subject: What to Look for in Swimming Pool Chlorine Tablets or Sticks [print this page] What to Look for in Swimming Pool Chlorine Tablets or Sticks
There are a surprising number of options available in pool chlorine today; the swimming pool supply industry has gone to great lengths to satisfy customers looking for convenient, easy, stress-free and mess-free pool maintenance. More chlorine choices, however, can sometimes mean more confusion for swimming pool owners when it is time to buy. Here are some tips on what to look for the next time you shop for pool chlorine.
First, a little about chlorine and swimming pool maintenance: Chlorine is a sanitizer that keeps your swimming pool bacteria-free, making it a healthier place for you and your family. It also helps control algae and organic contaminants (such as those from wind, dust, rain, and people). Because it oxidizes while it sanitizes, chlorine alsogives your swimming pool crystal-clear water, offering a more attractive and inviting appearance to family and visitors to your home.
Make sure you get top-quality chlorine pool products with the highest percentage of active chlorine available on the market. Look for 99% active ingredient, 90% available chlorine in the tablets, sticks, or granular product you buy.
Look for pool chlorine that is manufactured and distributed by the same company to ensure freshness. This is especially important because buying in higher quantities saves you money, so you won't be using what you buy right away. Companies that manufacture their own chlorine are also able to offer it at discount prices by cutting out the middleman.
Whether you buy granular chlorine or chlorine tablets or sticks, make sure the product is UV protected to extend the life of your chlorine. This will also help with maintaining quality and freshness when you buy chlorine in bulk and store it for an entire season. Store unused chlorine in a cool, dry space away from your swimming pool.
Pool chlorine should dissolve slowly but completely to maintain the proper free available chlorine levels, which keep your pool at its healthiest. The dissolution rate (it should be slow and consistent) of chlorine is an indicator of the quality it provides toward maintaining your swimming pool.
Find a pool supplier that offers discount prices on pool chlorine and become a loyal customer so you'll be informed of sales and special offers. Follow your pool supplier on Twitter and Facebook so you'll learn about great deals as soon as they become available.
Buy chlorine tablets or sticks that are individually wrapped to ensure quality and to makeapplication convenient and mess-free.
Make sure you buy chlorine that is safe for use with all types of swimming pools if you have a vinyl-lined pool.
The choice to buy sticks, tablets, or granular chlorine is an individual one, so you'll have to decide what works best for you. Chlorine tablets and sticks provide easy weekly maintenance just place one or two sticks in a feeder. Granular chlorine dissolves more quickly; make sure the product you buy does not require pre-mixing and leaves no residue.
