Chlorine Tablets Info

The element chlorine has the atomic number 17 and appears in the periodic table between Sulfur and Argon. Chlorine was first discovered in the sixteenth century and is today one of the most widely used chemicals in both residential and industrial settings around the world. Chlorine is the most widely used method of disinfecting swimming pools in the world today, although there are other, less popular methods available on the market.

Chlorine’s natural form is a yellowish gas. Chlorine is a hazardous chemical to deal with and must be handled with caution at all times. In the specific application of being used for the cleansing of swimming pool water, chlorine usually comes in tablet or granulated form. The manufacturer will always provide very detailed instructions on how to use said chlorine tablets and these must be followed to the letter.

photo credit: rharrison

Chlorine gas has previously been used in 20th century warfare, most notoriously in the trenches of the First World War. The use of chlorine gas in warfare was pioneered by a German scientist named Fritz Haber of Berlin’s Keiser Wilhelm Institute and was first used by German forces in 1915 . It was subsequently used by both sides before being replaced by the more lethal mustard gas. Chlorine gas has also been used in conflicts in Iraq in the form of chlorine bombs and caused horrendous casualties.

Some adverse health effects of chlorine gas include coughing, vomiting and aggrivation to the respiratory system and eyes. Chlorine’s most devastating feature is that it can change to hydrochloric acid when coming into contact with water, which is obviously why it causes so much damage when breathed in.

It should be stressed however, that when used in controlled conditions, chlorine and chlorine tablets represent a robust and cost-efficient method of disinfecting swimming pools, spas and such like and the benefits far outweigh the small risks associated.

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Chlorine is used as the standard disinfectant agent in both municipal and privately owned swimming pools throughout America and the world. Chlorine tablets dissolve quickly without leaving any nasty residue.

Tub of 3 Inch Chlorine Tablets

They are highly effective in making your swimming pool a safe and fun place for your family and friends to enjoy themselves and keep fit. Whether you’re lounging around enjoying the sun with a cocktail or in training for the next Olympics, the safest tried and tested method of keeping your pool free from germs is to use chlorine.

Chlorine tablets perform a number of vital tasks and are a crucial part of your swimming pool maintenance program. Chlorine will do the following for yor swimming pool;

• Kill bacteria ensuring your water is bug free for swimmers
• Prevent algae growth on or around your pool
• Keep your pool and surrounding area clean (as part of your regular cleaning schedule)
• Maintain a satisfactory PH level in your water

Most chlorine tablets on the market nowadays are extremely safe and easy to use. You will not have to come directly into contact with any chlorine or other dangerous chemicals. All that is required on the swimming pool owners part is that they drop the tablets into the water in the pool with the aid of a tablet dispenser where they will dissolve quickly. The pool will be ready for use very shortly after the addition of the chlorine. Chlorine tablets are an extremely economical and hassle-free method of ensuring that your pool is safe to use.

Some important points to take into consideration before utilizing the tablets to ensure your clean swimming pool are as follows;

• You will be required to know the length and breadth of your pool.
• You will need to know the depth of your pool and from this work out the volume of water that it holds.
• As with any sort of chemicals, getting the balance wrong could be potentially dangerous. For these particular swimming pool chemicals, too much chlorine could result in breathing difficulties for swimmers or nasty rashes appearing on the skin. It can also cause the eyes to become very irritable.

photo credit: Jim Sneddon

To avoid any of the nasty eventualities above, simply ensure that you always read the packaging and use the correct quantities as specified by the manufacturer

Always use a tablet dispenser. Dropping the tablets directly into the pool can cause undesired results including discoloration and damage to your pool. A dispenser effectively allows the chemicals to dissolve safely.

Test you water at least once a week. Get into a routine, perhaps designating one day a week to pool cleaning and maintenance.

Above all, chlorine tablets are designed so that you can safely enjoy your swimming pool – so have fun!

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