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Best Chlorine Tablets in 2022 – Reviewed

Pool owners can disagree on what chemicals they feel their particular pool setup needs, but the one chemical that’s necessary for freshwater pools is chlorine. If the pool doesn’t have the right amount of chlorine in it, then bacteria and algae are going to begin growing in it quickly. Before long, it will be full of all of the microorganisms that can make swimmers sick, and nobody wants that to happen.

Finding the best chlorine tablets for a pool isn’t always an easy task. It requires pool owners to ask themselves some serious questions. Some of these questions include what brand chlorine tablets are the best? Do I need 1-inch or 3-inch tablets? And how much product do I need to keep on hand? To answer some of those questions, we’ve decided to find out which chlorine tablets are the best and present them for our reader’s consideration.

Quick Summary of Best Chlorine Tablets

 Best Overall 
In The Swim 3- Inch Pool Chlorine Tablets (50 Pounds)  (review)
 Best Value 
Star Plus 3-Inch Wrapped Chlorinating Tablets (50 Lbs)  (review)
 Best Affordable 
NAVA 3-Inch Chlorinating Tablets (50 Lbs)  (review)
 Best 1-Inch Tablets 
Kem-Tek 1-Inch Chlorinating Tablets (1.5-Pound)  (review)
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Reviews

Best Overall: In The Swim 3- Inch Pool Chlorine Tablets (50 Pounds)

People who feel that there isn’t a difference between chlorine tablets manufactured by different manufacturers might want to try this product to see if they’re right. We’re pretty sure that after trying this product, the pool owner is going to change their mind on the subject and realize that there can be quite a significant difference between the different chlorine products. They will also realize that this particular brand offers the best chlorine tablets around.

This product features 3-inch tables that are individually wrapped for the consumer’s convenience and is easy to handle and use in any pool. This product delivers up to 90% of the available chlorine levels and contains 99% Trichloro-S-Triazinetrion—also known as Trichlor. This allows these tablets to knock out any unwanted organisms that might be having a pool party in the pool and helps to keep the pool cleaner longer.

All it takes is just one to two tablets for every 10,000 gallons of pool water to keep the pool in good shape. If the pool owner does that and practices weekly testing to ensure proper chlorine levels exist in the pool, then they will never have to worry about what might be lurking beneath the surface of their pool.

PROS:

  • Delivers a powerful dose of chlorine.
  • Each tablet is individually wrapped.
CONS:

  • none.

Best Value: Star Plus 3-Inch Wrapped Chlorinating Tablets (50 Lbs)

Now we would like to introduce our readers to these tablets from Star Plus. These chlorine tablets might not work as well as the tablets by In The Swim, at least in our opinion, but we do feel they offer the best value. We feel that they’re the best combination of affordability and performance, so consumers should be quite satisfied with them once they begin using them. These tablets are packed in a sturdy plastic tub that helps to protect them, and they’re packed with silica packets to keep the tablets in good condition until the pool owner is ready to use them.

Another thing that we liked about this product was that each one was individually wrapped, which makes them exceptionally easy to handle and to use. These tablets are perfect for use in above ground or in-ground pools, and each tablet delivers a killer blow to algae and mineral scale buildup in the pool. And because these tablets are easy to use and can be used in skimmer baskets, floaters, and feeders, just about anyone can use them to bring their pool’s hygiene level back in order. And finally, before we conclude this review, we would like to state that these tablets are EPA-approved, so pool owners can rest assured that they can be used across the U.S., and won’t cloud the pool’s water.

PROS:

  • Each tablet is individually wrapped.
  • Each tablet delivers a nice dose of chlorine.
CONS:

  • None.

Best Affordable: NAVA 3-Inch Chlorinating Tablets (50 Lbs)

For pool owners who are looking for chlorine tablets that are a little more affordable might want to take a look at these tablets from NAVA. These tablets don’t cost as much as other brands, but they do deliver a nice dose of chlorine that will keep pools in good condition through the swimming season. Each table is capable of treating up to 10,000 gallons of water and bring the chlorine level up to anywhere from 1 to 3 ppm.

Each tablet is packed with active ingredients, so consumers pay for the chemicals and not for fillers. Each tablet is 99% active ingredients and can easily control bacteria and algae when used according to directions. These are tablets that can be used in skimmers and feeders but can also be used in alternative chlorinating devices such as ionizers, ozonators, and even mineral feeders.

These tablets are individually wrapped, so they’re easy to use and each tablet is 3-inches in diameter and approximately 1-inch thick. If there was one problem that we had with this product, it’s the fact that the bucket isn’t moisture-proof. Although pool owners shouldn’t leave their buckets sitting outdoors anyway, it still would be nice if the bucket offered some type of moisture protection for the tablets inside of it.

PROS:

  • These tablets are extremely affordable.
CONS:

  • The container isn’t watertight.

Best 1-Inch Tablets: Kem-Tek 1-Inch Chlorinating Tablets (1.5-Pound)

This 1.5-pound container of 1-inch chlorinating tablets might be small, but it’s large enough for many consumers who are just trying to keep a small pool or spa in good condition. The tablets in this container deliver a great dose of chlorine that’s been stabilized so that UV radiation from the sun doesn’t break it down so quickly. Each of these tablets helps to leave a chlorine residue in the water and is concentrated for the best results.

