Swimming pool chlorine

When it comes to maintaining the cleanliness and quality of your pool water, chlorine is one of the most commonly used treatment products . Whether for public or private pools, chlorine is available in different concentrations, including chlorine 36 and chlorine 48. In this article, we will explore the differences between these two types of chlorine, their advantages and disadvantages, and best practices for their use.
Chlorine 36 and chlorine 48 are concentrations of liquid chlorine, generally used for public and private swimming pools. The main difference between these two concentrations lies in their active chlorine content:

Advantages and disadvantages of chlorine 36 and chlorine 48

Chlorine 36 is less concentrated , therefore less aggressive for pool equipment and swimmers' skin. Suitable for small and/or infrequently used pools . Generally lower cost than chlorine 48. Suitable for small and/or infrequently used pools. Due to the lower concentration, the cost per liter is of course less expensive than chlorine 48. Chlorine 36 is of course less effective than chlorine 48 in eliminating bacteria and impurities and may require a higher dosage to obtain the same results as chlorine 48.
The choice between chlorine 36 and chlorine 48 depends on several factors, such as the size of your pool, its use, water quality, temperature and weather conditions.

Stabilized and unstabilized chlorine

It is important to note that chlorine 36 and chlorine 48 can be available as stabilized or unstabilized chlorine. Stabilized chlorine contains a stabilizer (cyanuric acid) that protects the chlorine from degradation by UV rays, while unstabilized chlorine does not contain a stabilizer.

Focus on the different forms of chlorine for swimming pools

Chlorine gas
Chlorine gas is a toxic gas supplied in bottles and very rarely used in private or public swimming pools, but rather intended for municipal swimming pools.
Sodium Hypochlorite (Bleach)
Sodium hypochlorite, better known as bleach, comes in liquid form and is primarily used in public swimming pools. It is available in various concentrations, including professional concentrations of 36 and 48 degrees.
Calcium hypochlorite
Calcium hypochlorite is used for freshwater swimming pools and does not contain stabilizers. It is available in solid or liquid form.
Lithium hypochlorite
Lithium hypochlorite is suitable for all water types, regardless of hardness. It does not contain stabilizers and is compatible with bromine treatment.
Chlorocyanuric tablets in pebbles, granules or effervescent tablets
Chlorocyanuric chlorine is the most common form and composition of chlorine for private pools because it is easy to use and effective. It is available in the form of tablets, granules, or effervescent pellets.

Slow chlorine tablet

Chlorine tablets should be placed in the skimmer or in the return flow meter. These pool chlorine tablets slowly decompose in the pool water, generating hypochlorous acid. In this treatment, the chlorine level in the pool must be checked daily with chlorine / pH / Bromine testers. In the event of a significant chlorination defect, you can quickly rectify it by using shock chlorine, which comes in powder form and is added directly to the pool water, thus quickly raising the chlorine level. This is generally done at the beginning of the season, after intensive pool use or in the event of intense heat and thunderstorms. Using a chlorine stabilizer will help limit this loss. Be careful not to add too much chlorine stabilizer, as this will "overstabilize" your pool, which is not the desired objective.