The swimming pool is a backyard staple, but all pools require some level of maintenance, and one of the most important parts of pool upkeep is the chlorine. Chlorine sanitizes pool water and kills bacteria, but if you have sensitive eyes or swim a lot, you’re probably more familiar with the burning, stinging sensation of too much chlorine than the feeling of pure, clean water. It’s a balancing act to find the right chlorine level for your pool, one that’s safe for your eyes and minimizes any chemical smell while still effectively sanitizing the water, and it’s one that changes over time as you swim, add more toys or people to the pool and the water becomes dirtier.
To help you sort through the various types of chlorine on the market, we’ve rounded up the best swimming pool chlorine for you to experiment with.
Our Editor’s Best Swimming Pool Chlorine Reviews
- Shockingly Quick Sanitation: Enjoy crystal-clear, swim-ready water faster with Champion Pool Shock’s powerful and potent 12.5 percent sodium hypochlorite formula, providing rapid sanitation for your pool.
- No Cloudiness or Stains: Keep your pool pristine with a formula that doesn’t cloud water or leave residue, preventing stains and ensuring a beautiful, clear swimming environment.
- Ready to Use: With no mixing required, it offers an effortless pool care solution. Simply pour it directly into your pool or feed it through a peristaltic metering pump for easy and effective sanitization.
- Cost-Effective Solution: Save on pool maintenance with a liquid chlorine that offers superior cleaning power at a lower cost, reducing the need for expensive alternatives.
- Reliable and Safe: Certified to NSF/ANSI 60 standards, this commercial-grade liquid chlorine ensures dependable and safe use in various aquatic settings. Available in convenient 1-gallon jugs, packed in a set of 4.
- BENEFITS: Stay all clear for cannonballs; This fast-dissolving, convenient 4-in-1 formula kills bacteria and algae, reduces chlorine odor and irritation, and quickly restores crystal clarity
- FEATURES: Multi-functional shock treatment for weekly use to solve 90% of pool water problems within 24 hours and restore crystal clarity
- VISIBLY BRILLIANT SPARKLE: This Cal Hypo based formula sanitizes without adding cyanuric acid (CYA) to prevent overstabilization or chlorine lock
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL SWIMMING POOLS: This product is great for all pool types including vinyl-lined pools and saltwater systems
- YOU'RE ALL CLEAR WITH HTH: For best results, use with HTH 6-Way Test Strips to test and balance your swimming pool water twice weekly
- Pool Algae Treatment: Our Pool Algaecide and Clarifier is specially formulated to treat existing algae while providing long-lasting defense against stubborn growth, ensuring that your pool remains clear and algae-free for an extended period of time.
- Maintain Crystal Clear Water: Kills and prevents all types of swimming pool algae (green, mustard, black algae) for crystal clear swimming pool water.
- Non-Foaming Formula: Spend less time maintaining and more time enjoying your pool with this Swimming Pool Algaecide and Clarifier, which features a non-foaming formula.
- Suitable for Use in All Types of Pools: This product is proven to meet the needs of every pool owner, as it is compatible with all types of pools, including saltwater pools. You can trust our product to deliver exceptional performance and keep your pool water clean and clear.
- Clorox Pool App: Test like an expert anytime, anywhere with the Clorox Pool App. Solve common swimming pool problems and get personalized product and dosage recommendations
- Cleans Water & Stops Algae: Kills harmful bacteria and prevents equipment corrosion, scale and stains. Kills and prevents all types of swimming pool algae (green, mustard, black)
- Long-lasting sunlight protection: Contains chlorine stabilizer to extend the life of your clean
- Creates Silky Smooth Feeling Water: XTRABLUE chlorinating tablets contain conditioners for silky smooth feeling water
- Usage: Apply 2 tablets weekly to treat 10,000 gallons of water, add more tablets as needed to maintain adequate sanitation. Safe for all swimming pool surfaces, including vinyl, plaster, fiberglass, and tile.
