Choosing the best pool chemicals depends on the type of pool you have. Here you can discover the most suitable chlorine to use for your pool maintenance!
Pool maintenance is and always will be an essential step to maintain the condition of your pool. Whether you go swimming frequently or just once a week, a certain degree of pool sanitation is still required.
One of the most commonly used and best pool chemicals to use is chlorine and bromine. Chlorinating and brominating chemicals are used to treat swimming pools. Hot tubs, and spas. It helps get rid of algae, bacteria, and other microorganisms present in the water. Moreover, it also helps oxidize dirt and contaminants.
In other words, you can see that this is an all-in-one water treatment solution. And because of their efficiency, more pool chemical brands are starting to manufacture their own pool chemicals.
Want to know what’s the best pool chemicals to clear cloudy water?
No worries, we’ve got that covered with our top pick this year!
Contents
Our Most Recommended Pool Chemicals
After thorough research and considerations, we have decided that the best chemicals that offer the best value to your money is none other than — HTH Chlorinating Tablets!
Via: Amazon.com
HTH is known to be really effective and the tablet formula is suitable for all pool types, may it be inground or above ground pools. Also, it kills all types of bacteria and algae, as well as clarifies the water so that you can swim in a cleaner, fresher, and crisp water.
Its ease of use is also impressive as you can use a feeder or floater. This chemical is also sun protected, thus maintaining its potency even when exposed to sunlight.
| Preview | Product | Price |
|---|---|---|
 | Clorox XtraBlue Chlorinating Granules | |
 | Pool Essentials Shock Treatment | |
 | HTH Chlorinating Tablets | |
 | Spa Essentials Brominating Granules | |
 | Spa Selections Bromine Tablets |
How To Choose The Best Pool Chemicals To Use?
Regardless of how expensive your pool chemical is, if it does not suit the type of pool you have, then it is good as nothing.
Also, don’t believe that the best chemicals brand is one that offers tablets, which is the most common chemical used by many homeowners. This is absolutely not true. Other types are just as good, which is what we will discuss in the following sections.
Here are the various types of pool chemicals:
Chlorine Vs Bromine Pool Chemical
Chlorine and Bromine are two of the widely used chemicals for pool maintenance. The two belong in the Halogen element family. But they have specific characteristics.
Chlorine
- It is more popular than bromine and can be easily purchased in stores.
- Much cheaper at about 40 percent cheaper
- This also contains a much higher percentage level of sanitizer.
- Sunlight can stabilize it with cyanuric acid
Bromine
- It is more stable as compared to the chlorine when exposed to higher temperatures.
- Has more potent and higher pH levels than chlorine
- Does not need cyanuric acid or calcium to stabilize
- Produces less odor or smell than chlorine
3 Chemical Types
1. Tablet Chlorine/Bromine
Tablet chlorine/bromine is the most common type that newbies and professionals love to use. Before, tablets were used as a supplement for liquid formula. But lately, a lot of people are using the tablet type as a primary source of chlorine or bromine.
Why do many people consider this as the best pool cleaning chemical?
The rationale is due to the fact that it is the safest way to treat and sanitize swimming pools. You can add the chemical quickly without any contact with it. Hotels and other commercial establishments also prefer tablets because they have a high chlorine/bromine concentration suitable for large pools.
The tablet is first dissolved in the bucket-like basket specifically for this task, and then the basket is allowed to float in the pool. This lets the chemical spread throughout the pool water.
2. Granular Chlorine/Bromine
This works more or less the same as the tablet variant. The most notable difference is that it can be poured directly into the pool instead of dissolving it first in the basket.
The reason why it can be poured directly is the fact that granules dissolve more quickly than tablets. Tablets are compact and dense, so they take more time to dissolve.
The downside though is that granules can be easily contaminated when not stored properly. So, proper handling and storing of the chemical is high advised.
3. Powdered Chlorine/Bromine
Lastly, powdered chlorine or bromine is commonly used for pool shock rather than the usual regular pool cleaning job. This is done on a monthly basis as the powder type is way too strong and takes longer time before the pool can be used again.
In most cases, pool shocking requires 24 hours to allow the chemicals to circulate and dissolve. Because of the high amount of chlorine added, the chlorine level in the water is elevated, but after 10 to 12 hours, it should start to stabilize.
Different Kinds Of Pool Chemicals
The Best Pool Chemical For Above Ground Pool
Above ground pools are made of vinyl lining and others don’t even have constant pool pump running.
So, what is the best pool chemicals to use?
For above ground pools, the most suitable type is the tablet chlorine. Since tablet chlorines are dissolved in the feeder basket first, this makes it safer for the pool material. Moreover, since the tablet is placed in the basket that basically floats on the surface, this means the chemicals spread on the top portions of the pool first. So, by the time the chemicals reach the bottom lining, they are already partly stabilized.
Approximately 4 chlorine tablets are needed each week to clean a single above ground pool.
The Best Pool Chemical For Inground Pool
Inground pools make use of concrete, stones, and tiles as materials, so all the types should be fine. But if you are looking for the safest and easiest chlorine to apply, then go for the tablet as well.
The granules and powder types have to be circulated properly and requires constant checking. The feeder basket can float across the pool, spreading the chemicals all throughout.
The decision would mostly be dependent on the actual size of your pool and how long you want to wait until you can use the swimming pool again.
