As a pool owner, you must continually ensure that your pool is clear of dirt, harmful organisms, and other impurities.
Fortunately, a range of pool chemicals and equipment, including chlorine pool tablets, are used for daily pool cleanliness.
Pool chlorine tablets are vital pool sanitation products that disinfect the swimming pool water and hot tub to ensure the safety of your family.
This article will help you get a better grasp of the best pool chlorine tablets (see also ‘Applying Chlorine Tablets In Your Pool: A Short Guide‘) on the market, their performance, and what to look for in the best.
RANK | IMAGE | PRODUCT NAME | RATING | |
1 | 
 | CLOROX Pool & Spa XtraBlue 3-Inch Chlorinating Tablets | ||
2 | 
 | Pool Mate 1-1405M All-In-1 Swimming Pool 3-Inch Chlorine Tabs | ||
3 | 
 | RX Clear 3-Inch Individually Wrapped Chlorine Tablets | ||
4 | 
 | Clorox Pool & Spa Small 1” Chlorinating Tablets | ||
5 | 
 | Pool Mate 1-1407 Jumbo 3-Inch Swimming Pool Chlorine Tablets | ||
6 | 
 | Qualco Giant 3-Inch Chlorinating Tablets Swimming Pool | ||
7 |
| Pool Care 36150 Swimming Pool Chemical 3-Inch Chlorine Tablets | ||
8 | 
 | Members Mark Chlorinating Tablets 40 LB 3” Tablets |
Table of Contents
What Is Chlorine?
You may wonder what chlorine is and why it is the most important component of a clean swimming pool.
Chlorine is the most extensively used pool sanitizer in the world and is used to keep swimming pools safe.
Chlorine-based disinfectants help water safety by destroying waterborne bacteria that may cause diarrhea, swimmer’s ear, and skin rashes, including athlete’s foot.
What Do Chlorine Tablets Do?
To attain the finest water quality possible in their swimming pools, pool owners must comprehend the mechanism and effectiveness of chlorine pills.
To simplify this procedure, a quick description of how chlorine pills function is provided below.
Before moving on, we must all acknowledge that chlorine is a chemical used to keep swimming pools and hot tubs free of bacteria and algae.
Chlorine tablets are a solid tablet form of chlorine made by mixing chlorine with calcium hypochlorite and a stabilizing substance such as cyanuric acid, which often works as a sunscreen for the chlorine.
To utilize chlorine tablets, put them in the automated chlorinator, automatic chlorine dispensers, or pool skimmer; they will gently disintegrate in the pool water over 7 to 10 days, releasing chlorine gradually.
A chemical reaction happens when chlorine tablets come into contact with germs and organisms, allowing the chlorine tablets to accomplish their intended function.
The process is known as oxidation, and it is successful when the chemistry of the pool is in balance.
In addition, there are two types of chlorine tablets: stabilized and unstabilized chlorine pills.
Most chlorine tablets are stabilized, which means that they are created with the addition of extra chemicals, such as cyanuric acid, to protect against the sun’s UV rays and to facilitate their quick disintegration, making them perfect for outdoor pools.
Stabilized chlorine tablets or slow dissolving tablets have a longer shelf life due to their stabilizing components, which provide a slower dissolution process and maintain chemical balance in the pool.
Unstabilized chlorine pills, which often include lithium hypochlorite or sodium hypochlorite, are the exact opposite of stabilized chlorine tablets.
They lack stabilizers and dissolve more rapidly in pool water, especially when exposed to sunshine, making them excellent for indoor pools.
Frequently, unstabilized tabs are utilized in treatment and tasks that need speed.
Why Do You Need Chlorine Tablets?
Compared to chlorine granules, chlorine tablets distribute chlorine into pool water at a far more consistent rate.
Using granules is much more time-consuming due to the need of measuring and estimating the correct amount.
Tablet chlorinators are the optimal choice for use with chlorine tablets.
A chlorine generator is a component of the filtration system of your pool.
The chlorinator is the last component the pool water meets before being returned to the pool when it is appropriately positioned. Chlorine pills must be periodically added to the chlorinator.
The chlorinator regulates the amount of chlorine in your pool by adding chlorine tablets as needed.
You just need to keep the chlorinator stocked with tablets; it handles everything else.
Some pool owners utilize chlorine tablets rather than purchasing a chlorinator. One 3-inch chlorine pill can chlorinate 5,000 gallons of pool water.
You may decide how many chlorine tablets you need depending on the size of your pool, place the tablets in the skimmer, and let your pool filter distribute the chlorine with the water that returns to the pool.
