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How Do Chlorine Tablets Work to Clean Pool Water?

In any pool, water purity and safety have always been of the utmost importance. Thanks to such a universal function, pool chlorine tablets are widely used. It mainly releases active chlorine to inhibit bacterial and viral growth, ultimately maintaining the pool water clear from turbidity or smell. Pool chlorine tablets will be described in more detail from different aspects later.

I. General information

Trichloroisocyanuric acid (TCCA) is the primary constituent of chlorine tablets for swimming pool cleaning. It is usually in the white tablet form with a sharp chlorine smell. Chlorine tablets are available in a very large number of types, depending on the chlorine percentage and the specifications. Some of the commonly used ones are high-concentration chlorine tablets with 90% chlorine content.

In general, the 1-gram small-size tablets are more soluble, thus more versatile for small pools or emergency chlorine supplements. Whereas the slowly soluble but long-lasting 200-gram large-size tablets are usually used in the daily maintenance of large pools. Moreover, there is also less chlorine concentration, less irritation, and more suitable for children’s swimming pools, sodium dichloroisocyanurate chlorine tablets.

II. Action Principle

Once chlorine tablets are introduced into water, the trichloroisocyanuric acid or sodium dichloroisocyanurate contained within them will get hydrolyzed rapidly, hence releasing hypochlorous acid (HClO). HCIO is an effective oxidizing agent that can permeate the cell membrane of microorganisms, inactivate the enzyme system and genetic material present in the cells, achieving sterilization and disinfection.  

For example, HCIO may quite easily inactivate the most common pathogens of the swimming pool – Escherichia coli and Staphylococcus aureus – within minutes. At the same time, HCIO may oxidize even organic contaminants of water, and other impurities that are made of oil or perspiration formed in the human body. In this way, the swimming pool can be prevented from degrading and releasing an unpleasant smell due to the decomposition of the organic matter.

III. Usage method

The administration of chlorine tablets to disinfect a swimming pool has some stipulations. Firstly, the number of tablets must be correctly estimated according to the size of the swimming pool. As a guideline, 5-10 grams of tablets containing 90% chlorine shall be given per cubic meter of water. Secondly, there are two general delivery methods: direct and via the dosing device. In case you deliver directly, the chlorine tablets need to be evenly distributed within the pool water to avert local chlorine accumulation. Though you can use dosing devices, such as a floating chlorine tablet dispenser, which control the release of chlorine through flow-controlled mechanisms.   

Apart from that, it is also highly important to monitor the residual chlorine level of the pool water occasionally. The residual chlorine level should be maintained at 0.3-1.0mg/L in the ideal case. When the test value is below the normal value, it is necessary to add chlorine tablets on time.

IV. Unique Advantages

The advantages of chlorine tablets are significant.

Firstly, it has a powerful bactericidal ability and can effectively eradicate a variety of pathogenic microorganisms, thereby protecting the health of bathers.

Secondly, the continuous disinfection time is long, and a single administration can guarantee the disinfection effect for many days. Thirdly, it is relatively low in price compared to other disinfection methods.

chlorine tablets

V. Storage and Precautions

There are also guidelines for the storage of chlorine tablets. They must be stored in a cool, dry, and well-ventilated area and away from humid areas and direct sunlight. Since chlorine tablets possess a very oxidizing characteristic, they cannot be stored together with flammable and explosive materials or reducing agents, otherwise, chemical reactions will occur and cause dangers.

Conclusion

Chlorine tablets play a vital role in water quality care. You can utilize it well and ensure the safety of the pool only after mastering its properties and understanding the correct usage method. We are a professional wholesaler and supplier of chlorine tablets that always provide high-quality products and thoughtful services. Looking forward to cooperating with you!