If you are a bit of a hurry, then granular chlorine is best. It easily dissolves and if you run your pool pump for a few hours, you can swim in the water in no time. However, if you have a large pool, quite dirty, and you have a lot of time to spare, then use the powder chlorine overnight.
5 Best Pool Chemicals Reviews 2021
1. Clorox XtraBlue Chlorinating Granules
This chlorinating granule chemical is both a pool water sanitizer and shock. With its quick-dissolving formula, maintaining your pool water’ chemistry is just a piece of cake.
Patrons of this product swear by its efficiency, reporting how effective it is in killing bacteria and algae. On top of that, it also improves the pool’s filtration system by aiding in filtration of water. It helps oxidize microorganisms and other contaminants, so your pool is kept clean at all times.
Pros:
- Quick to dissolves and safe to use
- 53.5% Trichloro-s-triazinetrione as active ingredient
- Kills harmful bacteria
- Improves the pool’s filtration performance
- Also kills pool algae
- Can be used both as sanitizer and pool shock
- Does not degrade in potency even when exposed to the sun
- Can be added through the pool’s skimmer or into the pool water
Cons:
- This is not suitable for hot tubs.
- Suitable for inground pools and might be too strong for above ground pools
2. Pool Essentials Shock Treatment
Via: Amazon.com
Most pool shocking chemicals take longer hours to completely dissolve, but not this one. Pool Essentials Shock Treatment is compatible in all pool types and dissolves quickly, giving you clear and clean water to swim in.
Application of the product is also a breeze as you can directly pour the chemical into the deep end of the pool. You may also opt to use a skimmer.
If you are seeking for the best pool chemicals for algae, then look no further as this product gives you everything you need.
Pros:
- Highly effective in cleaning pool water
- Easy to use and the smell is not that strong
- Contains 53% Trichlor
- Still effective and does not lose potency even at higher temperatures
- Suitable for deep pool cleaning
- Effectively reduces chlorine odor
Cons:
- Must be stored separately and must not mix with other pool chemical products.
- No need to wait overnight but still takes around 8 hours for the chemicals to completely kill bacteria and algae and dissolve fully
- May bleach your vinyl pools
3. HTH Chlorinating Tablets
Via: Amazon.com
HTH chlorinating tablet is perhaps one of the favorites and the best pool chemicals to clear cloudy water. This is a 4-in-1 pool chemical which kills microorganisms and clarifies water after just one application.
It is formulated with cyanuric acid to prevent chlorine loss. A lot of homeowners and pool professionals claim it to be the best pool chemical for algae, thanks to its built-in algae clarifier compound.
HTH brand is also easily accessible in many pool equipment and chemical stores. Moreover, it is perfect for both inground and above ground pools.
Pros:
- Sanitizes your pool water, as well as protects it from algae growth and build up
- Safe to use in vinyl-lined pools, as well as in saltwater systems
- Long-lasting as it chlorinates up to one week
- Does not lose chlorine even after sun exposure
- One tablet is good for 10,000 gallons of water, perfect for large pools indeed
- Perfect for summer and winter pool cleaning
- Clarifies water, giving you a fresh and crisp pool water
Cons:
- Requires 2 usage per week
- Cannot be added directly to the pool
4. Spa Essentials Brominating Granules
This is a brominating concentrate granule chemical. It is suitable for both swimming spas and hot tubs.
Pool owners love it because it dissolves faster than any other brominating products in the market. Plus, it functions as both sanitizer and oxidizer. This means that it does not only kill bacteria and algae, but also clarifies the water.
Using this pool brominating chemical is a piece of cake. And the bottle makes it a lot easier to pour the chemicals in the water.
Pros:
- Dissolves faster as compared to other bromine pool chemicals
- No pre-dissolving is necessary as it can be added directly into the water
- Highly effective in making water cleaner and clearer
- Does not leave a chlorine smell
- Not too drying to the skin
- 100% cost-effective
Cons:
- If water has a lot of algae, the water might foam a little bit upon application.
- Bottle is a bit too small and can be used up in not time
5. Spa Selections Bromine Tablets
This is another bromine pool chemical but in a tablet formula. This functions as a pool shock chemical both for hot tubs and spas.
A lot of users vouch for its effectiveness, saying it is an excellent product and offers the best value to their money. The tablets also dissolve quite fast and do not leave any odor.
If you are specifically looking for the best chemicals for small pools like hot tubs and spas, then this is an excellent choice.
Pros:
- Suitable for Intex hot tubs and spas
- Provides amazing shock to the water, making it cleaner in one application
- Sanitizes the water, making it soft and suitable for soaking in hot tubs and spas
- Easy and safe to use even for those with sensitive sense of smell
Cons:
- Must be applied through a skimmer or a floater
- One bottle only contains 1.5 pounds, which is a smaller amount than other brominating chemicals.
Our Most Recommended Pool Chlorine
After thorough research and considerations, we have decided that the best pool chemicals that offer bets value to your money is none other than — HTH Chlorinating Tablets!
Via: Amazon.com
HTH is known to be really effective and the tablet formula is suitable for all pool types, may it be inground or above ground pools. Also, it kills all types of bacteria and algae, as well as clarifies the water so that you can swim in a cleaner, fresher, and crisp water.
Its ease of use is also impressive as you can use a feeder or floater. This chemical is also sun protected, thus maintaining its potency even when exposed to sunlight.
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- 7 Best Pool Skimmer: Reviews & Buying Guide (2021)