How Should You Put Chlorine Tablets In Pools?
There are specialized methods for administering chlorine tablets in swimming pools, above-ground pools, in-ground pools, fountains, and hot tubs, such as using a floating dispenser, pool skimmer, and an automated chlorinator.
Due to the generally equal distribution of chlorine that occurs from their usage, pool skimmers are considered the simplest and most efficient way of delivering chlorine pills.
To use a floating chlorine dispenser, just add the necessary number of tablets to the float, which then floats about dissolving the chlorine.
The chlorine may not be spread uniformly if the floating dispensers get entangled in a specific spot.
Automatic chlorinators (see also our article on automatic pool chlorinators) are the most effective way to apply chlorine to a pool.
Place the tablets in the chlorinator and set the machine to the desired chlorine concentration.
In this approach, the chlorine dosing is regulated, and your pool’s chlorine levels are always precisely maintained.
8 Chlorine Tablets We Think You Will Like?
CLOROX Pool & Spa XtraBlue 3-Inch Chlorinating Tablets
CLOROX Pool&Spa offers innovative 3-inch chlorinating tablets for swimming pools that give lasting protection against microorganisms.
To maintain a clean swimming pool, these 5 pounds stabilized chlorine tablets contain 99 percent trichloro-s-triazinetrione, a chemical unique from those found in chlorine granules that allows the chlorine tablets to degrade slowly and withstand UV radiation.
Moreover, they are primarily designed to eradicate bacteria and prevent all types of pool algae.
Each tablet is individually wrapped and includes conditioners designed to give your pool water a silky texture.
Additionally, the 3-inch tablets are designed to withstand corrosion, scaling, and staining.
Pros
- Prevents Corrosion: This is crucial to keeping your pool looking its best.
- Kills Bacteria: A vital aspect of chlorine tablets.
- Long-Lasting In Sun: This is important to keep your pool clean in the summer!
Cons
- Expensive: This product may be expensive for some on a budget.
Also Available On: https://www.cloroxpool.com/products/xtrablue-chlorinating-tablets/
Pool Mate 1-1405M All-In-1 Swimming Pool 3-Inch Chlorine Tabs
Pool Mate’s 3-inch tablets are granular chlorine tablets that serve as a clarifier (see also ‘The Difference Between Pool Clarifier and Flocculant‘), sanitizer, algae control agent, stain inhibitor, and scale remover.
These tasks are efficiently completed since each 3-inch chlorine tablet is individually wrapped and preserved, resulting in a gradual dissolution and prolonged distribution.
The model contains around 94% trichloro-s-triazinetrione and 85% accessible chlorine, and its 3-in-1 capability eliminates the need to acquire and apply additional chemicals to achieve the desired effect. Most effective when used with feeders and floaters.
Before adding the tablets, you should test the pH, calcium hardness, and alkalinity of the water to ensure its safety. Weekly maintenance with 1-3 tablets per 10,000 gallons of water is advised for best performance.
Pros
- Multi-Functional: These tablets perform 3 different functions, all at the same time.
- Fewer Chemicals: This is important for those that are cautious about what they are putting in their pool.
- Designed For Safety: These tablets have been designed for safe and easy handling.
Cons
- Prone To Breakage: Some customers have had issues with breakage and damages with this product.
Also Available On: https://swiftsly.com/shop/pool-mate-1-1405m-all-in-1-swimming-pool-3-inch-chlorinating-tablets-5-pound-5-pounds/
RX Clear 3-Inch Individually Wrapped Chlorine Tablets
Rx Clear 3-inch chlorine pills are among the finest chlorine tablets because not only do they give prolonged protection for swimming pools, but they are also great for hot tubs.
These 7-ounce tablets contain 90 percent soluble chlorine that dissolves slowly and 99 percent trichloro-s-triazinetrione, which encourages the circulation of chlorine granules for efficient pool cleaning.
To ensure that the pills dissolve slowly, they are engineered to be resistant to light.
The RX pills are not abrasive to the skin, and the stabilized chlorine tablets are manufactured using cyanuric acid to form an iso-cyanurate tablet that lasts longer and has less odor than calcium hypochlorite-based chlorine tablets.
In addition, it is a very efficient bactericide, algaecide (see also ‘How To Use Algaecide In Your Swimming Pool‘), and disinfectant for swimming pool treatment.
Pros
- Budget-Friendly: This item comes at the lower end of the price scale for these kinds of products.
- Dissolves Slowly: These tablets are slow dissolving, to ensure full coverage and effective cleaning.
- Protects Against Bleach: This is important as bleaching can be a serious issue in the summertime.
