Have you ever thought about how pools stay clean and clear? Chlorine tablets are a common solution. They release chlorine slowly, killing bacteria and algae. They come in various sizes to suit your pool and last about a week. Compared to liquid chlorine, tablets provide ongoing sanitation and are easier to use.
- Dissolving Speed: The speed at which chlorine tablets dissolve is crucial for pool effectiveness. Different production methods mean varying speeds. Choose tablets with faster dissolving speeds for better results.
- Amount: The quantity of chlorine tablets needed depends on factors like pool size, water type, and filtration system. Test your pool water with a kit to check pH (ideally 7.2 to 7.8) and chlorine levels (1-3 parts per million) before purchasing tablets.
- Tablet Size: Chlorine tablets come in 1-inch and 3-inch sizes. 1-inch tablets are suitable for smaller water bodies like hot tubs, dissolving quickly with a slight chlorine increase. 3-inch tablets are better for larger pools, dissolving slower but raising chlorine levels faster.
Before deciding on a chlorine tablet, ensure you inspect all available information. Explore our recommended options and check out our “Buying Guide” for choosing the best tablet container for your pool.
Best Chlorine Tablets – Comparison Table
| Chlorine Tablets | Brand | Weight | Chlorinating Tablets | Buy Now |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clorox Chlorine Tablets | Clorox | 5 lbs | 3 Inch | Check On Amazon |
| In The Swim Chlorine Tablets | In The Swim | 50 lbs | 3 Inch | Check On Amazon |
| HTH Chlorine Tablets | HTH | 5 lbs | 3 Inch | Check On Amazon |
| Pool Mate Chlorine Tablets | Pool Mate | 7 lbs | 3 Inch | Check On Amazon |
| Doheny's Chlorine Tablets | Doheny's | 50 lbs | 3 Inch | Check On Amazon |
| Qualco Chlorine Tablets | Qualco | 1.5 lbs | 1 Inch | Check On Amazon |
| BioGuard Chlorine Tablets | BioGuard | 25 lbs | 3 Inch | Check On Amazon |
| Robelle Chlorine Tablets | Robelle | 35 lbs | 3 Inch | Check On Amazon |
| Rx Clear Chlorine Tablets | Rx Clear | 8 lbs | 1 Inch | Check On Amazon |
Best Chlorine Tablets – Reviews
1. Clorox Chlorine Tablets
We will start off our list with one of the most popular options for chlorine tablets. This option is coming from CLOROX which is a brand that specifically deals with various disinfectants and cleaning solutions.
In the 1st place, we are listing the CLOROX Pool&Spa XtraBlue chlorine tablets. This is one of the best options for small to medium-sized pools because these tablets are 3 inches in size and offered in 5 lbs in quantity. The CLOROX Pool&Spa XtraBlue chlorine tablets are ensured to kill bacteria present in your pool as well as minimize the chances of algae creation while destroying the ones that already exist.
Apart from that, you can also rely on the CLOROX Pool&Spa XtraBlue chlorine tablets to prevent problems like corrosion, scaling, and staining on the pool apparatus, usually caused by non-chlorinated pool water. Since this is a stabilized method of chlorine addition, it is safe from UV rays and offers long-lasting results. Apart from chlorine, the CLOROX Pool&Spa XtraBlue chlorine tablets also contain conditioners to make the water feel smooth.
Best Features
- Available in 5 lbs in quantity
- Tablet size is 3 inches
- Needs to be applied only once every week
- Added conditioner for smooth-feeling water
Pros
- One of the most popular options for chlorine tablets
- Great option for small to medium-sized pools
- Clorox also has a mobile app for water analysis
Cons
- Not suitable quantity for large pools
2. In The Swim Chlorine Tablets
In The Swim is also bringing a popular option for chlorine tablets on our list today. This brand also focuses on apparatus and accessories designed for pool owners such as pool chemicals, and cleaners.
In 2nd place, we are putting the In The Swim Stabilized Chlorine Tablets. As the name suggests, these are stabilized chlorine tablets to avoid any future problems caused by UV rays that are observed with non-stabilized methods. Plus, this option is more suited for large pools since you will get a 50 lbs in quantity of 3 inches chlorine tablets with this pack. To make it an even better option for large pools, In The Swim has managed to make the available chlorine with these tablets about 90%.