It’s also worth noting that these tablets are designed to slowly dissolve, allowing skimmers and feeders to distribute the dosage of chlorine evenly throughout the pool. If the pool owner follows this product’s directions and uses it once per week during the swim season, then they should have no problem keeping their pool in good condition. And it’s also worth noting that these tablets can not only be used in freshwater systems but can also be used in saltwater pool systems. All of these come together to make this one of the best 1-inch chlorine tablet solutions available.

PROS:

  • These are high-quality 1-inch tablets.
CONS:

  • The container is a bit small.

Chlorine Tablets Guide

Maintaining your pool is a thankless task and who wants to be going out by the water on a cold day just to make sure it is hygienic? Still, it is an important task for the safety of those nearby but the right chlorine tablets can make life easier. This is because they have the right chemical balance among other things.

However, it can be hard to tell the quality products from the ones you should avoid. With this in mind, we have created the following buyer’s guide. By the end of it, you’ll know what the best chlorine tablets should offer.

What To Look For In Chlorine Tablets

Child-Proof Container

Most chlorine tablets come in large multi-packs. These are great for saving money but you do need to make sure the container is secure. This usually comes in the form of a reliable lid that stays shut, making it difficult for young hands to remove.

Since these tablets are corrosive, you’re going to want to keep your kids out.

Individually Wrapped

This will prolong the lifespan of the tablets and much like the types you put in your dishwasher, they will work better when they are fresh. If the product you are considering does not wrap the tablets. individually, it might be best to look at another brand.

Absorption

You want the chlorine tablets to get to work as soon as they come into contact with the water. This is true with most brands as they will dissolve slowly but start to clean the pool immediately.

As long as the tablet doesn’t absorb too quickly, you should have a nice clean pool within a matter of minutes.

Anti-Crumbling

The last thing you want is to get corrosive dust all over your fingers when you take a chlorine tablet out of the packet. The better products tend to keep their form well. If you are worried about the texture then remember to wear protective gloves and you should be fine.

Value

The value tends to come from larger tubs of chlorine tablets. This is because most brands will discount their larger quantities which means you won’t have to top up your supply so fast as well.

Size

The size of the chlorine tablet is generally a reflection of the task it has ahead. They are mostly between 1-3 inches and the latter is better suited to larger pools. Most brands tell you how many tablets you need per 10,000 gallons of water so you can amend to suit the needs of your pool.

What Is A Chlorine Tablet?

This is a product that pool cleaners or those cleaning their own use to kill bacteria and improve the cleanliness of the water so it is safe to swim in. Even when you aren’t using the pool, it is important to kill algae before it builds into an issue you need to fix.

Chlorine often comes in a powdered form that you can throw in when you know the right quantity but a tablet makes the measuring easier. They are pressed into the convenient tablet size and sanitize the water.

How Long Does A Chlorine Tablet Work For?

Depending on the brand and strength, a typical chlorine tablet will last for up to 7 to 10 days as a maximum. This means there is less maintenance than having to keep tabs on the chemical balance every day and you can enjoy a hassle-free swimming pool.

Stabilized Vs Non-Stabilized Chlorine Tablets

These are your choices and both have their benefits.

Because the sun’s UV rays cause chlorine to dissolve faster, it can be better to find a product that dissolves slower. This is what you get from a stabilizes chlorine tablet. It gives you a bit of protection from the tablet disappearing too fast so you don’t the same benefits of a chlorine tablet as usual.

An unstabilized chlorine tablet will dissolve faster as it does not contain the added cyanuric acid to protect the chlorine from the sun. You will often find these to be the more affordable products but the downside is that you will have to use them more often.

Unstabilized chlorine tablets are good to use in the same way a pool shock works, giving the water a blast of chemicals. This is especially beneficial after prolonged periods of neglect where you may have covered the pool but not cleaned the water for some time.

How Much Chlorine Should There Be In A Chlorine Tablet?

Around 90% of chlorine is needed to properly treat the pool water. This is what you need to kill bacteria, algae, viruses, and other unwanted entities that can fester in untreated pool water.

How Much Do Chlorine tablets Cost?

Although they aren’t expensive, they are also something you cannot put off buying if you have just purchased a swimming pool. A 5-pound pack will usually cost close to $20 but if you want to save money in the long run, it is always a good idea to invest in a larger pack.

Since they can go pretty fast and you don’t want to have to go without for too long, we advise purchasing a decent supply.

Can I Swim If The Chlorine Tablet Isn’t Dissolved Yet?

Yes, you can. Although it can be better to wait for a little while for the chlorine tablet to clean the water, there is no harm in getting in when you can still see the tablet not completely dissolved at the bottom.

Are Chlorine Tablets Safe?

When used properly, a chlorine tablet is a safe, easy to use, and effective product. Not to mention, they are also vital for a safe pool. However, because they are corrosive, it is always better to use protective gloves to handle them.

Also, they should be kept out of the way of children and never swelled. Inhaling chlorine can be just as damaging and there is a risk of chlorine poising when you come into contact with it. This is why it is always better to minimize the time you are handling it and get it straight into the water.

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