All pool chemicals, aside from unstabilised liquid chlorine, are good for up to three to five years as long as they're stored in a cool and dark place away from sunlight and they're packed in air-tight containers. Granular chlorine can be re-packed to extend its shelf life.
While many people think they can smell or “feel” when their pool has too much chlorine, the only way to know if you have high levels of chlorine is by running a test. Ideally, you should be testing your chlorine level every day, especially if your pool is left uncovered for long periods.
In fact, with proper storage, the pool chemicals should remain usable for years. Liquid pool chemicals, on the other hand, tend to have a shorter shelf life. For example, dry pool chlorine will not expire for a long time, while liquid pool chlorine will expire quickly.
Properly stored chlorine tablets should last three to five years. The storage site should be cool, dry and well-ventilated, such as in a basement. Never leave chlorine tablets in the direct sun, even in a covered bucket, because the heat will accelerate the degrading process of the tablet and its ingredients.
SKIMMER NOTES: As a general rule, most pool chemicals, including pool shock and balancers, should be used within two pool seasons. BUT if you use chlorine and bromine oxidizers and sanitizers, it's best to use them within one season.
Most pool chemicals have a shelf life of 3-5 years, when stored properly: Consistent and cool temperatures, in a dry and dark location. Tight bucket lids and bottle caps, and sealed inner bags to lock out moisture and contaminants.
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.
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.
It is the best place. Even if it's a swimming pool or a septic, if it's salt, if it's any kind of harsh chemicals, and especially chlorine tabs, they need to be in a water- tight container outside. You wouldn't have to lay it in the bright sun, but if he can put it in a shaded area, you'll be fine.
So if you buy liquid shock, be aware that it only lasts one to two months at the most before it starts to lose effectiveness. While many swimming pool chemicals stay good for years if stored correctly, some pool-maintenance supplies expire more quickly.
It is safe to swim once your chlorine levels are around 5 ppm or after 24 hours. It is always best to test first! Muriatic acid can create a hot spot of acid in the water that could potentially burn or irritate your skin. It is best to wait 30 minutes after adding it to your pool.
We suggest shocking the pool every week to two weeks; with hot weather or increased use, you may need to shock more often. When tabs run out, replace them.
One of the causes of a high chlorine demand is an excessive buildup of algae and phosphates. Although you're adding chlorine to your water, bacteria or algae are overpowering the chemicals causing it not to show up on tests strips or in water kits.
Liquid chlorine is a much better choice than tablets for shocking. It is going to go to work right away and get your chlorine levels high in a short time. Saying that, it is an expensive way to do it. Calcium Hypochlorite (cal-hypo) is a much more cost effective way.
Tablets will last approximately 5-7 days depending upon temperature and amount of water flow.
Do not allow chlorine tablets, pellets or flakes to get moist or wet, as they will start to emit highly corrosive and toxic chlorine gas! Do not attempt to transport moistened chlorine tablets, pellets or flakes – you may not survive the trip!
How Often Should I Shock My Pool? Shocking your pool regularly will help to keep the water clean and free of contaminants. You should aim to shock your pool about once a week, with the additional shock after heavy use. Some tell-tale signs that your pool needs to be shocked are cloudy, foamy, green, or odourous water.
In most cases, you're best off with 3-inch chlorine tablets, as one single tablet can treat up to 5,000 gallons of water. On the other hand, 1-inch tablets contain far less chlorine (about half as much as 3-inch tablets), so they're better suited for smaller indoor pools and spas.
Add one tablet for every 5,000 gallons of water and always round up. For example, if your pool has 21,000 gallons of water, add five tablets per week. If it has 8,000 gallons, use two tablets.
It Should Not Be Done Together
This is because when you mix chlorine and algaecide together, it renders both of them useless. Hence, you should first shock the pool and wait for the chlorine levels to fall below 5 PPM.
Unlike liquid chlorine solutions that are nothing more than chlorine mixed into water, chlorine tablets are typically composed of chlorine and a stabilizing component which is usually cyanuric acid or CYA.
Sanitizers are used to kill bacteria and inhibit the growth of viruses, algae and other organic contaminants that enter your pool water by way of wind, rain, dust and swimmers. The most common pool water sanitizer is chlorine.
Ideally, use several bins so that you can separate liquids and solids, and so that reactants such as chlorine and muriatic acid can be stored separately. Containers should be stored off the floor, but low to the ground to minimize potential falling damage.
Store pool chemicals outside the home or attached garage; a locked stand-alone shed is recommended. Lock your storage area to keep children, pets and unauthorized users out.