These are slow-dissolving chlorine tablets that might take a long time to take effect but will offer long-lasting results compared to smaller tablets. Plus, the effective increase in chlorine content of the pool water is quite noticeable. Each of these 3 inches tablets offer the Trichlor chlorine addition method and are individually wrapped to avoid damage in transit. And these tablets are designed in such a way that they can be used with any automatic feeder or floater with ease.
Best Features
- Available in 50 lbs in quantity
- Tablet size is 3 inches
- 90% available chlorine
- Works on the Trichlor chlorine addition method
Pros
- Safe and stabilized method of chlorine addition
- Large tablet size and quantity
- Best suited for large water bodies such as public and commercial pools
Cons
- Very expensive choice for household water pools
3. HTH Chlorine Tablets
3 inches chlorine tablets are quite popular in the market now for their added benefits and results. Therefore, there are a lot of reliable brands like HTH that offer these tablets in large as well as small quantities.
The HTH 42042 Super is our 3rd choice for the best chlorine tablet that you can buy right now. These are also 3 inches tablets like a lot of options present on this list. But, this is a rather small package and contains 5 lbs of chlorine tablets so that you can buy it for domestic as well as outdoor pools. The HTH 42042 Super tablets promise to sanitize and protect your pool water from all types of infections to offer you a healthy pool experience throughout the year.
Just a single tablet from the HTH 42042 Super container is enough to treat nearly 10000 gallons of water for about a week. It works perfectly fine with vinyl-lined water pools and even saltwater pool systems. And to minimize chlorine loss from the water, the HTH 42042 Super tablets are mixed with cyanuric acid. While preserving the chlorine content, it also protects and clarifies the water with ease.
Best Features
- Available in 5 lbs in quantity
- Tablet size is 3 inches
- Made with cyanuric acid to prevent chlorine loss
- 1 tablet is suitable for up to 10000 gallons of water
Pros
- Cheaper option for a 3 inch tablet container
- Easy-to-use chlorine tablet
- It also protects chlorine loss
Cons
- Quantity may not be enough for long-term use
4. Pool Mate Chlorine Tablets
Pool Mate is also bringing a fine choice for our list of the best chlorine tablets. It also belongs to the 3 inches tablet category with a slightly increased quantity of tablets.
If you are looking for a chlorine tablet container that will last you for a long time for your small to medium-sized pool, take a look at the Pool Mate 1-1407 Jumbo Chlorine Tablets. These tablets are available in 3 inches size and are offered in 7 lbs in quantity so that you won’t be buying a new container anytime soon. The Pool Mate 1-1407 Jumbo Chlorine Tablets are manufactured to offer a stabilized chlorine addition to the water, making it highly beneficial for your health.
Apart from that, the Pool Mate 1-1407 Jumbo Chlorine Tablets also manage to prevent the existing chlorine content in your pool water from getting evaporated by UV rays. Thus, you won’t have to use these chlorine tablets as often as other options. If you have a 10000 gallons indoor or outdoor pool, you will only need one of the Pool Mate 1-1407 Jumbo Chlorine Tablets per week. But, you may also require 2 or 3 tablets based on pool water type and filtration systems.
Best Features
- Available in 7 lbs in quantity
- Tablet size is 3 inches
- Stabilized method for chlorine addition
- Prevents chlorine content from getting affected by UV rays
Pros
- Slightly increased quantity compared to other smaller options
- Affordable choice for 3 inches tablet
- Only needs1 to 3 tablets per 100000 gallons of water
Cons
- Quantity is not enough for large pools
5. Doheny’s Chlorine Tablets
Doheny’s is also a brand that offers great options for commercial pools and water bodies. Apart from chlorine tablets, you will also find pool chemicals, equipment, covers, accessories, and much other pool-related equipment from Doheny’s.
The Doheny’s Swimming Pool Chlorine Tablets is yet another great product if you are looking for a chlorine tablet for commercial pools. These are Trichlor chlorine tablets that offer a stabilized chlorine addition method with up to 90% available chlorine content. The overall performance of a chlorine tablet heavily depends upon the hardness, density, and solubility of the tablet in the water. Therefore, all tablets provided in Doheny’s Swimming Pool Chlorine Tablets are highly compressed.
