Unlike tablets, granules come in a significantly lower concentration which, along with their size, make them easy to dissolve in water. To add chlorine granules to the water, you simply sprinkle them around the surface instead of using a dispenser.
Chlorine granules, meanwhile, are simply scattered over a pool. Their combination of a smaller consistency and lower concentration makes them much more suitable for this purpose than chlorine tablets, as they dissolve more easily. This, in turn, enables them to fight pool bacteria much more quickly as well.
What can you use instead? Bromine — considered a safe substitute for chlorine. Looks for BCDMH tablets, which are typically 66% bromine and 27% chlorine. If unable to find, you can use just bromine but it may leave the water a dull green color.
The way you apply granular chlorine to the pool is by using a large pail and fill it with hot water (the exact quantity of water doesn't matter, just fill the pail). You then add the granular chlorine to the water in the pail (always chlorine in water, never water on chlorine).
Granular chlorine can be applied by broadcasting over the pool or adding it to the skimmer. Dichlor chlorine is small grained and quickly dissolves, so it doesn't need to be dissolved in water before adding to the skimmer.
'. Chlorine Granules are a powder form of chlorine (Sodium Dichlor) and they can be added directly to your hot tub water. Chlorine Tablets for hot tubs (Trichlor) are the size of a 50p piece and usually float in a dispenser or an in-line feeder.
Tablets and dispensers are often preferred by pool owners because they can offer greater consistency and – if you get the dosage right in varying conditions – less hassle than granule treatments.
Typically, a 3-inch pool chlorine tablet is designed to chlorinate from 7,500 to 10,000 gallons of water per week, meaning it'll take seven days to dissolve. If you have a 30,000-gallon pool, you'll need to place three 3-inch pool chlorine tablets in a chlorinator or floater.
Shock is liquid or granular chlorine. You should add one gallon (or one pound) of shock per 10,000 gallons of pool water every week to two weeks. During hot weather or frequent use, you may need to shock more frequently.
The procedure for adding granular chlorine is pretty much the same as adding calcium chloride or sodium bicarb to a pool. Measure the dry chemical, pre-dissolve in a bucket, and pour around the perimeter of the pool (never into the skimmer directly). There are a few types of dry, granular chlorine.
Chlorinating Liquid is a popular choice among pool owners and can be used as a substitute when chlorinating tablets may be unavailable. Chlorinating liquid is not stabilized, which means it may require a chlorine stabilizer to help the chlorine last longer.
It is possible use use the tablets in your large wading pool. However, this is not economical and it will take a large amount of tablets to clean your pool. Unless you have a major supply of these tablets on hand, I would not suggest using them to clean a pool.
I think the answer to your question is about 3-6 days. The problem is that the chlorine that you need to keep the bacteria in check is used up more quickly as the temperature rises, the activity increases, and as sweat and other body stuff is put into the pool.
The cold water, anything below 65°, has an impact on the ability of the chemicals to dissolve properly. I would recommend using liquid chlorine if you have to shock in lower temperatures. You can dissolve granular shock in warm water. Perhaps it will work if you completely dissolve it before adding it to the pool.
Verdict: For most Lay‑Z‑Spa users multifunctional tablets are an excellent way to maintain healthy chlorine levels, however, when shock dosing or setting up your spa chlorine granules can be more useful as the chlorine level can be raised more rapidly.
Small Intex pools under 12′ in diameter should use 2-4 of the 1″ tablets in a chlorine floater. In addition to everyday chlorination of your Intex pool, you may have heard of shocking the pool. This refers to raising the chlorine level above 10 ppm by adding a granular chlorine powder, also known as pool shock.
In general, you'll need 3.5 US quarts (3.3 L) of liquid shock treatment or 1 pound (0.45 kg) of a granular product per 10,000 gallons (38,000 L) of water. To be sure, check the instructions for the amount needed to produce a 1 ppm change in chlorine levels.
Liquid chlorine and granular shock have the same active chemical that sanitizes your pool, what changes is the strength and the way you use it. Liquid chlorine is less costly, unstabilized and comes in liquid form. Granular shock is stabilized and comes in a solid form that dissolves in your pool.
The method to add dry, granular chlorine to a swimming pool is relatively straightforward. You just need to measure the chemical, dissolve it in a bucket or similar container, and add the mixture around the perimeter. Take care never to add chlorine directly to the skimmer.
Do NOT use chlorine granules in a floater or feeder. When you're adding granules, broadcast them evenly over a wide area in the deepest part of the pool – NOT in the skimmer.
How Long do Chlorine Tablets Last in a Hot Tub? Small 20g chlorine tablets will dissolve slowly over a period of 3-7 days depending on water flow, water temperature and hot tub usage.
Are chlorine and shock the same thing? SKIMMER NOTES: No. Chlorine and shock are not the same thing. Shock has a more intense chemical strength than the traditional chlorine sanitizers, and it also differs in how you should apply it to your swimming pool.
Maintenance is critical when it comes to the quality of your pool water. Well maintained pool water can last up to 5, maybe even seven years before you need to replace it. This means weekly cleaning, functional filters, and checking ph levels every day. Usage is a huge determining factor.
The Bottom Line about Pools and Chlorine
As mentioned above, you could probably swim in a pool without chlorine without any major health issues. However, long-term use of a pool lacking chlorinated H2O could make you sick or, at the very least, contribute to rashes and other types of skin irritation.