Cons
- Can Irritate Skin And Eyes: This is a common issue with products that use Chlorine, but caution is advised.
Also Available On: https://www.dontwasteyourmoney.com/products/rx-clear-individually-wrapped-chlorine-pool-tablets-3-inch/
Clorox Pool & Spa Small 1” Chlorinating Tablets
CLOROX Pool&Spa offers distinctive 1-inch chlorinating tablets for small pools that provide long-lasting protection against bacteria and algae.
This model employs 1-inch stabilized chlorine tablets with a 99 percent trichloro-S-triazinetrione concentration, allowing the chlorine tablets to degrade slowly and withstand UV light.
Moreover, they are primarily designed to eradicate bacteria and prevent all types of pool algae.
The chlorine tabs’ 1-inch size makes them excellent for inflatable pools, Intex pools, miniature pools, above-ground pools, and fountains.
Each tablet includes conditioners designed to provide a velvety smoothness to the pool water.
In addition to preventing corrosion, scaling, and staining, the tablets are great for vinyl pools.
Pros
- Prevents Corrosion, Stains, And Scaling: This is crucial to keeping your pool looking its best.
- Kills Bacteria And Algae: A vital aspect of chlorine tablets.
- Long-Lasting In Sun: This is important to keep your pool clean in the summer!
Cons
- Tablets Crumble Easily: These tablets can crumble if handled too much.
Also Available On: https://www.cloroxpool.com/products_category/chlorinate/
Pool Mate 1-1407 Jumbo 3-Inch Swimming Pool Chlorine Tablets
Pool Mate’s 3-inch chlorine tablet is meant to clean your pool by eliminating bacteria and germs.
As stabilized chlorine tablets, the tablets are preserved, resulting in a gradual dissolution and a prolonged effect.
Individual packaging of the tablets ensures safe handling and prevents contact with liquid chlorine.
The model contains around 94% trichloro-s-triazinetrione and 85% available chlorine; these ounces are meant to boost the pool’s chlorine residual.
The 8-ounce tablets may only be used with floaters and in-line feeders.
Before adding chlorine pills, the water’s pH, calcium hardness, and alkalinity should be evaluated for safety.
A weekly maintenance schedule of 1-3 tablets per 10,000 gallons of water is suggested for optimum functioning.
Pros
- Designed For Safety: These tablets have been designed for safe and easy handling.
- Long-Lasting In Sun: This is important to keep your pool clean in the summer!
- Multi-Functional: These tablets perform several different functions, all at the same time.
Cons
- Prone To Breakage: Some customers have had issues with breakage and damages with this product.
Qualco Giant 3-Inch Chlorinating Tablets Swimming Pool
Qualco Giant is a 3-inch chlorinating tablet designed to clean, purify, and sanitize all sorts of swimming pools, with the assurance that the pool will be free of bacteria and algae.
The model is a 3-inch, user-friendly tablet designed to prevent chlorine loss via the use of a formulation that is shaded from sunlight, enabling the chlorine tablets to dissolve slowly while generating speedy and effective effects.
The tablets of stabilized chlorine contain 90% chlorine and 99% trichloro-s-triazinetrione.
These, together with chlorine pills, are suitable for gunite, vinyl, and large, and small swimming pools.
Pros
- Kills Bacteria And Algae: A vital aspect of chlorine tablets.
- UV Inhibitors: These are crucial for preventing chlorine loss.
- Sanitization: These tablets sanitize your pool and keep it looking its best.
Cons
- Expensive: This product may be expensive for some on a budget.
Also Available On: https://www.walmart.com/ip/Qualco-Pool-Care-3-Inch-Swimming-Pool-Chlorinating-Sanitizer-Tabs-5-Pounds/470338923
Pool Care 36150 Swimming Pool Chemical 3-Inch Chlorine Tablets
3-inch chlorine tablets are used as an algaecide and bactericide to clean and sanitize the pool.
The pills are provided in a 50-pound bucket containing chlorine that is individually packed and ready for use throughout the season.
A single tablet is designed to give excellent performance for several days, obviating the need for routine maintenance.
The Pool Care 36150 model comprises about 94 percent Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione and 89 percent accessible chlorine.
Pros
- Disinfection: These tablets disinfect your pool and make sure it is clean.
- Performance: These tablets are known for their superior performance record.
- Kills Bacteria And Algae: These tablets are both algaecide and bactericide.
Cons
- No Sunlight Protection: This can be very important to those in hotter climates, or those whose pools get a lot of time in the sun.
