Chlorine tablets can kill algae, and they are a good way to keep your water clear if you have a lot of algae in the pool or spa. However, there is no evidence that adding chlorine tablets will help prevent disease. Adding it to the skimmer can cause problems with the pump’s impeller.
If you add too much chlorine (chlorine bleach) to your swimming pool, you risk creating an unsafe environment for yourself and other swimmers. The EPA says that “swimming pools should contain no more than 0.2 parts per million (ppm) free available chlorine.” If you exceed this limit, then bacteria levels go through the roof and you could get sick from exposure to harmful chemicals.
This is why many pools use only a small amount of chlorine each day. It keeps the concentration low enough so that it won’t be dangerous for most people. Still, the question stands- should we add chlorine tablets to the skimmer? Let’s find out.
Pool Skimmer
The Pool Skimmer is a versatile, affordable, and easy-to-use tool that will help you remove leaves, debris, and other floating objects from your pool or spa. The Pool Skimmer can be used in both salt water and fresh water pools. It has an adjustable flow rate of up to 10 gallons per minute (GPM) with a maximum capacity of 1,000 GPM. This high-volume pump allows for the removal of large amounts of debris without clogging the filter.
The Pool Skimmer comes equipped with a stainless steel impeller and a durable plastic housing. A built-in float switch automatically turns off the motor when the skimmer is removed from the pool. The Pool Skimmer includes a one-year warranty against defects in materials and workmanship.
Why We Add Chlorine to Swimming Pools
Chlorine is a powerful disinfectant and it kills algae. If you have a swimming pool, adding chlorine to your pool helps prevent algae growth. When you add chlorine to your pool, you are also creating free radicals which kill bacteria. These are the same chemicals that are found inside our bodies. They keep us healthy and clean.
The problem with using chlorine as a pool treatment is that it can be dangerous if not used properly. Chlorine has been linked to skin irritation, eye damage, respiratory problems, and even cancer. It is important to use proper pool safety procedures when treating your pool with chlorine.
Chlorine Tablet ingredients.
Some chlorine tablets contain additional ingredients, such as algaecides and clarifiers. They’re useful additions, but they don’t need to be included at first. Choose the tablet that fits your needs and budget.
How to Use Chlorine Tablets to Treat Your Pool
When you purchase chlorine tablets, follow these steps:
Step 1
Remove the packaging. Take out any remaining labels, and then open the package to expose the liquid contents.
Step 2
Read the label on the bottle before adding the product to your pool. Determine how much chlorine you need to treat your pool. You may want to double-check this amount by measuring the volume of your pool. Remember, you may need more than one bottle depending on the size of your pool.
Step 3
Follow the instructions on the label. Most chlorine tablets come with a small booklet that includes detailed directions. These directions tell you what concentration of chlorine to add and how often to dose the pool. Always read this information thoroughly before adding the tablets to your pool.
Step 4
Test the chlorine level after dosing. Before you begin using the chlorine tablets, test their strength to ensure that they are working correctly. To do this, mix a few drops of water into another container. Place a pH strip into the solution, wait five minutes, and check the reading. If the reading indicates that there isn’t enough chlorine in the water, increase the dosage until the pH reads 7.0 or lower.
Step 5
Continue testing regularly. After you have added the correct amount of chlorine, continue to test the water regularly throughout the day. Don’t forget to test the water every morning. If you notice that the pH levels are too high, reduce the amount of chlorine is added.
How do I know if my pool needs chlorination?
It is recommended that all pools be treated with a minimum concentration of 0.5 ppm of available chlorine. Most municipalities require this level of chlorine for public pools. Private pools may require higher levels of chlorine depending on their size and design.
What are the best chlorine tablets?
There are many different types of chlorine tablets available on the market today. Some manufacturers offer tablets that dissolve quickly while others take longer to break down. The type of tablet you choose will depend on the specific needs of your pool. Here are some of the most popular options:
• Alkaline tablets – These tablets contain sodium hydroxide (lye). This chemical reacts with other chemicals found in your pool to produce free chlorine. Lye is very effective at killing algae, so it’s an ideal choice for treating your pool. However, lye can damage rubber parts in your pool, so it should not be used near pumps, filters, heaters, or other equipment.
