimming or in the evening to ensure that the product can spread well throughout the pool.
  • Also make sure the water is filtered after you have added the chlorine. This will improve the effectiveness of the chlorine in the swimming pool.
  • Check the chlorine content of your water at regular intervals, preferably weekly. The ideal value is between 1 and 1.5 mg per litre of water .
  • Chlorine shock dosing schedule

    You should always check the packaging of your chlorine powder before adding it to the pool.

    Volume of swimming pool:

    Also Check: How To Lower Cyanuric Acid In Pool

    Similarities Between Liquid Chlorine & Powdered Shock

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    Liquid chlorine and powdered shock are both considered unstabilized forms of chlorine. It is important to note their similarities and differences when determining which sanitizer is right for you and your pool.

    Similarly, both forms have a higher concentration of available chlorine than those used in daily chlorination. They also both kill nearly all living microorganisms, bacteria and contaminants with ease. In addition, liquid chlorine and powdered shock will clear your cloudy pool water fast while also helping to control algae.

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    When Pool Water Temperature Rises

    Bacteria and other organisms such as algae thrive in warm water. In addition, the amount of free chlorine decreases with rising temperatures.

    Most pools are kept at a comfortable level of 86-88 °F. The temperature should be lowered to a range of 78-84 °F if there are a lot of swimmers or if the pool is used for athletic activities. You can use a pool thermometer to measure water temperature.

    If the temperature rises above the recommended levels, you should shock your pool.

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    Brief History Of Liquid Sodium Hypochlorite

    Early uses of sodium hypochlorite included disinfection of medical facilities and hospitals, preventing the spread of disease from corpses, slaughterhouses and food production. In the early 1900s, liquid sodium hypochlorite was used to disinfect drinking water. Chlorine disinfection at water treatment plants was very effective in exponentially reducing fatalities from waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever.

    Since liquid sodium hypochlorite was effective in the disinfection of drinking water, it was only natural that it would make its way to swimming pools. Liquid sodium hypochlorite is preferred at public pools because it is safer to store than chlorine gas, trichlor or calcium hypochlorite. As backyard residential pools gained popularity in the 1950s and 60s liquid sodium hypochlorite played a key role in disinfection and water clarity. Before chlorine tablets, feeders and floaters made their way into pools there was a simple routine: sanitize with liquid sodium hypochlorite and manage pH with muriatic acid.

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    How Much Liquid Chlorine Do I Put In A 15000 Gallon Pool

    It implies that whether for a 20000-gallon pool, for 15000-gallon pool, or a 10000-gallon pool, you will be required to have chlorine of about 0.00013 ounces per gallon of pool water.

    Adding chlorine calcium hypochlorite, sodium hypochloriteto your swimming pool in the evening, instead of the morning can reduce cut your chemical costs BY 50%.

    Can I Switch From Chlorine Tablets To Liquid Chlorine

    What’s The Best Kind Of Liquid Chlorine

    While there has been alot of talk in the news recently about a shortage of chlorine tabs during this pool season, pool service professionals in the pool supply and maintenance sector who are well-informed know that the main issue is a chlorine tablet shortage. Liquid chlorine is an equally effective sanitizer. Many suppliers produce liquid chlorine bleach all around the United States.

    Comparing Tablets To Liquid Chlorine

    When compared to dry tablets, liquid chlorine disinfection gives the largest percentage of pure chlorine disinfection. It also has the highest residual of free accessible chlorine when comparing gallon to pound. For decades, even before the adoption of trichlor tablets, the industry has embraced the benefits of Liquid Chlorine use. In reality, as pool owners and experts seek to improve the overall aesthetic, skin-feel, and cost of pool maintenance, the usage of Liquid Chlorine has steadily gained traction. Because liquid chlorine does not produce any undesired chemicals as a byproduct after usage, it is becoming increasingly popular in public, big commercial, and hospitality swimming pools. Liquid pool sanitizer, in particular, has long been demonstrated to be safe to use, to clean and disinfect both residential and commercial swimming pools more effectively, to be better for the environment, and to provide the most beautiful, sparkling clear blue pool water.

