The swimming pool is a backyard staple, but all pools require some level of maintenance, and one of the most important parts of pool upkeep is the chlorine. Chlorine sanitizes pool water and kills bacteria, but if you have sensitive eyes or swim a lot, you’re probably more familiar with the burning, stinging sensation of too much chlorine than the feeling of pure, clean water. It’s a balancing act to find the right chlorine level for your pool, one that’s safe for your eyes and minimizes any chemical smell while still effectively sanitizing the water, and it’s one that changes over time as you swim, add more toys or people to the pool and the water becomes dirtier.
To help you sort through the various types of chlorine on the market, we’ve rounded up the best swimming pool chlorine for you to experiment with.
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Our Editor’s Best Swimming Pool Chlorine Reviews
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Best Swimming Pool Chlorine Buying Guide
Before choosing the best swimming pool chlorine you should consider following options:
1. Pool Water Balance: Before adding anything to the pool, you should test the water to make sure it’s balanced. The first step is to test the pH level. If the pH is too high or low, it will impact the effectiveness of the chlorine.
The ideal pH level for pool water is between 7.2 and 7.8. If your pH is too high or low, you’ll need to add some chemicals to adjust it.
The other test you should perform is the total dissolved solids (TDS). The TDS measures the amount of total dissolved minerals in the water. The higher the TDS, the higher the amount of calcium and salt in the water.
This measurement is important to note if you live in an area with hard water. If the TDS is too high, it will require a larger amount of chlorine to sanitize the water.
The third test you should perform is the alkalinity of your water. This test measures the amount of bicarbonates and carbonates in your water.
It is important to maintain a proper amount of alkalinity in your water. If your pool water is too acidic or alkaline, it will impact the effectiveness of your chlorine.
When your TDS and alkalinity are balanced, the chlorine is more effective in sanitizing the water.
2. Shock Treatment: Once you have determined your water is balanced, you can add a shock treatment to the water. A shock treatment consists of high-concentrated levels of chlorine in the water.
The purpose of this is to kill off any bacteria that may have grown in the water. Shock treatments are typically done in the spring and fall when the temperatures are cooler and the pool is not being used as often.
3. Sanitizer Level: Once the water is balanced, you can add a liquid or tablet form of chlorine to the water. Liquid chlorine is typically a higher-concentrated form that comes in a variety of sizes.
This is typically used in smaller pools. Tablet form chlorine comes in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 50-100%.
This is best for in-ground pools but can also be used in above ground pools.
The amount of chlorine you add will depend on the size of your pool and the flow rate of the water. Typically, you will want to add between 1-3 tabs per 500,000 gallons of water.
4. Alarms: Another way to ensure the pool is sanitized is to use alarms. Alarms sound when the levels of chlorine drop in the water. This will alert you to add more chlorine.
What else you should know about swimming pool chlorine
1. What is chlorine and why is it used in swimming pools?
Chlorine is a chemical that is used to disinfect swimming pools. It kills bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause disease.
2. How does chlorine work to kill bacteria and other contaminants in swimming pools?
Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent and disinfectant. When it is added to water, it reacts with the water to form hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion. These chemicals are very effective at killing bacteria and other contaminants in swimming pools.
3. What are the health risks associated with swimming in a chlorinated pool?
The health risks associated with swimming in a chlorinated pool are minimal. However, some people may experience skin irritation, redness, and burning eyes.
4. How can I reduce my exposure to chlorine when swimming in a pool?
There are a few things you can do to reduce your exposure to chlorine when swimming in a pool. First, you can shower before and after swimming to rinse off any chlorine that may be on your skin. Second, you can wear a swim cap to keep your hair from getting wet and absorbing chlorine. Finally, you can try to avoid swallowing any pool water.
5. Are there any alternatives to using chlorine in swimming pools?
Yes, there are alternatives to using chlorine in swimming pools. Some alternatives include using bromine, ozone, or ultraviolet light.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best swimming pool chlorine. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best swimming pool chlorine will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.