Some fun facts to remember about liquid chlorine.
Q: What is the best way to apply liquid chlorine to my pool?
A: You can either feed the liquid chlorine through your pool’s mechanical chlorinator, or you can pour the solution directly into the pool. It is best to add the liquid chlorine to the pool when the pool’s filter is running.
Q: What should pure fresh chlorine smell like?
A: It shouldn’t have a smell
Q: Why does my pool have a strong chlorine smell?
A: Unlike popular belief, the smell of chlorine is actually as a result of chloramines. Chloramines result from the combination of chlorine disinfectants and the perspiration, cosmetics, and urine that enter pools on the bodies of swimmers. By adding more liquid chlorine you will remove chloramines from your pool.
Q: What are chloramines?
A: Chlorine molecules combine with ammonia and nitrogen in the water to form chloramines, sometimes also called combined chlorine. Chloramines are 60 to 80 times less effective than an uncombined free chlorine molecule
Chloramines are formed continuously with the contamination of the pool water. These are introduced by swimmers in the form of sweat, hair products, perspiration, saliva and tiny amounts of fecal matter. Ammonia, phosphates and nitrogen compounds can also be introduced in the water by rain or wind.
Q: Are my eyes irritated due to the chlorine in my pool?
A: Most pool owners believe the pool chlorine causes red and itchy eyes, the truth is it’s predominantly a result of unbalanced water or a high level of chloramines. Ensuring your pool is balanced and keeping ammonia, phosphate and nitrogen levels under control will help prevent chloramines from forming in your pool.
Q: What not to mix with liquid chlorine.
A: Most common swimming pool chemicals are incompatible with each other and should never be mixed. Different chlorine types are volatile and dangerous and if mixed the reaction could be flammable. Mixing of organic chlorinating agents and inorganic chlorinating agents can lead to fires, explosions and chlorine gas release. Mixing liquid chlorine with pool acid can also produce chlorine gas.
Q: Where should I store my liquid chlorine at home?
A: Pool chemicals should always be stored in cool and dry environments. Keep the chemicals in their original containers and avoid stacking them to reduce chances of leaks. It’s also important to store the liquid chlorine drums upright, as the caps are vented for chlorine gas to release
Keep liquid chlorine away from:
- Flammable items
- Be attentive to what chemicals you are storing your liquid chlorine next too
- Ensure there is plenty of ventilation
- Store on ground level not above your head
- Keep out of reach from children and pets.
Do not store them in:
- An area with direct sunlight
- Ensure the cap is securely fastened
- Do not store with your tools as it could cause rust.
Q: Can I use liquid chlorine to shock my pool?
A: Liquid chlorine is often used for shocking pool water, this is because you can pour the solution directly into the pool without having to dissolve the chlorine in water beforehand. It is also the least likely to leave your pool cloudy, as granular shock typically does.
Q: What’s the difference between liquid chlorine and granular shock?
A: Both liquid chlorine and granular shock sanitise your pool with the same active chemical, although liquid chlorine is cheaper and it comes in a liquid form. While granular shock comes in a solid form which then dissolves in your pool.