With that, the Doheny’s Swimming Pool Chlorine Tablets manage to offer a slow yet effective dissolution of the tablet in the water. These tablets are also pre-stabilized and manufactured to resist UV rays so that there is little to no chlorine burn-off after adding the Doheny’s Swimming Pool Chlorine Tablets to your pool. These tablets are also individually wrapped so that containers don’t give off a chlorine smell at all.
Best Features
- Available in 50 lbs in quantity
- Tablet size is 3 inches
- Best option for large pool
- Features 90% available chlorine content
Pros
- Quantity is superb
- The Trichlor chlorine addition method
- Highly compressed tablets for better dissolving speed
Cons
- Expensive choice for a chlorine tablet
6. Qualco Chlorine Tablets
Coming back to smaller options for chlorine tablets designed for smaller applications, we have this next option coming from Qualco. Along with the small size of the tablet, the overall quantity is also smaller, making it easier for storage.
If you wish to try out chlorine tablets in your bathtub or spa, you should go with the Qualco Stabilized Spa Chlorine Tablets. This is a can of 1.5 lbs of chlorine tablets, where each tablet is about 1 inch in size. Despite being a highly affordable option, you don’t have to doubt the performance or results of these tablets. These 1 inch tablets offer a stabilized method of chlorine addition for your pool.
With that, you can rest assured that the chlorine quantity in your pool won’t degrade quickly. With the resealable lid, you also don’t need to use another container to store the Qualco Stabilized Spa Chlorine Tablets. One tablet from this container is suitable for treating about 700 gallons of water.
Best Features
- Available in 1.5 lbs in quantity
- Tablet size is 1 inch
- Comes with a resealable lid
- Easy to store
Pros
- Best suited for smaller pools
- Lightweight and compact container
- Stabilized chlorine addition method
Cons
- Quantity might be too low for some users
7. BioGuard Chlorine Tablets
Even if you are buying a chlorine tablet container for large pools, you don’t necessarily need to spend a fortune. There are brands like BioGuard which offer great options for large pools under an affordable budget.
The BioGuard SilkGuard is yet another great option for 3 inches chlorine tablet containers available within an affordable price range. There are 25 tablets available in the BioGuard SilkGuard chlorine tablet set, offering a total quantity of about 25 lbs. Therefore, you can get this unit and have your pool safe for a couple of months at a time. Apart from purifying your pool, the BioGuard SilkGuard chlorine tablets also manage to soften the water in your pool to make it more appealing for the users.
The BioGuard SilkGuard chlorine tablets are also useful for preventing problems like corrosion, scaling, and staining in your pool. With the SmartGuard technology, the BioGuard SilkGuard chlorine tablets offer a long-lasting result and prevent frequent chlorine treatments. These tablets also have additional algae-killing crystals which kill the existing algae in your pool and prevent new ones from forming.
Best Features
- Available in 25 lbs in quantity
- Tablet size is 3 inches
- Makes the pool water smooth
- Silk Guard technology
Pros
- Long-lasting results
- Affordable option for 3 inches tablets
- Prevents corrosion, scaling, and staining
Cons
- Tablets take a long time to dissolve
8. Robelle Chlorine Tablets
There are only a handful of brands like Robelle that will offer you an all-in-one solution for a chlorine tablet. The following option for the chlorine tablets from Robelle might be an expensive one, but it offers pretty impressive results.
The Robelle 1440M-K is the most premium choice we have for the best chlorine tablets in the market. These are 5-in-1 tablets designed to offer the functionality of 5 different water treatment solutions with one tablet. Plus, these are 3 inches tablets, making them perfect for large water bodies such as outdoor pools and commercial pools. The Robelle 1440M-K can sanitize, descale, and purify your water pool.
Each of the Robelle 1440M-K chlorine tablets weighs about 8 oz and they are individually wrapped so that they offer a stabilized chlorine addition method with a slow dissolving process. Since this is a 5-in-1 option, it eliminates the need of adding other chemicals to your pool. Per week, you will only have to add 1 to 3 tablets for every 10000 gallons of pool water.
Best Features
- Available in 35 lbs in quantity
- Tablet size is 3 inches
- Needs 1 to 3 tablets per 10000 gallons
- 70 tablets are available in the package
Pros
- These tablets offer 5-in-1 functionality
- A total of 70 tablets are included
- Great option for large pools
Cons
- Most expensive option for a chlorine tablet set
9. Rx Clear Chlorine Tablets
Rx Clear offers the cheapest option for smaller pools, providing great value with the perfect size and quantity.
