Is it OK to use chlorine tablets in a saltwater pool?
Although you don't add chlorine tablets to a saltwater pool, it does still contain chlorine. It just has a smaller amount that's generated through the filter system. A saltwater pool contains 10 times less salt than the ocean. There's around 3,000 ppm (parts per million) salinity in a saltwater pool.
Instead of filling your chlorinator or floater to the top with tablets, use one three-inch tablet for every 10,000 gallons of water in your pool. If you are shocking your water weekly, this amount of tablets should be perfect to maintain a good chlorine level.
There are also chlorine floaters that can be used in the pool that work the same basic way. Saltwater pools use a chlorine generator. Salt is dissolved into the pool and that water is transferred through the chlorine generator converting it to chlorine and sending it back to the pool.
yes you can. It does not matter to the pool water how the chlorine is introduced - just that it is introduced. So in this sense you can add liquid chlorine, granular chlorine or even chlorine pucks to your pool if you have a salt system and this is no problem at all.
Shock also helps to raise the free available chlorine level of your swimming pool. How do you raise the free chlorine in a salt-water pool? You can use granular shock or shock pods in your saltwater pool. Just make sure that you use your long-handled pool brush to disperse any shock that settles to the bottom.
A better method is adding chlorine tablets directly to your swimming pool skimmer. When your filter is running, water will move quickly over the tablets in the skimmer basket, dissolving them much more effectively than the floater does.
There is no set timeframe of when you need to add salt to your pool. Because salt does not dissipate from your water, the only time you would add salt to your pool is when you add fresh water or after heavy rain that dilutes salinity levels.
Besides normal, ideal water balance, all you need for a saltwater pool is a chlorine generator and enough pool salt to raise the level to the salt system manufacturer's recommendation. You will still need to maintain good water balance on a saltwater pool.
That's right: your saltwater pool is still a chlorine pool.
You're adding salt instead of chemicals to make that chlorine happen. As a result, your salt water generator also produces a steadier, lower chlorine level than a typical pool. That means the water is gentler on your skin and eyes.
The saltwater chlorinator needs a sufficient flow of water for effective operation. A dirty skimmer basket, clogged or dirty filter, and a clogged pump strainer, can cause insufficient water flow for the chlorinator to produce less chlorine.
Why is my salt water pool losing chlorine?
Reasons it could be low:
Not enough salt in the water for your Chlorinator to produce chlorine (salt should sit around 5000 PPM. Salt cell needs cleaning. Check our chlorinator cleaning guide for more information. Salt cell needs replacing.
If you want to shock your pool then liquid chlorine will be the perfect fit. But if you want convenience, a stack of chlorine tablets is the way to go. It also helps that tablets are cost-effective too and have a long shelf life.
To keep things easy, remember that a single 3-inch tablet can sanitize up to 5,000 gallons of water. Which means four tablets are enough to sanitize a 20,000-gallon pool.
It all depends on the size of your chlorine tablets. Standard tablets (200g) can take about 5 to 7 days to fully dissolve.
Shock your pool once a week with Salinity Surge Shock. Pool shock works as an added defense against bacteria and contaminants. With Oxidizing shock, you can use your pool after just 15 minutes! Shock your swimming pool on the same day each week for the highest benefits and keep your pool in tip-top shape!
Once a Week
Run a pool vacuum. Allow about 45 minutes to an hour to do this by hand or save yourself time by investing in an automatic pool cleaner. Check that the pump and filter are running correctly. Check the water chemistry and balance as needed.
Tablets typically come in two sizes—3-inch chlorinating tablets, which are typically best for larger swimming with a volume of 5,000 gallons or more. Or, 1-inch chlorinating tablets, which are best for smaller pools that are less than 5,000 gallons.
If using granular pool shock (Cal Hypo), use 3 lbs per 10000 gallons, for a complete shock that will kill anything in the pool. If using 6% liquid chlorine bleach, add 5 gallons per 10000 gallons.
If you're converting to a salt water system for the first time, you'll need about six or seven 40-pound bags of pool salt (for a 10,000-gallon pool). On the other hand, if your salt levels are just low (around 1,000 PPM), you'll only need about four or five 40-pound bags of pool-grade salt.
So how long it takes for a chlorine tablet to dissolve really varies for every pool. As a general rule, we see stabilized chlorine tablets (also called trichlor tablets) last anywhere from two to three days. Slow dissolve cal-hypo tabs may last four to five days.
Which is better liquid chlorine or tablets?
If you want to shock your pool then liquid chlorine will be the perfect fit. But if you want convenience, a stack of chlorine tablets is the way to go. It also helps that tablets are cost-effective too and have a long shelf life.
Never put chlorine tablets into the skimmer baskets of your pool. Some pool companies will put chlorine tablets directly into the skimmer baskets of the pool. Never allow anyone to put chlorine tablets in these skimmer baskets.
Floating pool dispensers can be used in aboveground and inground pools, but make sure your pool manufacturer says it's safe to use one. The chlorine floater must be removed from the water when people are in the pool.
Shock your pool once a week with Salinity Surge Shock. Pool shock works as an added defense against bacteria and contaminants. With Oxidizing shock, you can use your pool after just 15 minutes! Shock your swimming pool on the same day each week for the highest benefits and keep your pool in tip-top shape!
There's One Culprit. The good thing here is that if your saltwater pool is green, you don't have to diagnose the problem—at least, not initially. Green water has one culprit, and that's algae. Algae can be introduced into any pool, no matter what sanitizer it uses.
That's why it's best to use either dichlor shock or non-chlorine shock for regular saltwater pool maintenance and cal-hypo shock for algae issues. Even saltwater pools need to be shocked every week or two (and more often if there's been heavy rain or high usage).
When pouring the salt into the pool, add it around the deep end to have it circulate through the main drain. Brush the salt towards the main drain. The salt should be dissolved within 24 hours. After the salt has dissolved, the salt chlorine generator can be started.
Using our previous example, we would need to buy about 15 bags of salt for the 20,000 gallon pool. A few extra tips: Always use non-iodized salt that is at least 99.8% pure sodium chloride (NaCl)
You may have asked at some point, "How soon can you swim after adding chlorine?" or "How long do I need to wait between adding pool chemicals?" It is recommended to wait at least 20 minutes to an hour after adding water balancing chemicals.
To handle chlorine tablets safely, it is important to always wear protective gear such as gloves, goggles, and a mask. Be very careful to never allow the chlorine tablets to directly touch your skin. By taking the proper precautions, you can help keep yourself and your family safe.
How many times should I put chlorine tablets in my pool?
Under normal circumstances, you should add a tablet of chlorine every 3-7 days, depending on the results of your water tests. Tablets are often the best option, as they are easier to handle and measure. Make sure to store them in a cool and dry place.