UPDATED: FEB 5, 2020.
If you own a pool and are having trouble regulating pH levels of pool water, the use of chlorine tablets may be the ideal solution to your problem. However, with so much competition what are the best chlorine tablets for swimming pools and why?
Chlorine tablets come in the form of solid cubes or balls designed to dissolve once in contact with pool water. This method allows chlorine to spread out quickly through a floating dispenser and eliminate viruses, bacteria, and protozoa that formulate in standing water.
The 13 Best Chlorine Tablets Based on Benefits, Price, Quality, Reviews, and Service
Using the right amount of chlorine is necessary in pool water in order to prevent algae growth, eliminate stains and remove bad odor. Chlorine also helps in preventing eye and skin irritation that is often caused as a result of dirty or corroded pool water.
Don’t miss out on these 13 best chlorinating tablets we’ve hand picked after extensive research:
1. CLOROX Pool & Spa 3” Chlorinating Tablets
Pros:
- Each tab is individually wrapped which makes it great for your pool floater and for the scrubbing of stains and algae growth
- Quite reasonably priced as compared to the competition
- Long lasting effect: 2 tabs a week is more than enough to regulate pH levels
- The tabs offer skimmer, feeder and floater applications
- Ideal for maintaining pH levels in above ground pools
Cons:
- Chlorine tablets may break or crumble during shipping
An easy to use chlorinating tablet that is ideal for the prevention of algae development and bacteria in your swimming pool. These chlorine tablets are stabilized which helps in maintaining pH levels even during bright sunny days. They last longer and keep the pool water looking fresh and clean for days without having to do any form of scrubbing and cleaning.
The individual wrapping of each tablet makes it super convenient for use in floaters, feeders, and skimmers keeping any swimming pool looking fresh and healthy.
2. In The Swim Chlorine Pool Shock
Pros
- Contains 68% Calcium Hypochlorite for fast-acting oxidation which quickly spreads chlorine throughout the pool.
- Highly recommended for use in above ground pools during summer or after heavy rainfall.
- Fights off bacteria and algae development
- Brings up chlorine levels quickly keeping your pool water clean and healthy.
- Competitively priced
Cons
- Requires heavy doses for effective treatment
- Once a bag is opened the solution cannot be stored for later use
If it’s quick results you are after, the In The Swim chlorine pool shock is the product that will do the trick. This powerful and effective chlorinated shock treatment is perfect for fighting off algae growth and bacteria rapidly.
The product is most effective for raising chlorine levels in pool water especially after heavy rainfall keeping your pool looking clean and fresh.
3. In The Swim 3” Pool Chlorine Tablets 50 lbs.
Pros
- Slowest dissolving and longest-lasting tablets available
- Highly concentrated and stabilized for added UV protection which is great for above ground pools
- Excellent for maintaining chlorine levels over long periods of time
- The tabs offer skimmer, feeder and floater applications
Cons
- Not effective for quick results
- Issues with broken and crumbled tablets upon delivery
A high-quality, long-lasting chlorine tablet that is ideal for maintaining chlorine levels over long periods making pool maintenance a breeze.
Thicker than normal chlorine tablets they are made to last longer by dissolving slower yet maintaining the same levels of potency. This is because these tablets are made from 99% Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione a slow acting oxidant that is 90% concentrated and stabilized chlorine.
4. CLOROX Pool & Spa 1” Chlorinating Floater Tablets
Pros
- Ideal for small pools and even toilets
- Stabilized chlorine is great for outdoor above ground pools
- Very little odor making it great for kids
- Reduces the need to refill pool saving both time and water constantly
Cons
- Not effective for larger pools
These tablets are great for smaller sized pools as they help kill bacteria and prevent algae growth. The ideal solution for keeping your small inflatable or Intex pool clean and ready to be dived in!
The tablets take away the need to constantly replace pool water which means more time swimming and less time maintaining.
5. HTH Pool Shock
Pros
- Extremely effective for quick results in large pools
- Compatible with salt systems
- Dissolves quickly and acts fast especially at night
- Eliminates algae and bacteria
- Keeps pool water crystal clear while maintaining pH level
- Prevents scale formation
Cons
- Fluctuates in price so always be on the lookout for a great deal
Pool shock treatment is an effective way to keep unwanted bacteria and algae at bay while giving pool water a chlorine boost that keeps it looking clean and clear. Shock treatment should be used weekly on pools and especially during summer and rainy weather.
The HTH Pool Shock is extremely effective at eliminating green algae in a very short period of time thanks to fast-acting oxidants that dissolve and spread quickly.
6. DryTec Calcium Hypochlorite Chlorinating Shock Treatment for Swimming Pools
Pros
- Fast acting and fast dissolving
- Eliminates green and black spot algae
- Available in a 24 pack box
- Easy application
Cons
- Once the bag is opened, it cannot be stored or reused
- More expensive than other shock treatment brands
DryTec is an excellent product that gets quick results, especially against algae growth; turning the green water back to its original blue. The product is well-renowned for its ability to eliminate organic contaminants including green algae and the dreaded black spot algae.
This multi-purpose product is made up of 68% calcium hypochlorite a powerful cleaning agent making this one of the best shock treatment products out there and all for a great price!
7. In The Swim 3 Inch Pool Chlorine Tablets 25 lbs.
Pros
- Slowest dissolving and longest-lasting tablets available
- Highly concentrated and stabilized for added UV protection
- Excellent for maintaining chlorine and pH levels over long periods of time
- The tabs offer skimmer, feeder and floater applications
Cons
- Not effective for quick results
- Not recommended for treating algae and bacterial issues
The In the Swim 3 Inch Pool Chlorine Tablets also comes in a 25 lbs. bucket containing 55 tablets at a more reduced cost. The bucket should be enough for an entire year of clean, crystal clear pool water, free of contaminants and algae.
