Alternatives to Trichlor

Typically, chlorine is the main disinfection chemical in the United States. Since last year, there has been a shortage of chlorine in the pool industry. As a result, pool owners are now looking for alternatives to chlorine. In particular, there has been a severe shortage of trichlor. Pool professionals are therefore encouraging pool owners to switch from liquid chlorine to calcium hypochlorite. Nevertheless, changing your pool disinfection chemical is not a walk in the park.

Several factors to consider when changing from trichlor to liquid chlorine

Product training and content manager at HASA Pool, Terry Arko, says that you have to know the level of cyanuric acid before making the grand switch. Trichlor increases the level of cyanuric acid in the pool. Cyanuric acid, in turn, lowers the efficiency of chlorine. So, liquid chlorine won’t be effective if you don’t drain or dilute the pool before changing your pool chemical.

Calcium hypochlorite is a perfect alternative to trichlor tablets. In particular, slow-dissolving calcium hypochlorite tablets are more effective in sanitizing the pool. The slow dissolving tablets are uniquely designed to break down slowly as they spread across the entire pool for an extended period. Thus, calcium hypochlorite provides sanitation for a long period. The main advantage of using calcium hypochlorite is that they do not contain cyanuric acid. Therefore, they won’t slow down the efficiency of chlorine or attract algae breeding grounds. Subsequently, pool owners should seriously consider replacing trichlor tablets with calcium hypochlorite tablets.

Calcium hypochlorite, trichlor tablets and liquid chlorine

Vice president of business development with Orenda Technologies, Eric Knight, also concurs with these facts about calcium hypochlorite. He says that liquid chlorine is more likely to degrade with time. Hence, it has a shorter lifespan than trichlor tablets. Knight says that storing trichlor tablets may not be a good idea. Don’t buy them if you don’t plan to use these tablets in the next few weeks. Trichlor tablets tend to lose their strength over time when stored. They usually get weaker as each day passes. Moreover, storing trichlor tablets in the sun makes them degrade faster. If you are going to store trichlor tablets, store them in a cool, aerated area.

Maintaining pool chemicals

Every pool owner should handle pool chemicals with care. This is of more importance than balancing the pool chemistry. Generally, it is not safe to place calcium hypochlorite tablets in a trichlor feeder. Doing this can lead to an explosion. Naturally, calcium hypochlorite is flammable. Therefore, it can lead to severe fires when it comes to contact with organic products. Some of these products include trichlor, rainwater, and soda pop. Be very careful when handling trichlor tablets.

All pool owners and operators need to know how to handle all pool chemicals. Note that pool chemicals are different and each incorporates a unique handling/storage procedure. Every chlorine product can produce chlorine gas, a harmful substance. Usually, the chlorine will generate chlorine gas when it comes to contact with contaminants or acids. Consequently, it would be best if you never stored chlorine together with acid. Pool professionals say chlorine should be kept in a cool, aerated area free of moisture and sunlight. The chlorine products should not come in contact with acid or any other pool chemicals. Needless to say, store all chlorine products far from your children. Otherwise, you pose a danger to their health.

Transporting chlorine products is undoubtedly a challenge

Keep in mind that you should never transport liquid chlorine in any regular bottles. A loose bottle lid can lead to the spilling of chlorine, which is dangerous to the environment and human health. Experts say it would be best to transport liquid chlorine in a secondary contaminant plastic carrying case with no openings. Also, when transporting chlorine, you should never place it near muriatic acid and other contaminants. Don’t place acid over chlorine, even if you have a tightly sealed bottle. All in all, always store dry chemicals away from liquid chemicals.

There are specific guidelines regarding the transportation of dangerous chemicals. Pool professionals report that it would be best to transport chemicals in their original packaging. Also, transporters should adhere to all regulations regarding transportation. They should also not exceed the number of chemicals required to be transported.

When it comes to pool chemical safety, pool owners should try as much as possible to dedicate themselves. Meyer recommends watching a 14-minute video that will change your life as a pool owner. If you are interested in watching this educative video, click the following link Chlorine.org/Pool-Chemical-Safety.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, every pool chemical is unique and has different safety concerns. All pool owners should familiarize themselves with these safety concerns before they use any chemicals. Doing this will help them maintain safety in their properties and pools.