- Clorox Pool App: Test like an expert anytime, anywhere with the Clorox Pool App. Solve common swimming pool problems and get personalized product and dosage recommendations
- Prolongs Chlorine Effectiveness: The Chlorine Stabilizer protects your pool's chlorine from the damaging effects of the sun's harsh UV rays, thereby making chlorine last much longer, allowing you to enjoy consistently clean and sanitized pool water.
- Reduces Sun's Impact on Chlorine: This product minimizes the effect of sunlight on chlorine loss, protecting your chlorine from burning off. By using a chlorine stabilizer, you ensure longer-lasting sanitization, reducing the need for frequent product application to your pool.
- Ideal for Salt Pools: Our Chlorine Stabilizer is particularly well-suited for saltwater pools. It offers reliable protection against the corrosive effects of sunlight on chlorine generated by salt cells.
- Preserves Pool & Equipment - Unbalanced water can cause a corrosive environment that damages your pool surfaces or equipment. This product reduces pool maintenance, extending the life of your pool's cleanliness.
- Clorox Pool App: Test like an expert anytime, anywhere with the Clorox Pool App. Solve common swimming pool problems and get personalized product and dosage recommendations
- Eliminate bacteria, algae, and other organic contaminants, keeping your pool clean and clear all season long.
- 99% Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione and 90% available stabilized chlorine. Tablets do not expire and are non-perishable, but performance is best within 2 years of the provided manufacturing date.
- Dissolve slower helping you to avoid inconsistent chlorination.
- Sun-stabilized protecting it from the sun's harmful rays.
- Ideal size for floaters or automatic feeders.
- BENEFIT: Sanitizer, clarifier, and algaecide to protect your swimming pool and swimmers with one easy, convenient, and individually wrapped 3-inch tablet
- CLEAR BLUE WATER: This advanced formula sanitizes, clarifies, and kills algae for beautiful, clean, and clear water all season
- SLOW DISSOLVING, LONG LASTING: Sun protected for longer chlorine life, HTH 3” Individually Wrapped Chlorine Tabs Advanced dissolve slowly and last up to one week
- COMPATIBLE WITH ALL POOLS: This product is great for all pool types including vinyl-lined pools and saltwater systems; Use in floater, feeder, or skimmer basket
- YOU’RE ALL CLEAR WITH HTH: For best results, use HTH 6-Way Test Strips twice weekly to test and balance your swimming pool water and keep chlorine levels between 1 and 4 ppm
- PREMIUM QUALITY: These pool chlorine tablets are consistent in size. It dissolves slowly and preserve the pool water longer. It is made of 99% Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione and 90% Chlorine.
- SUN PROTECTION: These tablets contain cyanuric acid (CYA), a stabilizer that prevents UV light from removing existing chlorine, leaving your pool cleaner and protected to last up to a week.
- SAFE TO USE: These chlorine tabs are safe to use on swimming pools, spa, and hot tubs. It helps Improve the quality of water. It is also ideal for floaters or other chlorinating devices.
- CLEAN WATER: Maintain proper chlorine levels and produce beautiful, clean and sparkling water effortlessly. It also helps eliminate contaminants keeping the water clean and crystal clear.
- EASY TO USE: These 3 inch chlorine tablets are individually wrapped to provide convenience upon use. It allows to sanitize the pool by unwrapping the tablets and adding them into the feeder or chlorinating device. 1 tablet cleans up to 10,000 gallons of water which can lasts up to a week.
- Active Ingredients - Our pool tablets are pro-grade made from 99% Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione and 90% stabilized chlorine
- Ready To Use - Size perfect for floaters, pool skimmer or any automatic feeder which bigger than 3 inch (Floating Tablet Dispenser Sold Separate ASIN: B07193P5HZ)
- Saving Money - Having our chlorinating tablets, you don't need change the frequently, 1-tab helps you saving about 5,000 gallons of water
- Versatile - The chlorine tabs are perfect for swimming pools, hot tubs, spa, hot spring pools, water parks, even for toilets
- Long-Lasting Chlorine Tabs - Each tab is pre-stabilized against the sun's UV rays to prevent premature chlorine burn-off, making them last longer
- 99% Trichloro-S-Triazinetrione with 90% Available Stabilized Chlorine
- Stabilized (slow dissolving) Tablets
- Tablets are individually wrapped
- Excellent for floating feeders, skimmers and automatic chlorinators
- 50 Pound Bucket of 3" Tablets (IMPORTANT NOTE: Depending on availability, this product may ship as (2) x 25 Pound Buckets.)