• Acidic tablets – Also known as acidulated chloride or hydrochloric acid, acidic tablets contain hydrochloric acid. They work similarly to alkaline tablets, but they also kill bacteria and viruses. Because they contain hydrochloric acid, they must be stored away from metal objects.
• Chlorine dioxide tablets – These tablets use chlorine dioxide gas instead of chlorine. Like chlorine dioxide, these tablets are safe to use around swimming pools. However, they don’t provide as much disinfection as chlorine does.
How to Add Chlorine Tablets to Your Pool
To treat your pool with chlorine tablets, follow these steps:
1. Open the package containing the tablets.
2. Remove the protective cover.
3. Pour the contents of the packet into the filter basket of your pool pump.
4. Close the lid and turn on the pump.
5. Wait approximately 15-30 minutes.
6. Turn off the pump and remove the lid.
7. Check the pH of the water. If necessary, adjust the dosage by adding more tablets.
8. Repeat Steps 5 through 7 periodically during the day.
9. Once the desired pH has been reached, leave the tablets alone for two weeks before removing them.
10. Rinse the tablets out of the pool and dispose of them properly.
11. Reapply the tablets once per month.
12. Keep track of how often you apply the tablets and record the results in your logbook.
How Much Chlorine Should You Add to Your Swimming Pool?
The amount of chlorine required to maintain healthy swimmers depends on several factors including the size of your pool, the number of people using the pool, and the length of time you plan to swim each week. For example, if you only swim twice a week, you’ll need less chlorine than someone who uses the pool every day.
Most municipal pools require a minimum level of chlorine. To determine what level of chlorine is needed for your pool, check with your local pool authority.
If you have a private pool, you may want to add additional chlorine to keep your pool clean and safe. Adding too much chlorine could cause problems such as skin irritation or even respiratory issues.
Chlorine levels are measured in ppm (parts per million). A typical pool requires 2-5 ppm of chlorine. You should add chlorine to your pool when you first open your pool and again after about three days.
Chlorine helps prevent algae growth and kills germs that make people sick. It also keeps the water clear and makes it easier to see underwater plants and animals.
Why It’s A Bad Idea To Add Chlorine Tabs To Your Skimmer
Adding chlorine tablets to your skimmer will increase the risk of damaging your pool pump. The chlorine can react with metals and corrode the internal components of your pump. In addition, chlorine can damage the rubber seals inside your pump.
If you notice any signs of corrosion, stop using chlorine tablets immediately. Cleaning the affected areas with soap and hot water will help restore the integrity of your pump.
You may also consider replacing your pump if it shows signs of wear and tear.
How to use chlorine tablets in above ground pool
1. Pour the contents of the packet into the filter basket of your pool pump.
2. Close the lid and turn on the pump.
3. After 10 minutes, turn the pump off and open the lid. This allows the chlorine to dissolve into the water.
4. Check the pH of the water. If necessary, adjust the dosage by adding more tablets.
5. Wait at least 20 minutes.
6. Rinse the tablet residue out of the pool.
7. Repeat steps 4 through 6 monthly.
8. When finished, remove the remaining tablets and dispose of them appropriately.
9. Reapply the tablets once every 3 months.
10. Follow all other safety instructions included with your product.
Conclusion
So, Should we add Chlorine tablets to the skimmer?
The answer is yes, but only if you have a properly designed and maintained system.
Chlorine tablets are extremely effective at killing algae in the aquarium, and they can be used as a preventative measure when it comes to controlling nuisance algae. They should never be used as an “after-the-fact” treatment. We would not recommend putting tablets in your skimmer if you operate your pool on a timer and you can also get in trouble if the power goes off. Happy Swimming!
Make sure to check out our posts on:
‘7 AMAZING BENEFITS OF FIBERGLASS SWIMMING POOLS NO ONE KNOWS ABOUT!’
‘HOW ARE SWIMMING POOLS CLEANED? THE COMPLETE PROCESS EXPLAINED.’
‘WHAT CAN BE USED INSTEAD OF CHLORINE TABLETS FOR YOUR POOL?’
