Buying the right kit for your pool can be a confusing task. Everyone wants a clean, clear and aesthetically-pleasing outside pool but there are different methods that work in different climates and locations. Therefore, it’s tough to know what to buy and when to use it.

Chlorine tablets and granules are the two primary ways to keep a pool clear and clean. But how do they work? And which is the best option for your pool?

How Do Chlorine Tablets Work?

Because chlorine tablets are highly-concentrated and often are around 90 per cent chlorine, they can take a while to dispense into the pool.

For instance, if you put a tablet at the bottom of the pool, it’d still be there in several days’ time.

Therefore, pool owners use dispensers that allow the chlorine tablet to dissolve gradually into the pool at a controlled rate. What’s more, the high-concentrate chlorine may bleach the interior of the pool, so a dispenser prevents the pool from becoming discoloured.

How Do Chlorine Granules Work?

As opposed to tablets, granules of chlorine come in pots and are simply scattered over a pool. Because they’re smaller in consistency, as well as being less concentrated (around 60 per cent pure chlorine as opposed to 90 per cent in tablets) they dissolve more easily and don’t require you to put a dispenser in the pool, which some people find slightly unsightly. Because they dissolve more quickly and so fight bacteria more rapidly than tablets, granules are often used as shock treatments for pools.

Why Might I Want Chlorine Tablets for my Pool?

Tablets and dispensers are often preferred by pool owners because they can offer greater consistency and – if you get the dosage right in varying conditions – less hassle than granule treatments. Unless you have unforeseen amounts of rain which disrupts the pH of the pool, once you get to know how many tablets you pool needs a week you can generally keep your area in good shape.

However, some do find that a tablet-based solution can be problematic if you forget to add it once in a while, while others aren’t always happy with using chlorine tablets even when the pool won’t be in use. It’s also vital to remember that the sun can eat chlorine and in the summer – you may need to adapt dosages depending on the season.

Why Might I Want Chlorine Granules for my Pool?

For many, chlorine granules and tablets work well in tandem, but many will use the former at the start of a cleansing process as they can rid the pool of bacteria and algae much quicker than tablets. What’s more, if you’ve not been able to treat your pool for a week or three and want to use it, chlorine granules offer a much quicker way of getting things done.

Granules are often chosen by those who have a pool (whether because of high rainfall, frequent debris in the pool or sustained sunshine) that needs varying levels of care from week to week. In this instance, using pH tests and varying the amount of granules used as a result may be the best option.

Take a Look for Yourself

If you like the look of either, why not have a browse at what we have, and find out how it can help you?

You can do exactly that here.

Read more:

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Crazy Cool Pool Tech and Accessories

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Featured image courtesy of @baby_face_hernandez