Stabilized chlorine protects against the breakdown of active chlorine as a result of sunlight helping maintain pH levels. The slow dissolving Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione which is the primary ingredient provides long-lasting protection resulting in minimum maintenance.
8. Kem-Tek 1” Chlorinating Tablets for Pool and Spa
Pros:
- Slow dissolving
- Idealsize for smaller bodies of water
- Easy to maintain steady chlorine levels
Cons:
- Strong chlorine odor
- Require more tablets: 4 tablets a week for smaller pool
Convenient, effective and easy to use chlorination tablets that are ideal for smaller bodies of water. These tablets are made to resist crumbling and are stabilized to reduce chlorine loss when in contact with sunlight. The one-inch tablets are slow dissolving that helps maintain steady chlorine residual for longer lasting sanitation of your swimming pool.
If you are a hot tub fanatic, look no further. These tablets fit perfectly into smaller floaters and keep pH levels just right while you relax.
9. Rx Clear Stabilized Granular Chlorine
Pros:
- Quite reasonably priced
- pH neutral, no other chemicals needed
- Almost no odor or irritation
Cons:
- Dissolves quickly: requires more tablets for water treatment
- Hard to open packaging
This is a one of a kind multi-purpose product that is manufactured to be used as a bactericide, algaecide, and disinfectant in swimming pools. The granule keeps pool water fresh and crystal clear for the whole season without having to do any form of scrubbing on stubborn algae.
Stabilized chlorine resists UV rays preventing chlorine loss. The chlorine is pH neutral which means no other chemical adjustments are needed. It is based in cyanuric acid giving it a longer shelf-life and less of an odor than other chlorine.
10. Nava chlorine 3” large tablets
Pros:
- High-quality tablets for the price
- Slow dissolving which offers a long-lasting effect
- ERA approved
- Well sealed packaging
Cons:
- They may crumble as you try unwrapping the tablets
- Highly concentratedwhich leaves an odor
Nava chlorine tablets give you crystal clear water maintained in perfect swimming condition all summer long. Although these tablets are highly concentrated they dissolve slowly in water for optimum safety. They keep your pool disinfected leaving no mineral scale build-up. Moreover, they are ERA approved.
For the size, these tablets are ideal for feeders, floaters and skimmer baskets. These tablets come in well-sealed containers with each tablet individually wrapped making them easier and safer to handle.
11. Star Plus 3” Wrapped Chlorinating Tablets
Pros:
- Great value for money
- Slow dissolving
- ERA approved
- Individually wrapped which prevents it from crumbling
Cons:
- Packaging may be hard to open
ERA-certified chlorine tablets designed to control algae and kill bacteria leaving your pool water disinfected. These tablets help avoid mineral scale build-up or cloudy water. They are highly concentrated and slow-dissolving which means they will last longer than other chlorine tablets. These 3-inch tablets are individually wrapped to prevent them from disintegrating.
These tablets are ideal for hot tubs and as well as in-ground and above-ground pools. For the size, these tablets are best used in feeders, floaters, and skimmer baskets.
12. Swim Best 3″ Stabilized Chlorine Tablets
Pros:
- Takes longer to dissolve and maintains better chlorine level
- The packaging is easy to use
- Requires minimum maintenance as 1 tab can last as much as two weeks
- Ideal for medium to large sized pools
Cons:
- These tablets may cause irritation in eyes
Swim Best is another slow dissolving highly concentrated chlorine tablet made from 90% stabilized chlorine. The longer it takes to dissolve the better chlorine level you will find in your pool. Quite efficient and powerful, you only require 2 to 3 of these tablets throughout the month.
The 3” inch Swim Best chlorine tablets are ideal for feeders and floater applications in large to medium sized pools. They prevent mineral build-up in pool water, which causes cloudiness, resulting in crystal clear water. ERA certified to ensure optimum safety.
13. CLOROX Pool & Spa XtraBlue 3” Long Lasting Chlorinating Tablets
Pros:
- Long-lastingprotection
- Conditioning keeps water looking cleaner and bluer than ever before
- Great for maintaining pH levels in large/medium sized above ground pools
Cons:
- Takes a long time to dissolve and not effective for quick results
- Tablets can easily crumble
Clorox XtraBlue chlorine tablets take maintaining clean and clear water to the next level. These tablets are stabilized to ensure long-lasting sanitization and reduced loss of active chlorine during sunlight. It helps kill all types of bacteria, controls algae growth and protects your surface from scaling.
Conditioners added to the tablet make the water look and feel silky smooth making you want to stay in that pool water and never come out!
The Best Chlorine Solution for Your Pool
Each product on this list has its own set of pros and cons based on what the product is intended for. If you are in the market for something that can help maintain pH levels in pool water than the In The Swim chlorine tablets are ultimately the best choice for you. On the other hand, if you have had a hot summer or a stormy period then using a shock treatment solution such as DryTec can quickly get rid of contaminants and algae.
When purchasing any product, it is best practice to compare pricing and features to get an idea of what kind of alternatives or substitutes are out there. Reading reviews and educating ones-self on the uses of various products often leads to the best purchases.
Happy Swimming!
If pool maintenance has been a nightmare for you and your family in the past trying out one of these products can certainly help in changing all of that. Chlorine tablets and shock treatment cost less than any pool maintenance service. It is easy to use, convenient to purchase and if done correctly can get you the same results as the professional pool cleaners – both for in ground and above ground pool. Thankxx – Poolsfordummies.com
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