Also Available On: https://www.desertcart.com.om/products/102649277-qualco-pool-care-36150-swimming-pool-chemical-3-inch-chlorine-tablets-50-pounds
Members Mark Chlorinating Tablets 40 LB 3” Tablets
Members Mark chlorinating pills are precisely manufactured to not only sanitize your pool but also offer you a clean, residue-free pool.
The chlorine tablets are separately packed and stored in a 40-pound bucket for use within months.
It is expected that a single 3-inch tablet would keep both algae and bacteria under control and at bay. In addition, the tablets do not leave behind any residue, so you may use them without worrying about harming the pool liner.
Members brand has about 94 percent trichloro-s-triazinetrione and 89 percent available chlorine, and is appropriate for all kinds of water for effective pool cleaning, including pools with salt water.
Pros
- Performance: These tablets are known for incredible performance.
- Diverse: These tablets can be used for all different water types.
- Disinfection: These tablets disinfect your pool and make sure it is clean.
Cons
- Prone To Breakage: Some customers have had issues with breakage and damages with this product.
Also Available On: https://www.samsclub.com/p/chlorinating-tablets-40lb-bucket/prod14250498
Buyer’s Guide
Now that you understand what chlorine tablets are, there are a number of factors to consider when selecting the most effective chlorine tablets for your pool. Among these are:
Size
The tablet size you use will depend on the pool and dispenser dimensions.
On the market, tablet sizes range between 1 and 3 inches. Each of these inch sizes offers a distinct range of capabilities.
While 1-inch ones are appropriate for smaller pools, 3-inch ones may be used in chlorinators as well.
Composition
Each kind of chlorine tablet, such as sodium hypochlorite, lithium hypochlorite, calcium hypochlorite, and others, utilizes a specific type.
The pills containing between 85 and 90 percent chlorine are the most effective in eliminating algae, bacteria, and other microorganisms from swimming pools.
Dissolve Rate
The rate at which a chlorine tablet dissolves is crucial. If the chlorine molecules dissolve too rapidly, you will need to add additional tablets to your pool, which could affect the pH level.
However, if the tablet dissolves too slowly, there is a risk of inadequate chlorine in the pool, which might result in the rapid proliferation of organisms.
You must determine the appropriate disintegration rate for your pill in order for it to endure at least seven to ten days without the addition or subtraction of chlorine pills.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Do Chlorine Tablets Last?
The lifespan of chlorine pills is usually less than a week, with some lasting between two and three days and the slowest dissolving pills lasting about four to five days.
In addition, bear in mind that the lifetime of a tablet relies on the tablet’s size, the active ingredient contained in the tablet, the pool’s gallon capacity, and the location of the tablet, such as in the floater, feeder, or chlorinator.
Do Chlorine Tablets Get Rid Of Mosquito Larvae?
Chlorine tablets alone cannot eliminate mosquito larvae. They are only strong enough to maintain the pool’s health and prevent the formation of mosquito larvae.
To shock the pool (see also ‘How Often Should I Shock My Swimming Pool?‘), you may apply a strong quantity of chlorine tablets, but this cannot be done often since it would deplete the chlorine level.
To remove mosquito larvae, pool owners must use the correct number of chlorine tablets and other efficient and effective pool maintenance equipment, such as pool filters, maintaining the proper chlorine level in the pool, circulating the water, etc.
Are Chlorine Tablets Better Than Liquid Or Granules?
In addition to liquid chlorine, manufacturers also create chlorine tablets, granules, and dust for the maintenance of pool water.
Tablets are chlorine in tablet form, granules are more loosely powdered, and liquids are chlorine in liquid form.
Due to the fact that the granules, liquid, and tablets contain almost the same active ingredient, they are comparable on a range of dimensions, including ease of use, cost, and impact on the water chemistry, such as spa chemicals.
The fundamental benefit of chlorine tablets over chlorine granules or liquid (see also ‘Liquid Chlorine Vs. Chlorine Granules‘) is that tablets dissolve more slowly than grains, but liquid dissolves more slowly than granules since it is already liquid.
Moreover, liquid chlorine is often more unstable than tablets. Which of the two is preferable, though, is a matter of personal choice.
Can You Store Chlorine Tablets Outside?
Yes, chlorine tablets may be kept outside if the box specifies that they should be maintained in a cool, dry location.
Even if containers are adequately and securely sealed, keeping them in environments such as a garage will result in significant rust over time.
Therefore, it is recommended to store the tablets in waterproof, tightly sealed containers outside.
Note, however, that the tablets should be stored in cool, out-of-the-way settings when used outside so as not to lose their efficacy.
