For pool owners, it is important to balance the water chemistry correctly so that one can enjoy a clean and healthy swimming experience. Chlorine tablets are perhaps the most well-known sanitizer available for pool water, but of all the common questions asked of them, here is one that is frequently questioned: Can you put chlorine tablets in your pool? In principle, yes, but there are some very serious considerations because the method has merits as well as possible disadvantages.

Potential Risks of Direct Addition
Placing pool chlorine tablets into the pool results in the uneven distribution of chlorine around the pool. Chlorine tablets distribute at a random pace, based on many factors like water flow rate, temperature, and the position of the pool. Placed directly into the water, they will dissolve in one location, creating a high concentration zone of chlorine. This area of high chlorine content can ruin the pool surface, especially in the case of vinyl-lined pools, painted pool walls, or tile grouting of some kind. High chlorine levels over a duration of time will stain, bleach, and even destroy the material.
There are hazards for bathers as well. If an individual enters the pool soon after adding tablets, he/she is exposed to patches of very high concentration of chlorine, which will lead to irritation of eyes, skin, and respiratory system. Inhomogeneous chlorine distribution also implies that there are areas in the pool which receive less chlorine, and those areas are likely to have bacterial, algae, and other contaminant growth.
The Right Way of Using Chlorine Tablets
To avoid these problems, a chlorine tablet dispenser is recommended. A commonly utilized floating chlorine tablet dispenser can be recommended. This type has a tablet holder for the chlorine tablets. As the dispenser is floated across the pool, the tablets dissolve slowly and the chlorine seeps out into the water slowly, giving more even distribution. Another option would be to utilize a skimmer basket. The chlorine tablets pool are placed within the skimmer basket and with pool water circulating through the pool filtration system, the tablets dissolve spreading the chlorine evenly across the pool. But using a skimmer basket, one must ensure to check the tablets from time to time to avoid the tablets dissolving more quickly and causing over-chlorination.
Automatic chlorinators may be put in for large pools or busy pools. They are hooked up to the pool plumbing and release chlorine at a regulated rate in terms of the volume and usage of the pool. This is a more consistent and reliable way of having the right amount of chlorine in the pool.
Considerations for Various Pool Types
The type of pool will also determine the best way to use chlorine tablets. In-ground pools with advanced circulation systems will benefit most from employing a skimmer basket or automatic chlorinator because the water flow helps distribute the chlorine evenly. Above-ground pools, on the other hand, may be more conveniently serviced by using floating dispensers because they are easy to install and move. Saltwater pools require a totally different setup because they produce chlorine through the process of electrolysis and not by using ordinary chlorine tablets. Adding chlorine tablets pool directly will upset the chemistry of the saltwater system and even damage the equipment as well.
Alternative to Direct Dosing
If you wish to be warned of the possible risks of chlorine pool tablets direct dosing, there are some other methods to disinfect a pool. Liquid chlorine can be used to dose directly into a pool, though as it degrades quicker in the water, it will need to be dosed more frequently. Chlorine shock treatment is another option. This is a strong chlorine, added to the pool in huge quantities, which quickly increases chlorine levels and destroys existing impurities. Shock treatments must be used, however, with caution and according to the manufacturer’s instructions in order not to over-chlorinate.
Conclusion
In conclusion, it is possible to directly put chlorine tablets into your pool, but that is not advisable owing to the possibility of unbalanced chlorine distribution and harm to pool surface and bathers’ surfaces. It is advisable to utilize a chlorine tablet dispenser, skimmer basket, or auto chlorinator as a more efficient and safer means of possessing adequate chlorine content in your pool. By finding the different options and considering your pool’s specific needs, you can enjoy a safe, clean, and fun swimming experience. In case you have any more questions or if you want to buy chlorine tablets, please contact us.