Best Swimming Pool Chlorine Buying Guide
Before choosing the best swimming pool chlorine you should consider following options:
1. Pool Water Balance: Before adding anything to the pool, you should test the water to make sure it’s balanced. The first step is to test the pH level. If the pH is too high or low, it will impact the effectiveness of the chlorine.
The ideal pH level for pool water is between 7.2 and 7.8. If your pH is too high or low, you’ll need to add some chemicals to adjust it.
The other test you should perform is the total dissolved solids (TDS). The TDS measures the amount of total dissolved minerals in the water. The higher the TDS, the higher the amount of calcium and salt in the water.
This measurement is important to note if you live in an area with hard water. If the TDS is too high, it will require a larger amount of chlorine to sanitize the water.
The third test you should perform is the alkalinity of your water. This test measures the amount of bicarbonates and carbonates in your water.
It is important to maintain a proper amount of alkalinity in your water. If your pool water is too acidic or alkaline, it will impact the effectiveness of your chlorine.
When your TDS and alkalinity are balanced, the chlorine is more effective in sanitizing the water.
2. Shock Treatment: Once you have determined your water is balanced, you can add a shock treatment to the water. A shock treatment consists of high-concentrated levels of chlorine in the water.
The purpose of this is to kill off any bacteria that may have grown in the water. Shock treatments are typically done in the spring and fall when the temperatures are cooler and the pool is not being used as often.
3. Sanitizer Level: Once the water is balanced, you can add a liquid or tablet form of chlorine to the water. Liquid chlorine is typically a higher-concentrated form that comes in a variety of sizes.
This is typically used in smaller pools. Tablet form chlorine comes in a variety of sizes, typically ranging from 50-100%.
This is best for in-ground pools but can also be used in above ground pools.
The amount of chlorine you add will depend on the size of your pool and the flow rate of the water. Typically, you will want to add between 1-3 tabs per 500,000 gallons of water.
4. Alarms: Another way to ensure the pool is sanitized is to use alarms. Alarms sound when the levels of chlorine drop in the water. This will alert you to add more chlorine.
What else you should know about swimming pool chlorine
1. What is chlorine and why is it used in swimming pools?
Chlorine is a chemical that is used to disinfect swimming pools. It kills bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause disease.
2. How does chlorine work to kill bacteria and other contaminants in swimming pools?
Chlorine is a strong oxidizing agent and disinfectant. When it is added to water, it reacts with the water to form hypochlorous acid and hypochlorite ion. These chemicals are very effective at killing bacteria and other contaminants in swimming pools.
3. What are the health risks associated with swimming in a chlorinated pool?
The health risks associated with swimming in a chlorinated pool are minimal. However, some people may experience skin irritation, redness, and burning eyes.
4. How can I reduce my exposure to chlorine when swimming in a pool?
There are a few things you can do to reduce your exposure to chlorine when swimming in a pool. First, you can shower before and after swimming to rinse off any chlorine that may be on your skin. Second, you can wear a swim cap to keep your hair from getting wet and absorbing chlorine. Finally, you can try to avoid swallowing any pool water.
5. Are there any alternatives to using chlorine in swimming pools?
Yes, there are alternatives to using chlorine in swimming pools. Some alternatives include using bromine, ozone, or ultraviolet light.
Conclusion
On the market, there are numerous best swimming pool chlorine. Hopefully, the list of the top ten best swimming pool chlorine will save you time researching and deciding on the best one for you.