CHLORINE

Its sole function should be to kill bacteria.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN GRANULAR OR POWDER, TABS.

The granular will be effective for 6 to 8 hours. High impact when applied, short period. Daily dose, whether you use or don't use the spa/hot tub.

THE CHEMICAL COMPOSITIONS OF EACH.

GRANULES - CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE

GRANULES, TABS & STICKS - TRICHLORO

GRANULES - DICHLORO

CALCIUM HYPOCHLORITE – Lowest concentration on the market, varies a lot.

TRICHLORO – Between 65% and 90% concentration. Varies with the quality of the product.

The cheapest is calcium hypochlorite. Only comes in granules. Better known because available anywhere, from your local pharmacy to the corner hardware store. It is also the most dangerous as it will explode if the container is dropped a few feet or if there is a fire. Calcium hypochlorite has a Ph of 13, twice the ideal level for pool water. It also has a high concentration of calcium which will eventually accumulate everywhere and scale removal will eventually have to be done. It's expensive and takes time.

Trichloro, comes in granules, tabs or sticks. No danger of explosion it dropped or in a fire. Neutral Ph, no calcium.

Dichloro comes in powder form only. No danger of explosion if dropped or in a fire. Neutral Ph, no calcium. Ideal for inflatable pools which do not have a skimmer.

REMEMBER THAT YOU PUT CHLORINE IN WATER, NOT THE OTHER WAY AROUND OR IT WILL EXPLODE!!

In winter, do not store chlorine in your home, garage, shed. It will erode all metals (bikes, tools, cars, etc.). As long as it stays dry, there is no danger it leaving it outside.

So you should ALWAYS read the label to find out the type of chlorine, its concentration, where and how to use it.

BROMINE

Bromine is used to kill bacteria in pools and hot tubs/spas just like chlorine.

The differences :

The smell, which is not as strong

The price, higher

Comes in tabs only for the pool

Ph higher, so Ph – must be added weekly.

SO YOU CAN USE EITHER CHLORINE OR BROMINE, BUT NOT BOTH.

LITHIUM

It's always mixed in with chlorine when used for hot tubs/spas.

Lithium is compatible with both chlorine and bromine and used in shock treatments.