Of the available chlorine options, liquid chlorine is the most economical choice. When using liquid chlorine, the product is simply mixed into the existing pool water. Over time as the water cycles through the pool filter's system, the liquid chlorine will evenly mix with the pool water.
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.
If you want a reliable, low-maintenance way to keep a steady level of chlorine in the pool, slow-dissolving 3" tablets are the way to go. On the other hand, if you're looking for a quick way to increase chlorine levels on demand, liquid chlorine might be a better option.
Add chlorine to your pool every couple of days as part of regularly monitoring your pool water chemistry. You can also add it in the form of pool shock when the chlorine in your pool needs a fast boost. Add chlorine after sunset and make sure no swimmers are in the pool.
Another disadvantage with liquid chlorine is its shelf life, which can only last a few weeks before its potency starts to deteriorate. Storing it in hot places also weakens the solution. But this can be easily remedied by just buying what you need.
You do need to use both tabs and shock. Without tabs, the chlorine shock will dissipate quickly out of the water; without shock, the chlorine level will not get high enough to fully sanitize the water. You should aim to keep the chlorine level at between 1 and 3 ppm.
How Much Liquid Chlorine Does My Pool Need? A major factor when determining the amount of chlorine a pool needs is the size of the pool. For example, if your pool holds 10,000 gallons of water, the standard amount of liquid chlorine needed is anywhere between 50 and 100 ounces.
Liquid chlorine is not stabilized and will burn off quickly in sunlight. Therefore, it should be administered in the evening, after the sun has set. Hold jug of liquid chlorine as far away from your body and as far into the pool as is comfortable and safe.
The right way and time
Since liquid chlorine will burn off quickly in direct sunlight, it's best to add it to your pool in the evening. Wait until the sun begins to or has set.
It's best to add chlorine to your pool at night, so it can work while no one is swimming and the sun has set.
Liquid chlorine does not raise pH. When added to water, liquid chlorine (which has a pH of 13) makes HOCl (hypochlorous acid – the killing form of chlorine) and NaOH (sodium hydroxide), which raises pH. But when the HOCl is degraded by UV, and when used in killing and oxidation, it creates HCl (hydrochloric acid).
Liquid chlorine (sodium hypochlorite) is the most unstable pool chemical, losing 50% of its potency within the first six months and 90% after a year; when exposed to extremely hot or cold temperatures, or sunlight, it degrades even faster.
Calcium Hypochlorite: Also referred to as cal hypo, this chemical is one of the least costly and most convenient ways to shock your pool. It's usually sold in granular form. Needs to be dissolved before you add it to the pool. Must be used after dusk.
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. These are primarily used as a shock, because of how rapidly they dissolve in water.
It is recommended to wait at least 20 minutes to an hour after adding water balancing chemicals. You should wait 2–4 hours (or one full cycle through the filter) to swim from the moment you use calcium chloride in your pool. It is safe to swim once your chlorine levels are around 5 ppm or after 24 hours.
Having too much chlorine in your pool water can be dangerous. Exposure to high levels of chlorine can cause lung irritation, skin and eye damage, and provoke asthma. Not only is it bad for your health, but it can be bad for your pool due to the increase in chlorine.
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.
Therefore, your safest bet is to stick with the ratio of 2 gallons of liquid chlorine per 10,000 gallons of water. Your water's pH will level as the bacteria and algae die off, thus providing a safe swimming environment.
Liquid chlorine may be a good choice if you have a large pool, but the costs associated with it, and the available chlorine per pound could mean that chlorine granules are the better option. In the end, both liquid chlorine and chlorine granules will do their job and keep your pool clean and clear.
Most liquid chlorine is a powerful concentration between 5% and 12.5% sodium hypochlorite, which is the active substance that makes the acid. Granular pool shock, however, is branded at 50-70% chlorine. It needs to be dissolved in water before being poured into the pool, so the result will usually be the same.
Both liquid and powder shocks contain the same active chemical used for pool sanitation, but their usage and strength are different. Other than coming in a different form, liquid chlorine is also more budget-friendly and unstabilized. On the other hand, powder shock is easy to stabilize, and its solid form dissolves.
Baking soda, also known as sodium bicarbonate is naturally alkaline, with a pH of 8. When you add baking soda to your pool water, you will raise both the pH and the alkalinity, improving stability and clarity.