Keep your pool or hot tub water crystal clear and gentle on your skin with Rx Clear 1″ stabilized chlorine tablets. These tablets are designed to adapt to any pool or hot tub, making it easy to maintain water quality. Simply add 16 ounces per 10,000 gallons of water each week using a floating or inline/offline chlorinator.
The tablets, weighing 0.5 oz each, dissolve slowly, ensuring long-lasting effectiveness. Each bucket includes multiple bagged tablets to reduce mess. Rx Clear offers high-quality pool supplies at an affordable price, delivering more chlorine per tablet than other brands. Trust Rx Clear to keep your water safe and clear.
Best Features:
- Available in 8 lbs in quantity
- Tablet size is 3 inches
- Contains 90% available chlorine
- UV protected to prevent chlorine burn-off.
Pros:
- Ensures crystal clear water that is gentle on the skin.
- Offers a high concentration of available chlorine.
- Provides excellent value for the price.
Cons:
- May require additional pH balancing chemicals for optimal results.
Buying Guide For The Best Chlorine Tablets
When purchasing chlorine tablets for pool maintenance, there are several critical factors to consider:
1. Type of Chlorine Tablet
Why It Matters
Understanding the types of chlorine tablets available for pools, spas, and hot tubs is crucial for maintaining clean, safe, and balanced water conditions. The right type of chlorine tablet can significantly affect the water’s chemical balance, the effectiveness of the pool’s filtration system, and the overall user experience, including safety and comfort. Choosing the wrong type could lead to ineffective sanitization, increased maintenance costs, and even damage to pool components or adverse health effects for swimmers. Knowledge of the different chlorine tablets allows pool owners to make informed decisions tailored to their specific needs, ensuring optimal water quality and longevity of the pool infrastructure.
What to Look for
1. Sodium Hypochlorite
- Chlorine Content: Look for tablets with a 10 to 12% chlorine concentration.
- Suitability: Ideal for pools with weaker filtration systems.
- Considerations: Be aware of its non-stabilized nature and lower effectiveness against algae and bacteria.
2. Lithium Hypochlorite
- Chlorine Content: Seek options offering 28 to 35% chlorine.
- Efficiency: Suitable for quickly increasing pool chlorine levels and maintaining chemical balance.
- Vulnerabilities: Note that it’s a non-stabilized form of chlorine, sensitive to UV radiation.
3. Calcium Hypochlorite
- Chlorine Content: Prefer tablets with up to 65% chlorine for effective sanitization.
- Advantages: Great for significantly boosting the pool’s chlorine content.
- Drawbacks: Its non-stabilized property may lead to chloramine production under sunlight, which can irritate swimmers.
4. Dichlor
- Chlorine Content: Look for a chlorine content of 56 to 62%.
- Features: Stabilized method with UV radiation resistance, suitable for outdoor pools.
- Form: Typically available in granular form, unlike most other types.
5. Trichlor
- Chlorine Content: Opt for tablets that offer about 90% chlorine for high effectiveness.
- Characteristics: Offers a stabilized method of chlorine addition, safeguarding against UV damage.
- Ideal Use: Best for outdoor pools and large water bodies where high chlorine content is necessary.
2. Size of Chlorine Tablet
Why It Matters
The size of the chlorine tablet you choose directly impacts the effectiveness and efficiency of your pool maintenance routine. Selecting the wrong size could lead to inadequate disinfection or excessive chemical levels, both of which can be harmful to swimmers and potentially damage your pool equipment and structure. Small tablets rapidly dissolve and are suitable for quick adjustments in smaller volumes of water, making them ideal for small pools, spas, and hot tubs. On the other hand, large tablets dissolve more slowly, offering a sustained release of chlorine, suitable for maintaining larger pools without the need for constant monitoring and reapplication.
What to Look For
- Pool Volume: Consider the size of your pool or spa to determine the most appropriate tablet size. Large pools benefit from 3-inch tablets for their slow-release properties, while 1-inch tablets are better suited for smaller pools and spas.
- Application Frequency: Smaller tablets might require more frequent application than larger ones. If you prefer less frequent pool maintenance, larger tablets could be more convenient.
