Granular chlorine when kept in airtight containers that are cool and dry can last for over five years, though when stored otherwise and exposed to humidity it can dissolve in under two years.
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 Advantage of Chlorine Tablets for Swimming Pools
The most significant benefit of using chlorine tablets for your pool is its longer-term nature compared to granules. Once you get the right dosage, you shouldn't have to add another chlorine treatment for at least a few days.
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.
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. If you have any pool chemicals in liquid form, they will only last up to two months before they begin to become ineffective.
Liquid Chlorine
Sodium Hypochlorite, or chlorine bleach is a comparatively unstable form of chlorine, in that it can lose up to 50% potency within the first 6 months, and 90% within one year. If subjected to hot or cold temperatures or direct sunlight, degradation occurs more quickly.
Pool chemicals should be stored in a cool, dry, well-ventilated place. Garages are generally not the best place to store pool chemicals unless they are locked in a storage bin or cabinet. Oxidizers and strong acids corrode metal and can cause heavy rusting of pool, electrical, and other equipment stored in the room.
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.
As long as the climate you live in doesn't get extremely hot in the summer, storing pool chemicals outdoors is a possibility. Just make sure they're protected from the elements including direct sunlight.
There is no harm in using liquid chlorine after storing it through the winter, but it will be less effective than when initially purchased. Pool chlorine comes in different forms with differing levels of stability.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Granular chlorine when kept in airtight containers that are cool and dry can last for over five years, though when stored otherwise and exposed to humidity it can dissolve in under two years.
Chlorine is a common disinfectant that is widely used in swimming pools and leisure centres. Chlorine should not be stored with ammonia, acetylene, benzene, butadiene, hydrogen, any petroleum gases, sodium carbide or turpentine.
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. Keep your storage area free of rags, trash, debris, or other materials that could clutter the hazardous material area.
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.
Chlorinated and non-chlorinated pools freeze at the same temperature. However, salt water pools will freeze at a slightly lower temperature. It should also be noted that above-ground pools will generally freeze at a higher temperature than inground pools.
Reusing pool chemical containers or transferring chemicals to another container is never recommended as it can create a dangerous situation. When storing pool chemicals, always use the original containers with their labels clearly legible.
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.
You can use half tablets too, score them with a screwdriver, and break it in half with your hands, underwater in the skimmer basket.
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.