What's the BEST CHLORINE for Your POOL? | Swim University

Summary

This video script offers an informative dive into pool chlorine options, highlighting the distinction between stabilized and unstabilized chlorine. It emphasizes the importance of maintaining chlorine levels between one and three parts per million and pH balance for effective sanitation. The script compares the convenience and effectiveness of trichlor tablets and di-chlor granules, discusses methods of adding chlorine tablets, and touches on alternatives like liquid chlorine, bleach, and mineral systems. It concludes with a call to action for a free pool care cheat sheet and encourages viewers to subscribe for more pool maintenance guidance.

Takeaways

• 🧪 There are various types of chlorine for pools, including tablets, granules, and household bleach, each with different effectiveness depending on application.
• 🌞 Stabilized chlorine contains cyanuric acid, protecting it from UV rays, while unstabilized chlorine dissipates faster and requires more frequent application.
• 💧 The goal for pool chlorine levels is to maintain them between one and three parts per million, with an ideal level at three parts per million.
• ⚖️ Chlorine granules dissolve quickly and are good for fighting algae but have a lower chlorine percentage and require manual handling.
• 💊 Trichlor tablets are convenient, with up to 90% chlorine content, and can be used in floaters, skimmers, or automatic chlorinators.
• 📐 The pH level of the pool should be between 7.4 and 7.6 for effective chlorine action.
• 🔄 Chlorine tablets can be added to pools using floating dispensers, skimmer baskets, or automatic chlorinators, each with its pros and cons.
• 💰 Liquid chlorine and household bleach are cost-effective but require additional measures like adding cyanuric acid and are more corrosive.
• 🌱 Using a mineral system can reduce the amount of chlorine needed by utilizing minerals like silver and copper to sanitize the water.
• 🏠 For indoor pools, consider chlorine alternatives like bromine, as stabilized chlorine is unnecessary without sun exposure.
• 📚 A free pool care cheat sheet is available at SwimUniversity.com/CheatSheet to assist with pool maintenance throughout the season.

Q & A

What are the different types of chlorine mentioned in the script that can be added to a pool?

The script mentions tablets, granules, and household bleach as the different types of chlorine that can be added to a pool.

What is the primary purpose of cyanuric acid in stabilized chlorine?

Cyanuric acid, also known as CYA or stabilizer, in stabilized chlorine protects the chlorine from being destroyed by the sun's UV rays.

Why might unstabilized chlorine require more frequent application compared to stabilized chlorine?

Unstabilized chlorine does not contain cyanuric acid, which means it dissipates more quickly and is more susceptible to breaking down in the sun, necessitating more frequent application.

What is the ideal chlorine level to maintain in a pool according to the script?

The ideal chlorine level to maintain in a pool is between one and three parts per million, with three parts per million being ideal.

What is the recommended pH range for a pool before adding chlorine?

The recommended pH range for a pool before adding chlorine is between 7.4 and 7.6.

How do chlorine granules differ from trichlor tablets in terms of chlorine percentage and application method?

Chlorine granules have a lower chlorine percentage of around 60% and are added directly to the pool water, requiring manual measurement and pre-dissolving. Trichlor tablets, which can contain up to 90% chlorine, are placed in devices like floaters or automatic chlorinators for slow and sustained release.

Why might using granules be preferable for someone who wants quick action and control over chlorine amounts?

Granules dissolve more quickly in water, providing a fast action against algae and contaminants, and since they are manually added, they offer more control over the exact amount of chlorine being introduced to the pool.

What are the three common ways to add chlorine tablets to a pool as mentioned in the script?

The three common ways to add chlorine tablets to a pool are using floating dispensers, placing them inside the skimmer basket, and using an automatic chlorinator.

How does an automatic chlorinator differ from floating dispensers and skimmer basket methods in terms of reliability and convenience?

An automatic chlorinator is a set-it-and-forget-it method that sends chlorinated water into the pool without going through the filtration system, providing a steady and reliable rate of dissolving. It is more convenient than the inconsistent rate of floating dispensers and the dependency on daily pump and filter operation for the skimmer basket method.

What are the drawbacks of using liquid chlorine and household bleach as compared to other forms of chlorine?

Liquid chlorine and household bleach are unstabilized, meaning they require the addition of cyanuric acid for protection from the sun. Liquid chlorine also has a very high pH and is highly corrosive, while household bleach has a lower concentration of chlorine, requiring more frequent and larger additions to the pool.

How can a mineral system help in reducing the amount of chlorine needed in a pool?

A mineral system uses minerals like silver and copper to sanitize the water, which means less chlorine is needed, only 0.5 to one part per million, as the minerals ensure there's always something fighting contaminants even if chlorine levels drop.