3. Dissolving Speed
Why it Matters
The dissolving speed of chlorine tablets affects how quickly and evenly chlorine is distributed throughout your pool. A faster dissolving tablet can quickly elevate the chlorine levels, ideal for short-term adjustments or small volumes of water. However, for larger pools, a slower dissolving tablet provides a more consistent chlorine level over time, reducing the frequency of maintenance. The choice of dissolver, whether a floating dispenser or an automatic one, also plays a crucial role in ensuring an even distribution of chlorine, affecting both the health of the pool and the safety of its users.
What to Look For
- Water Type and Temperature: Since these factors significantly affect dissolving speed, choose a tablet and dispenser system that suits your pool’s conditions.
- Dispenser Type: Automatic dispensers can provide more consistent chlorine levels compared to floating dispensers. Look for dispensers that allow for speed adjustment based on the tablet size and your pool’s needs.
4. Quantity
Why it Matters
The quantity of chlorine tablets needed is crucial for maintaining the right balance of chlorine in your pool, ensuring it’s safe and comfortable for use. Too little chlorine can lead to algae growth and bacterial contamination, while too much can cause skin and eye irritation and damage pool surfaces. Regular testing and understanding the relationship between your pool’s volume, the chlorine tablet size, and the frequency of application are essential for maintaining optimal water quality.
What to Look For
- Pool Test Kit: Regularly use a pool test kit to monitor pH and chlorine levels, guiding your decision on how many tablets to use.
- Tablet Size and Pool Volume: Understand the correlation between the tablet size you’re using and your pool’s volume to determine the starting point for the number of tablets needed.
- Weather and Usage: High temperatures and heavy pool usage can increase chlorine demand. Consider these factors when calculating the quantity of chlorine tablets for your pool.
Chlorine Tablets – FAQs
Ans: The amount of chlorine tablets you need completely depends upon the type of your pool, the size of the pool, and also the number of users using the pool on a daily basis. Public pools for example require a chlorine treatment at least once every week in order to keep them hygienic and safe. If we consider a standard public pool with 5000 gallons of water, it would need at least one 3 inches chlorine tablet every week. On the other hand, larger pools with 10000 or 12000 gallons of water capacity might need 2 to 3 3-inch chlorine tablets every week.
Ans: Safety is of utmost importance, especially when it comes to chemicals like chlorine that you are using for your pool. So while storing the extra chlorine tablets, make sure that they are out of reach from children and stored in a safe location. Chlorine tablets usually have a pretty strong shelf life ranging up to 3 to 5 years. And since they are already wrapped in plastic before shipping, no other care is needed while you are strong with the extra tablets. But, you should still consider the storage temperature and make sure that it is between 50 to 70 degrees Fahrenheit.
Ans: If you are looking for an alternative to chlorine tablets, you should consider liquid chlorine. While it is more of a short-term solution, using liquid chlorine can still be effective for you, especially if you have a small pool. To apply liquid chlorine, all you will have to do is pour the liquid into your pool and let your filtration system take care of the rest. And since it is already liquid, there is almost no dissolving time needed for liquid chlorine. But as we specified, it is a short-term solution because liquid chlorine does not last very long in your pool and degrades within weeks. Plus, it only adds up to 10 to 12% chlorine in the pool, creating a need for a lot of liquid chlorine for large pools.
Conclusion
To properly care for your pool and ensure it’s safe for your loved ones, start by stocking up on chlorine tablets. Adding chlorine to your pool helps eliminate bacteria, algae, insects, and other harmful organic matter, keeping the water safe.
Finding the right chlorine tablets involves researching the options available. To make it easier, we’ve compiled a list of top picks with brief reviews. We’ve also included a buying guide to assist you further.
- For those on a budget, Qualco Chlorine Tablets are a great choice. These 1-inch tablets are perfect for small pools, spas, or tubs. Simply place them in the pool feeder for easy use.
- For larger pools or commercial use, consider In The Swim Chlorine Tablets. These 3-inch tablets come in a 50 lb quantity, lasting a long time. They dissolve slowly and are individually wrapped to maintain their chemical composition.
- Robelle Chlorine Tablets offer premium quality and 5-in-1 functionality. Each 3-inch, 8 oz tablet sanitizes, clarifies, descales, and controls algae. They’re stabilized to prevent chloramine production from UV rays.
Choose the option that best suits your pool size and needs for optimal results.