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    How Much Liquid Chlorine To Add To A Pool

    First conduct a water test to determine the chlorine level. Water test kits are readily available at numerous stores and online, and come with detailed instructions to decipher how to read the results.

    An important thing to mention here is that the chlorine that is measured is actually free chlorine, there is no differential.

    To determine the amount of liquid chlorine you need to add, first consider the total water capacity of your pool. Most chlorine comes in packing suitable to be used per 1000 gallons of water. If the water capacity of your pool falls outside of that, there are chlorine calculators online to assist you in determining the correct quantity of chlorine to add.

    It is recommended to keep chlorine levels maintained between 1 ppm and 3 ppm. Above 3 ppm concentration of chlorine in pool water can cause irritation to the eyes and skin of swimmers.

    When adding chlorine, keep the pool pump running for proper dispersion and refrain from swimming until the level is below 3 ppm.

    IMPORTANT NOTE! Liquid chlorine is an extremely harsh chemical and must be handled with precaution. It has a higher pH value than the powder form so it is highly likely the pH will need to be re-balanced after adding it. It is also highly corrosive and can cause burns or damage to pool equipment if not used correctly. Always handle any pool chemical with caution and wear protective clothing, gloves, and eye protection.

    Quick Dip: How To Shock Your Swimming Pool Using Liquid Chlorine

    Shocking your pool water is one of the keys to keeping your pool sparkling and ready to swim in. Failing to shock your pool water can lead to algae and bacteria build-up. This creates a swimming pool that is not only uninviting, but hazardous to pool patrons as well. Just because your water is clear, does not mean it is safe to swim in! This is why a high-quality pool testing set from LaMotte or Taylor is an essential part of every pool operators kit!

    Shocking a pool with liquid chlorine or a granular pool shock kills or inactivates pathogens and algae. Shocking will also oxidize other unwanted materials inhabiting the pool water. By raising the chlorine level in the pool to the correct level, and holding it there for the prescribed amount of time, this effectively disinfects the water. This article covers shocking your pool with two of the most popular shock products on the market today sodium hypochlorite and calcium hypochlorite .

    Preparing to Shock Your Pool

  • Know how many gallons of water your pool holds. Need assistance with this? Pentair has a handy online calculator that can tell you the volume of your pool.
  • Using your pool testing kit, check your current chlorine level. This is important if you are attempting to bring your chlorine level up to an exact level.
  • Choose your pool shock. Two of the most popular options we carry are
  • The Basic Method Shocking by Following the Label Instructions

    How to Superchlorinate your Pool with Liquid and Granular Chlorine

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    Choosing The Right Chlorine For Your Pool: Comparing Granular Liquid And Tablet Chlorine

    By: H Goin

    Chlorine is an effective and reliable sanitizer, disinfectant and oxidizer for swimming pools and spas. Its advantages include availability, affordability and proven effectiveness. The majority of complaints lodged against chlorine by residential pool and spa owners can be traced back to an unintentional overuse of the chemical.

    The advent and spreading popularity of mineral sanitizers provides a fantastic alternative to traditional chemicals, but mineral sanitizers do not completely eliminate the need for chlorine or bromine instead, levels are reduced 40% to 60%. While such a reduction may be great depending on your views of chlorine, of course pool and spa owners still need to understand the types of chlorine available to them, as well as the advantages and any special considerations associated with each type. Chlorine can be purchased in four different forms: granular, liquid, tablets, and sticks. Each delivers effective sanitization through different applications and varying levels of Available Chlorine. The deciding factor in your decision to use one type of chlorine over another should be your preference in pool maintenance habits.

    No matter which method you use, add chlorine when a test reading shows Free Chlorine levels to be lower than 2.0 ppm. The ideal range for Free Chlorine is 2.0-3.0 ppm.

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