Chlorine Tablets

[not_a_spa_tech]

Does anyone use chlorine tablets in the filter well. Is it acceptable to use the pool style tablets in a floating dispenser?

[chem geek]

Trichlor pucks/tabs are very acidic so should never be used in the skimmer or pump basket. There is a special slower dissolving form of Trichlor, BioGuard Silk Smart Sticks that can be used in the skimmer. HOWEVER, none of these are for use in spas (you posted this question in the hot tubs & spas section). Trichlor pucks/tabs dissolve too quickly in hot water so are too strong and they are far too large for a spa and would way overdose chlorine levels and cause the pH to plummet.

In pools, Trichlor pucks are usually used either in floating dispensers/feeders or in inline chlorinators. They are not used in the pump basket due to their high acidity.

[not_a_spa_tech]

Trichlor pucks/tabs are very acidic so should never be used in the skimmer or pump basket. There is a special slower dissolving form of Trichlor, BioGuard Silk Smart Sticks that can be used in the skimmer. HOWEVER, none of these are for use in spas (you posted this question in the hot tubs & spas section). Trichlor pucks/tabs dissolve too quickly in hot water so are too strong and they are far too large for a spa and would way overdose chlorine levels and cause the pH to plummet.

In pools, Trichlor pucks are usually used either in floating dispensers/feeders or in inline chlorinators. They are not used in the pump basket due to their high acidity.

Great answer. Thank you very much. And yes I was inquiring about using them in a spa.

[PaulR]

I can personally attest to the fact that trichlor really is not appropriate for spas. I put in a couple of chips once, not even a whole tab, and it took many days for the FC to drop back down to where the tub was usable again.

--paulr

[JerimiahR]

If you really wish to use tablets, some manufacturers will allow you to use Brominating Tablets. I still prefer granular Bromine/Chlorine as it's much more measurable (easier to control manually). Bromine Tablets are also acidic, and can lower pH levels in the spa somewhat similar to Chlorine tablets, although not quite as aggressive.

If your spa is under warranty, you'll want to consult your owner's manual to see what your manufacturer says about this.

[quantumchromodynamics]

I have used trichlor in a hot tub. You have to limit the dissolution rate of the tab. For example, I put one 1-inch tab in a floater similar to the below picture. I modified the floater by closing the feeder all the way and then drilled a few small holes in the feeder between the slots. The tab lasted for about 12 days and the chlorine level never got too high. Bleach was added to make up the rest of the chlorine demand. The alkalinity had to be raised to compensate for the acidity and maintain a good pH.

Overall, using trichlor is usually not the best idea. I am not recommending it. I am just reporting what I have done and the results.

[spatech (the unreal one)]

Does anyone use chlorine tablets in the filter well. Is it acceptable to use the pool style tablets in a floating dispenser?

Not a good idea and there are multiple options that are approved/work fine so there is no need to do this.

[not_a_spa_tech]

Does anyone use chlorine tablets in the filter well. Is it acceptable to use the pool style tablets in a floating dispenser?

Not a good idea and there are multiple options that are approved/work fine so there is no need to do this.

I understand, It's just that I happen to have some left over from the summer pool season. Well that brings me to another question. What is the difference between "shock it" pool shock and spa shock. Spa shock is about 8 to 10 dollars per pound while pool shock is 4 dollars per pound and 1 pound of pool shock will do 8,000 gallons of water?